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Willows, CA
Live motorsport conditions at the circuit
Temperature
70F
Humidity
83%
Wind
11 mph
Pressure
1009 hPa
Density altitude
1,149 ft
Track surface
69F
No public description is available for this track.
Elevation Change
200 ft
Precipitation
none
Alerts
0
“Whether on a road course or an oval, perhaps the most difficult corner for any race driver is the fast one, the one that can ultimately be taken flat out. The biggest problem for most drivers is that the self-preservation program in the right foot takes control, causing it to lift off the throttle. As soon as that happens, the balance of the car is not ideal.”
Ultimate Speed Secrets — Ross Bentley
Thunderhill's west side is defined by fast, flowing corners that reward commitment. Bentley's observation about the "self-preservation program" is exactly the challenge here: lifting mid-corner in the fast sweepers unsettles the car more than staying on throttle. Build confidence incrementally — ease off earlier on the straight, then commit fully through the turn.
“It is a good idea for any driver to compete in as many endurance races as possible, no matter what type of car it is in. In terms of seat time, you cannot beat it.”
Ultimate Speed Secrets — Ross Bentley
Thunderhill hosts the legendary 25 Hours endurance race. Consistency matters more than outright pace over a full stint. Smooth inputs preserve tires and brakes across 20+ minute sessions. The fast, flowing nature of the west side makes Thunderhill an ideal track for developing endurance driving rhythm — focus on repeatable lap times rather than hero laps.
“Another factor that determines how much you should trail brake into a corner is whether it is what I call a "rotation turn" or "set turn." Typically, but not always, "rotation turns" are shorter, tighter, slower corners. "Set turns" are longer and faster. In many fast-sweeping corners, it is best to be on power, on the throttle from the second you turn in. In other words, no trail braking. Because the car is better balanced this way. The car has taken a set.”
Ultimate Speed Secrets — Ross Bentley
Thunderhill's west side features long, fast sweepers that are textbook "set turns" per Bentley's classification. Trail braking into these corners disrupts the car's balance during the extended mid-corner phase. Instead, complete your braking before turn-in and get on throttle immediately as you initiate steering. The car will carry more speed through the long arcs when the weight is settled and the tires are not fighting competing forces. Reserve trail braking for the tighter east-side corners where rotation is the priority.
Find HPDE organizers, car clubs, and sanctioning bodies that run events at Thunderhill Raceway Park.