OUSC Podcast #228 – Willow Springs 2026 Preview, West Coast Kickoff, & Points Battle Update!

The 2026 Ultimate Street Car Association season heads west for Round 3 as competitors prepare to take on the legendary Willow Springs Raceway—one of the most iconic and demanding tracks in American motorsports. In this episode, Rob Kibbe and OPTIMA Jim McIlvaine break down everything drivers and fans need to know before the Willow Springs weekend, including the full event schedule, key class battles, standout competitors, and what makes this heritage-format event so unique. With USCA running solo at Willow Springs, competitors can expect an incredible amount of seat time across autocross, road course, and peak performance challenge sessions. From sunrise drivers meetings to packed afternoon sessions, this event delivers maximum track action and valuable opportunities to score points before the season’s bigger East Coast and invitational events tighten the standings. The competition storylines are already heating up. Brandon Hurst and Tony Pruch continue their close battle in GTS, while returning competitors, first-time entries, and fresh builds are set to make Willow Springs one of the most exciting events of the season so far. The episode also touches on the unfortunate fire loss experienced by Brian Hobaugh and his team, while highlighting his return to competition in a brand-new 2026 Corvette Z06. Beyond the racing, Willow Springs represents something special within the USCA schedule—a true grassroots, driver-focused weekend where competitors can spend more time behind the wheel and less time waiting in line. It’s fast, raw, competitive, and exactly what many racers love most about the series. And of course, there’s Willow Springs itself. Located deep in the Southern California desert, this legendary facility has challenged racers for decades with high speeds, technical corners, and a setting unlike anywhere else on the USCA calendar. A huge thank you to all the drivers, sponsors, volunteers, fans, and staff who continue to make Ultimate Street Car Association one of the most competitive and welcoming motorsports communities in the country. If you’re headed to Willow Springs—safe travels and good luck. If you’re watching from home—you won’t want to miss this one. Source