USCA Podcast #228: Willow Springs Recap, Family Wins, First-Time Invites & Summer Break

The 2026 OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Series made its annual stop at the legendary Willow Springs International Raceway, and the California desert delivered exactly what competitors expected—high winds, high speeds, and some of the closest competition of the season. With 57 competitors on hand and an incredible amount of seat time available throughout the weekend, drivers were pushed to find the perfect balance between speed, consistency, and strategy. From razor-thin podium battles to first-time class winners, Willow Springs proved once again why it's one of the most challenging and rewarding stops on the USCA schedule. Beyond the results, Willow Springs was a celebration of everything that makes Ultimate Street Car special. Families competed together, longtime competitors finally solved frustrating mechanical issues, and newcomers made their mark in front of one of the most passionate paddocks in motorsports. The weekend also featured a remarkable comeback story with Tony Phillips debuting his rebuilt 1955 Bel Air, while Kyle Hansen's unique EcoBoost-powered Ford Fairmont wagon earned both a SEMA invitation and the coveted Summit Racing Spirit of the Event Award. As the series now heads into its summer break, the championship picture is beginning to take shape and anticipation is already building for the return to competition at Road America in August. Source