Thunderhill (see their official site) is owned by the San Francisco SCCA, and the facility includes two tracks and a drift pad. The original “East Track” is a 3-mile counter-clockwise layout, and the new West track opened in 2014 is a 2-mile lower speed technical track. The two tracks can be combined to make one large track, almost five miles long.
NCRC runs events at Thunderhill in 3 configuration. The 3 mile in the standard counter-clockwise layout, The 3 mile in the reverse “Llihrednuht” clockwise configuration, and the 5 mile configuration.
Specific Track Rules
Thunderhill has a 103dB sound limit. They’re testing sound usually just at the start of the front straight. Violators will be removed from the track, with a chance to correct issues. Curiously, Thunderhill also has a Mandatory Muffler requirement, regardless of sound levels you must have a muffler on the car.
Getting There
Thunderhill is in Willows 90 miles north of Sacramento. From I5 in Willows, take Hwy 162 West for about five miles to the track. Please be especially cautious on Highway 162. The speed limit is 55mph, and it is a public road with active policing. This is not a warm-up zone for the track, and we need to be understanding of the neighbors.
Track Services
A cafe is available for food and drinks.
Gas (including high octane unleaded) and air are available at the track.
Tire service is generally available for mounting tires, and some tire stock is for sale. Check with the track directly if this is important to you.
Helmets are available to rent from the track office.
NCRC does not rent the paddock overnight for camping, though you may camp outside the gate or drop trailers and cars off in the paddock the day before between 5:00-6:00pm.
Thunderhill does not rent garages by the day.
Photos
We have GotBlueMilk taking pictures at most Thunderhill events, please stop by their trailer to check out your photos!
Local Amenities
Hotels
Many of our events start early, so you may want to stay at a local hotel the night before rather than making a long drive in the morning. The recommended hotels are:
Baymont Inn & Suites
199 Humboldt Ave
(530) 934-9700
The Baymont offers discounts to drivers and instructors, let them know when you register. Free continental breakfast
Best Value Inn
452 N. Humboldt Ave
(530) 934-7026
Days Inn
(530) 934-4444
Super 8 Motel
(530) 934-2871
Restaurants
Casa Ramos, between the Golden Pheasant and Baymont, is the standard track hangout for Mexican food.
Louis Cairo’s, a great steakhouse, or Granzelli’s for cheaper fare, are both in Williams.
The Maxwell Inn in Maxwell, is another great steakhouse if you’re headed south after the event.
Farwood Bar & Grill in Orland, is a great steakhouse about 15 minutes North of the track.
Starbucks is at 505 Humboldt Ave.