Willow Springs International Raceway — which first opened in 1953 and still hosts events today — holds the title of America’s oldest permanent road course. But before its 2024 acquisition by CrossHarbor Capital Partners with support from Singer Vehicle Design, the iconic track was starting to show its age. Now, the first phase of a major renovation project has been unveiled, focusing on two key areas: the 0.625-mile kart track and the fan-favorite 1.8-mile Streets of Willow Springs road course.
Both circuits have been treated to fresh asphalt, new internal and external curbing, expanded runoff areas, and updated track branding, including new striping and logos. While there were initial concerns about the future of the legendary raceway under private equity ownership, the early signs point in a positive direction — with improvements that preserve its legacy while modernizing it for the next generation of drivers and fans.
Streets of Willow Has Changed
The renovation work goes far beyond simple resurfacing. On the Streets of Willow Springs track, three new chicanes have been added “for track extension and safety.” Additional upgrades coming this fall include tire barriers, Armco barriers, and air fences to improve protection around the circuits.
The changes also reshape the driving experience. Two of the new chicanes, positioned just after the banked Bowl Turn, are optional and provide an alternative to the traditional straightaway with its elevation changes leading into a sharp 90-degree left. The final corner before the main straight has been reworked too — it’s now a longer, smoother curve instead of the steep S-turn layout, creating a single decreasing-radius corner that should challenge drivers in new ways.
The kart track has also received a full transformation. Rather than a simple resurfacing, the old pavement was completely removed and replaced, essentially giving the course a brand-new foundation.
“We are excited to preserve the history of Willow Springs while continuing to make improvements that establish it as the premier venue for motorsport enthusiasts of all kinds. This is just the first phase of our plans for this iconic facility, and we’re excited to show off the work we’ve completed so far at the Willow Springs Reimagined event on October 11.”
– Sam Byrne, co-founder of CrossHarbor Capital Partners and representative of the Willow Springs ownership group
Willow Springs Past And Future
Willow Springs sits in Kern County, roughly 80 miles north of Los Angeles, though its remote location in the Mojave Desert makes it feel much farther removed from city life. That isolation has played a big role in its survival — far from the reach of housing developers — and in 1996, the State of California even designated it an Official Point of Historical Interest.
The track’s modern story began in 1962, when Bill Huth purchased the land and facility for just $116,000. Huth envisioned using the long main straight to create thrilling high-speed racing, a reputation that earned Willow Springs the nickname “The Fastest Road in the West.” The Huth family ran the track for decades, keeping its grassroots racing spirit alive until June 2024, when it was sold — nearly 10 years after Huth’s death — to new owners.
Time, however, took its toll. Maintaining a motorsport venue is expensive, and as the years passed, the track surfaces began to deteriorate. Despite that, Willow Springs remained beloved by racers of all kinds, offering everything from grassroots events to professional testing.
The sale to CrossHarbor Capital Partners, a private equity firm, sparked understandable concerns. These firms invest to make money, and that often means higher prices for participants and spectators alike. Still, CrossHarbor’s early actions have been promising: the kart track has been completely transformed, and the Streets of Willow Springs has already received a substantial makeover.
Whether those improvements will lead to increased costs for racers and fans is still unclear — but for now, the upgrades signal a positive start to a new era for this iconic American racetrack.
FAQ’s
What happened to Willow Springs Raceway?
Willow Springs is still active, but it’s in the middle of a major transformation. New investors are stepping in to update facilities, expand its capabilities, and preserve its legacy as one of America’s most historic racetracks.
Is Willow Springs the fastest road in the West?
Yes, Willow Springs is often called “The Fastest Road in the West.” Its long straights, sweeping corners, and high-speed layout make it one of the quickest and most challenging road courses in the United States.
How much for Willow Springs Raceway?
Exact prices haven’t been publicly disclosed, but estimates place the track’s value in the tens of millions of dollars. Its historic status, prime location, and large property make it a significant investment.
Has Willow Springs been sold yet?
Yes, the track was recently sold to a group of investors aiming to revitalize the facility. The deal includes plans for infrastructure improvements, safety upgrades, and enhanced spectator areas.
Who is the new owner of Willow Springs?
A group led by Singer Vehicle Design and CrossHarbor Capital Partners is reported to be behind the new ownership. Their goal is to preserve the track’s racing heritage while bringing it up to modern standards.
Who owns Willow Springs Race Track?
The historic racetrack is now owned by a partnership of private investors, including Singer and CrossHarbor. They plan to continue operating the track while investing heavily in upgrades and preservation.
What is the fastest lap time at Willow Springs?
The fastest lap times at Willow Springs’ “Big Willow” circuit are under 1 minute and 10 seconds, achieved by high-performance race cars. Exact records vary by class and event, but times around 1:06 are considered exceptional.
Did Singer and Crossharbor team up to upgrade and preserve Willow Springs Raceway?
Yes, Singer Vehicle Design and CrossHarbor Capital have partnered to modernize and protect the historic track. Their plan includes better facilities, track surface improvements, and maintaining Willow Springs as a motorsport landmark.
What YouTuber owns a race track?
YouTuber and car enthusiast Freddy “Tavarish” Hernandez is one example of a creator who’s bought into a racetrack project. Many automotive YouTubers also rent or invest in tracks to host events and content shoots.
Why are Willow Springs famous?
Willow Springs is famous for its speed, history, and influence on American motorsport. Since opening in 1953, it’s hosted countless legendary races, track days, and development tests, earning its nickname as the “Fastest Road in the West.”
What kind of car is best for a race track?
Lightweight, well-balanced sports cars with strong brakes and precise handling perform best. Track-focused models like the Porsche 911 GT3, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, or Mazda MX-5 are popular choices among enthusiasts.
How deep is Willow Springs?
Willow Springs isn’t measured by depth since it’s not a lake or reservoir — it’s a racetrack. The circuit is built on flat desert terrain, known more for elevation changes and cornering challenges than vertical depth.
What happened to the Willow Run factory?
The historic Willow Run plant in Michigan, once known for producing WWII bombers and later GM transmissions, was shut down in 2010. The site is now being redeveloped as the American Center for Mobility, focused on autonomous vehicle testing.
How long is Willow Springs Raceway?
The main circuit, known as “Big Willow,” is 2.5 miles (4.02 km) long. The complex also includes several smaller tracks for different types of racing and driver training.
What happened to Pineapple Racing?
Pineapple Racing, a rotary engine tuning company, scaled back operations in recent years. While not fully closed, they now focus more on specialty builds and consulting rather than large-scale production.
What is the hardest track in car racing?
Tracks like the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany or Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium are often considered the toughest. They demand precise driving, deep technical knowledge, and intense focus due to their complexity and high speeds.
What is the best track car in the world?
Cars like the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, McLaren Senna, and Radical SR10 are widely regarded as top-tier track machines. They combine extreme performance, lightweight engineering, and race-ready handling straight from the factory.
Can you take a regular car to a race track?
Yes, you can take a regular street car to most track days. However, it’s smart to check your brakes, tires, and fluid levels first — and remember, a performance-oriented car will always feel more at home on the circuit.