Iconic Willow Springs Raceway Avoids Closure After Sale. Now There's No Talk of Bankruptcy or Closure .
The future is secure for the Willow Springs racetrack in the United States. The track was sold in 2024. The new owner is the investment firm CrossHarbor Capital Partners.
The new owners will not permanently close the course, confirms Sam Byrne, co-founder and managing partner at CrossHarbor.
Big names like Singer Vehicle Design and former Formula 1 driver Alex Wurz are included in the plans.
Willow Springs was put up for sale last year, creating uncertainty and rumors about the course's future, with many fearing permanent closure or conversion to housing.
The course has a long history. It has been run by the same family for 62 years before the sale took place.
CrossHarbor Capital Partners emphasizes their commitment to the continued operation of the track.
– No, we have no intention of permanent closures here, it says in a comment to Motor1 .
Safety improvements will be made immediately. The company also has more ambitious plans for the track in the long term. However, those plans will require a bit more time if they are to become a reality.
The improvement work may result in temporary closures. However, the course's lob calendar for 2025 is not expected to be affected. The commitment also extends further into the future.
Strong team behind Willow Springs' future
Sam Byrne describes the long-term plans as a transformation of the place. A team of well-known actors has been assembled for the task.
Singer Vehicle Design, known for their converted Porsches, is a co-owner and partner. They will be responsible for the design management of the project.
Former Formula 1 driver and Le Mans winner Alex Wurz will be appointed as safety commissioner. He will contribute to improving the existing track design and safety.
The architectural firm Hart Howerton will work on the elements outside the racetrack itself. They have experience in design and resort-like projects.
The actual operation of the track facility will be handled by Speedway Motorsports, a well-known name in event and track management in the world of motorsport.
Willow Springs is now known as a relatively budget-friendly choice for track day enthusiasts in Southern California. A typical track day costs under $200. That's about 1,380 Danish kroner.
It is significantly cheaper than other courses within a three-hour radius. The question is whether that price level can be maintained after the renovation.
Focuses on enthusiasts and public access
The future prices for the track have not yet been determined. Sam Byrne explains that the pricing structure will consist of several parts.
"We haven't decided yet what we're going to do about access to the track," says Byrne. However, he emphasizes that work is underway to facilitate public access to the track.
"The core is to create an enthusiast hub for Southern California's car culture. The first element of that is public access," says Sam Byrne.
The goal is to preserve the track as a gathering point for car enthusiasts and the local car culture. Public access will continue to be an important part of the track's future concept.
Conversions and unique cars like those created by Singer Vehicle Design often capture the interest of car enthusiasts.
At Boosted.dk you can find much more inspiration and stories about racetracks with new life. And conversely, those whose lives are threatened. Read more about it here .
