Willow Springs raceway: Porsche tuner, Singer leads revival of California's oldest track

Motorsport fans have reason to celebrate. Willow Springs International Raceway, California’s oldest permanent road course—is safe, and getting a new lease on life.

Famed Porsche customiser Singer Vehicle Design, in partnership with CrossHarbor Capital Partners, has purchased the iconic track. Their goal: keep Willow Springs alive and upgrade it for future generations. This marks a major shift for a site that once faced permanent closure.

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Built in 1953, Willow Springs has hosted legends such as Ken Miles, Carroll Shelby, and Nigel Mansell. It’s where the Ford GT40 was tested before its Le Mans triumph. But despite its legacy, its future looked bleak—until now.

Historic track secured after decades of uncertainty

For more than 50 years, the late Bill Huth kept the track running. Since his death in 2015, his family resisted buyout attempts, including a $100 million offer from land developers.

Last year, they finally listed the track for sale, triggering fears it would be lost to real estate development. Thankfully, Singer and CrossHarbor stepped in with a preservation-first plan.

Singer will oversee design and renovation, while CrossHarbor handles capital and strategy. Initial upgrades include urgent safety improvements, with more ambitious projects in development.

Future Plans: Track Days, Clubs, and Motorsport Culture

Currently, a track day at Willow Springs costs about $200, but that figure may rise as new facilities emerge. Future developments could include a track club model, similar to other elite circuits globally.

Despite possible price changes, all scheduled events for 2025 will go on as planned. More importantly, the new owners insist this isn’t a commercial play but a passion project. “This isn’t private equity business as usual,” said CrossHarbor’s Sam Byrne. “This is permanent capital from passionate motorsports enthusiasts.” For petrolheads everywhere, it means the heartbeat of American racing history still echoes in the California desert.