Willow Springs comprehensive upgrade: prioritizing safety, preserving the identity of the historic racetrack
Changing ownership earlier this year, Willow Springs accelerated its renovations: repaved 1.8 miles of Streets of Willow Springs, added a chicane, expanded the runoff area, and prepared for the October 11 Willow Springs Reimagined event with Singer and Petersen.
Built in the early 1950s, Willow Springs is one of the oldest racetracks in the United States, known for its large, high-speed configuration and roller coaster-like elevation changes. After being put up for sale in 2024, the big question is what the future holds for the track. So far, the first upgrades under the new ownership have been revealed, and the signs are positive: safety is a priority, surface improvements, and a new visual identity.
Update an icon
Changes to a historic track aren’t always pleasing to everyone, but Willow Springs was born in the days of modest-powered cars like MGs. Safety updates were necessary. The new owners made this a priority from the start, introducing a new off-white and green identity scheme for the curbs and runoff areas.
Technical items that have been and will be implemented
- Streets of Willow Springs (1.8 miles) were repaved and new curbs installed.
- Add gravel strips along the perimeter to slow the car when it slides out, and also widen the runoff area.
- Three more chicanes are added to lower the peak speed and make the lap more technical.
- Upcoming plans: completing tire barriers, Armco guardrails and catchfence for heavy crash situations.
- The kart track has also been refurbished.
New Owners and Launch Event
The new ownership group is a partnership between CrossHarbor Capital (a private equity fund) and Singer (famous for its Porsche 911 reimaginings). The kick-off event, Willow Springs Reimagined, will take place on October 11, with cars from Singer, the Petersen Museum, and a number of supercar specialists. The 2.5-mile track is also part of the upgrade plan, with a new color scheme likely to be featured on curbs and runoff. Off-track facilities such as a technology center and a Singer owners club are also expected to appear at the complex.
Pros/Cons: Quick View
- Pros: enhanced safety (gravel strip, extended runoff, chicane), new pavement and curbs at 1.8 mile configuration, clear visual designation, refreshed kart course, event support infrastructure plan.
- Cons: The addition of a reduced-speed chicane may not appeal to top-speed enthusiasts; some items (tire barriers, Armco, catchfence, 2.5-mile road upgrade) are still in the planning stages.
