Willow Springs International Raceway’s first improvements are complete. The track’s new owner has renovated the Streets of Willow Springs road course and the kart track, laying down new asphalt on both to replace the old and cracked surfaces.
The renovations included adding three new chicanes to the 1.8-mile road course, increasing the variety of configurations. The course no longer has the S-curve, with the pit entry and end of the track receiving extensive upgrades. The S-curve is replaced by two new curves in the skid pad area.
The upgrades also included new internal and external curbs, grading around the track perimeter, and new runoff areas around the circuit, which features the new off-white and green color scheme.
The 0.625-mile kart track retains its previous configuration, but the new asphalt was a much-needed improvement. As you can see, it was in terrible condition before:
Sam Byrne, co-founder of CrossHarbor Capital Partners and representative of the Willow Springs ownership group, said:
‘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.’
The next steps include adding tire barriers, Armco, and fencing to the circuits as the new owner continues to improve safety, which should be completed this fall. But this is just the “first chapter in a new era for the historic Southern California facility,” according to the company.
Back in April, with rumors swirling about the track’s possible demise after its sale, we talked to Byrne. He told us he had “ambitious plans,” which he didn’t detail, but includes “off-track elements” that’ll feature club lounges, high-end car storage, and more.
It’ll still serve the public, but that will be one “vertical” out of three. It’ll also serve clubs, including track days and amateur race leagues. The owners, a partnership between CrossHarbor Capital Partners and Singer Vehicle Design, also want to “set up annual events, think Goodwood, and really let our motorsport nerd shine here.”
The iconic track, founded in 1953 and located about 100 miles north of Los Angeles, has been a staple of California car culture for 72 years. It’s changing, for the better, but the new owners are committed to improving the track and keeping the car enthusiast culture alive in Southern California.
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