If you haven’t experienced Willow Springs International Raceway, you are missing out on the raw, beating heart of American road racing. Located just an hour north of Los Angeles near Lancaster, this massive 600-acre complex is home to eight distinct racetracks, but the crown jewel is the legendary “Big Willow.”
Willow Springs International Raceway Is Considered To Be:
“The Fastest Road In The West”
Patterned after the great high-speed courses of Europe, this super-fast 2.5-mile, nine-turn circuit has remained virtually unchanged since its inception in 1953.
It is a place where history is written at 160 mph—a tarmac battleground that has hosted Hollywood royalty like Paul Newman, Carroll Shelby, and James Garner, and served as the cinematic backdrop for blockbusters like Ford v Ferrari and Disney’s The Love Bug.
Thousands of racing fans gather at the historic Willow Springs Raceway for top qualifying race days. This legendary track is just a beautiful 1.5-hour scenic mountain drive from Hollywood, California.
It was here that Steve McQueen famously honed his skills in a Porsche 908, chasing the same terrifyingly fast lines that modern drivers still face today. For decades, it stood as a temple of speed: dusty, dangerous, and undeniably cool.
Willow Springs Raceway started construction in 1952, with its first event on November 23, 1953, and while not credited to a single founder, racers like Ken Miles helped design the initial layout, with Bill Huth later buying the track in 1962 and expanding the complex.
Willow Springs Raceway Reimagined
The Shift: From Historic Track to Luxury Destination
But for the modern car collector, history isn’t enough. Today’s high-end enthusiast demands world-class amenities to match their seven-figure machinery.
Fortunately, a massive shift is underway in Rosamond, California. A new ownership group with impeccable taste—including the visionaries behind Singer Vehicle Design and CrossHarbor Capital Partners—is about to transform this historic track into a global destination for car collector communities.
Ghosts of the Asphalt: The Celebrity Legacy
To understand the future value of Willow Springs, you must understand its pedigree. “The Fastest Road in the West” didn’t earn its nickname lightly. Its terrifyingly fast, nine-turn “Big Willow” layout has remained virtually unchanged since 1953.
It was the crucible where legends were forged. The track layout itself was heavily influenced by racing icon Ken Miles, long before his fame in Ford v Ferrari.
It became the playground for Hollywood’s most serious drivers. Paul Newman famously cut his teeth here in Datsuns, transitioning from actor to respected racer. James Garner’s racing team was a fixture.
A rare picture of Carroll-Shelby on the side of a Ford GT40 Mk II racecar with Ken Miles Driving
But the spirit of the track belongs to the “King of Cool.” Steve McQueen was a regular competitor at Willow Springs. This is where he wrestled his Porsche 908/02 spyder, honing the raw, visceral skills that would later be immortalized in his magnum opus, Le Mans. When you drive Willow today, you are chasing the same lines McQueen carved fifty years ago.
The New Stewards: Reimagining an Icon
For years, Willow Springs was charmingly rough around the edges. That changed recently with the announcement of new ownership with a vision matched only by their appreciation for heritage.
The revitalization effort is being spearheaded by a group passionate about auto racing of the car collectors’ car collections. While details are still emerging, the vision is clear: transform Willow from a rustic track into a premium, curated experience—think a “Goodwood of the West.”
The goal isn’t to pave over history, but to polish it with modern amenities, hospitality, and facilities that cater to exclusive car collector communities.
In discussing the acquisition and the future of the raceway, the new development team emphasized their commitment to preservation paired with elevation:
“Willow Springs is sacred ground in American motorsports. Our mission is to preserve the soul of this incredibly fast, historic track while investing in the infrastructure that modern enthusiasts and collectors deserve. We aren’t just preserving a racetrack; we are cultivating a destination where the culture of driving can thrive for the next generation.”
Unlock the Ultimate Car Collector Experience at the New Willow Springs Raceway
The transformation of this legendary track is set to redefine the Southern California car community. The developers are creating a world-class ecosystem designed specifically for the lifestyle of the modern car collector. This isn’t just about lap times; it is about creating a Car Club Social Community where the passion for mechanics meets high-end hospitality.
CrossHarbor Capital Partners offer a rare glimpse of the Willow Springs Raceway Future Development
Here is what makes this the most anticipated development in automotive history:
- Join an Elite Car Club Community: Prepare for the launch of the Singer Private Members’ Club. Unlike traditional “country club” tracks that can feel sterile, this is a dynamic “Driver’s Club” created for true petrolheads. Open to Singer clients and vetted enthusiasts, it offers a unique space for the Willow Springs car community to network and socialize in a curated environment that values driving over mere status.
- Five-Star Care for Your Collection: Forget hauling trailers back and forth. The new master plan features premium luxury car storage and a concierge service center right at the track. Your vehicle will be prepped, fueled, and warmed up before you even arrive, offering the ultimate convenience for the busy car collector.
- Immerse Yourself in Automotive Heritage: The revitalized facility will become a cultural hub for auto racing enthusiasts. With a planned on-site automotive museum and dedicated spaces for world-class restoration shops, the new Willow Springs Raceway will turn the paddock into a living history exhibit, ensuring every visit is steeped in history and horsepower.
The Strategic Opportunity for Investors
Crucially, the new ownership has explicitly stated they will not build residential housing subdivisions on the track property to preserve the historic desert views and raw racing atmosphere. While the track will offer members a place to socialize and drive, it will not offer them a place to live or permanently house a massive private collection in a residential setting.
About the Developers: CrossHarbor Capital Partners
Founded in 1993, CrossHarbor Capital Partners is a Boston-based real estate investment manager with over $30 billion in historical transactions and $10.2 billion in assets currently under management. Known for a disciplined, relationship-driven approach, the firm specializes in creating value through complex turnarounds.
Their expertise is best illustrated by their 2009 acquisition of the Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana. They successfully transformed the distressed asset into one of the world’s most exclusive private lifestyle destinations—proven experience they now bring to the revitalization of Willow Springs. For more information, please visit www.CrossHarborCapital.com.
