After 62 years of ownership by the Huth family, the “Fastest Road in the West” is up for sale. (Scroll down to view the latest update from April 9, 2025: Willow Springs International Raceway is Officially Under New Ownership)
Willow Springs International Raceway, located about an hour north of Los Angeles and established in 1953, is a 600-acre complex of seven racetracks and hosted the first U.S. Motorcycle Grand Prix in 1960 while under ownership of Ken Miles.
Bill and Maxine Huth took over the track in 1962, expanding the facility from the original 2.5-mile road race track, known as Big Willow, to its current configuration that includes the Streets of Willow Springs (a 1.8-mile road course); Walt James Stadium (3/8-mile clay oval and paved oval); Willow Springs Speedway (a lighted 1/4-mile paved oval); Willow Springs Kart Track (a 0.625-mile, nine-turn paved sprint track); The Balcony (a 1/4-mile paved autocross and drifting track); Horse Thief Mile (one-mile canyon road course with 11 turns and elevation changes); and approximately 160 acres of off-road, mountainous terrain.
After Bill Huth passed away in 2015 at the age of 91, Huth’s kids (two daughters and two sons) continued looking after the race facility.
“If you don’t believe in something, you definitely will when you hit Turn Nine,” said Bill Huth, referring to Big Willow
A few days ago, Team Scarborough Real estate Agency listed the property for sale on LoopNet Real Estate Marketplace, and although we don’t know the listing/asking price, it shows the Rosamond property’s recent total assessment value at $2,253,440 as of June 4, 2024. See the listing here: https://willowsprings.teamscarborough.com/
UPDATE February 21, 2025
Is Willow Springs International Raceway Being Sold to a Private Equity Firm?
According to online publication, The Drive, Willow Springs International Raceway is potentially being sold to a private equity firm, and that a deal with a Boston-based private equity firm is pending.
The article states that “a Boston-based private equity firm named CrossHarbor Capital Partners that specializes in “property turnarounds” for commercial real estate is in the closing stages of purchasing the iconic race track.”
It’s unknown what firm’s intentions are for the race track. More details will be forthcoming.
UPDATE April 9, 2025
Willow Springs International Raceway is Officially Under New Ownership
The track has been purchased by a group called CrossHarbor Capital Partners and, along with Singer Vehicle Design, has announced plans to establish it as a premier venue for automotive enthusiasts.
Here are the bullet points provided by CrossHarbor:
- A world-class motorsport facility, open to the public, incorporating complete renovation of all racing tracks, pit, and paddock facilities.
- A luxury private members’ club hosted by Singer.
- A technology hub for race teams and manufacturer development and testing.
- An enthusiast zone with car storage, fully equipped servicing and restoration facilities, including a museum and retail.
- A venue for automotive gatherings celebrating California’s influence on global car culture.
Here is the complete press release from CrossHarbor Capital…
Rosamond, CA (April 9, 2025) – The future is bright for America’s oldest permanent road course. Willow Springs International Raceway, which was listed for sale last summer by long-time owners the Huth family, has been purchased by an affiliate of CrossHarbor Capital Partners in collaboration with Singer Vehicle Design.
CrossHarbor, an alternative investment management firm with an extensive portfolio of commercial real estate and resort residential development, recently closed escrow on the property. The purchase ensures a successful road ahead for the Kern County raceway, as CrossHarbor and its partners focus on
preserving the facility’s rich history while making significant investments to establish it as the premier venue for automotive enthusiasts.
“We are thrilled to begin a new chapter with such a beloved facility,” said Sam Byrne, co-founder of CrossHarbor Capital Partners. “We are committed to serving the community for decades to come and creating a space where all members of the car community can collectively share their enthusiasm for Willow Springs and motorsports. Along with Singer, we are collaborating with recognized and respected names within the auto industry and are excited to partner with them in pursuit of this definitive California experience.”
A Motorsports Destination for Everyone
The new ownership group sees public access as a key aspect of Willow Springs’ success, and the raceway will continue to host both public and private events. Existing tracks, including all three road courses, will remain open to the public and undergo enhancements to improve safety. A variety of track layouts, including karting, ATV courses and driver instruction, will continue to be available to a broad range of interests.
Singer at Willow Springs
In addition to being an owner, Singer will partner with CrossHarbor to create its first private member’s club. Membership will be open to Singer’s clients as well as other like-minded enthusiasts and will enable drivers to bring their vehicles for track days and related experiences. With its proximity to one of the largest luxury and sports car markets in the world, Willow Springs promises to redefine what it means to belong to an automotive enthusiast community.
Singer’s Chief Strategy Officer, Mazen Fawaz, commented: “Willow Springs is an important part of California’s motorsport heritage for enthusiasts, and everyone with an automotive obsession. Singer has two decades of track days, racing, and development at Willow’s circuits. We are delighted to help make sure that it’s in safe hands and can be an even more impressive part of California’s car culture for the next seventy years. Its custodianship is a responsibility we are not taking lightly, and our partners could not be better suited to see it through.”
Experts and Enthusiasts
CrossHarbor has already begun an in-depth evaluation of the raceway’s extensive facilities and will initially focus on track and safety improvements, including adding more asphalt and curbs and enhancing run-off areas with leveling and gravel. Future plans include maintaining Willow Springs’ history while upgrading its facilities, improving food and beverage offerings, and refining the track and driving experience.
CrossHarbor and Singer do not intend to ever sell Willow Springs and have brought together a group of passionate motorsport enthusiasts to join as co-owners in the facility, all with a long-term, multigenerational goal of preservation and improvement. A number of recognized consultants have been enlisted to support and plan future improvements, including:
- Former Formula 1 driver, Le Mans winner and track designer Alex Wurz, head of Wurz Design, who will enhance existing track design and safety.
- Renowned for its leadership in motorsports entertainment and venue management, Speedway Motorsports’ subsidiary Sonoma Raceway, bringing years of expertise in delivering premier on-track experiences, will oversee track operations to help create a world class motorsports facility.
- Hart Howerton, a world-recognized master planner, will create off-track elements to enhance Willow Springs’ customer and member experience.
Information about upcoming improvements, events and raceway news will be shared as they become available. For more information about Willow Springs, visit willowspringsraceway.com.
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