CrossHarbor Capital Partners Purchases Willow Springs International Raceway

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, noted officials in a press release.

“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 Designed 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 will 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. Singer says membership will be open to its 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, according to the press release.

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 70 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 states that it 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 claim they 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. Several 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, will enhance the existing track design and safety.
• Renowned for its leadership in motorsports entertainment and venue management, Speedway Motorsports’ subsidiary Sonoma Raceway will bring in its years of expertise in delivering premier on-track experiences to oversee track operations and 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 experiences.