Willow Springs Raceway and CrossHarbor Capital Partners have announced Summit + Speed, a new experiential events division dedicated to creating premier automotive and luxury lifestyle events across its portfolio of iconic destinations and brands, according to a company press release.
Summit + Speed will oversee the development and execution of destination-driven events, including Willow Springs Reimagined, the newly announced Goodwood Road Racing Club of America, FAT International Ice Race at Big Sky and the Big Sky Food & Wine Festival, while creating new events that bring together automotive enthusiasts, collectors, luxury travelers, culinary leaders and brand partners, noted the release.
New Division, New Leadership
“Summit + Speed represents the next evolution of experiential programming across our portfolio,” said Sam Byrne, co-founder of CrossHarbor Capital Partners. “We have an incredible opportunity to create meaningful experiences at iconic destinations while connecting passionate communities through automotive culture, hospitality, food, wine and adventure.”
As part of the launch, industry veteran Kai Lermen has been appointed vice president of special events & partnerships. Lermen joins Summit + Speed following a distinguished career producing some of the world’s most respected luxury and automotive events, including leadership roles with The Peninsula Hotels, The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best, and The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. He brings multiple decades of experience in luxury hospitality, event production and strategic partnerships.
“I’m excited to join CrossHarbor and launch Summit + Speed at a time when experiential events have never been more important,” said Lermen. “From automotive festivals to concours-style gatherings, we’re creating opportunities for enthusiasts and guests to connect through unforgettable experiences in remarkable settings.”
CrossHarbor says the launch further strengthens its commitment to creating distinctive experiences across its growing collection of hospitality, lifestyle and enthusiast-focused properties and brands. Summit + Speed will work closely with partners across the automotive, luxury and hospitality sectors to deliver programming that reflects the character and culture of each destination.
Cornerstone Events
Among the cornerstone events under the Summit + Speed banner are:
- Willow Springs Reimagined: A celebration of automotive culture and innovation hosted at the historic Willow Springs International Raceway.
- Goodwood Road Racing Club of America: Launching in 2027, this new venture will bring the world-famous Goodwood culture to the United States with the inaugural headline event taking place at Willow Springs in 2028.
- FAT International Ice Race Big Sky: An immersive winter motorsports and lifestyle experience inspired by the legendary Austrian event.
- Big Sky Food & Wine Festival: An event that brings together acclaimed chefs, winemakers, distillers and culinary enthusiasts in Montana’s premier mountain destination.
Summit + Speed will also support and collaborate with CrossHarbor’s expanding ecosystem of enthusiast communities, hospitality experiences and private clubs, creating new opportunities for members, partners and guests to engage year-round, the company said.