The oldest continuously operating road course in the U.S., Willow Springs, was acquired from the Huth family by an investment team headed by Sam Byrne via CrossHarbor Capital Partners and the well-known Porsche enthusiasts at Singer Vehicle Design.
The hillside site, situated about an hour north of Los Angeles and established in 1953, was once frequented for both local car races and TV show productions. However, its general popularity has diminished significantly through the years.
In the early 1990s, Willow Springs served as a testing ground for various motorsport series including IndyCar, IMSA, and occasionally Formula 1. These organizations utilized this old-fashioned yet dangerous racetrack effectively. Additionally, the former U.S.-based IndyCar Series conducted events here too. However, as the 2000s drew near, the connection between Willow Springs and professional racing began to wane.
Under Byrne's leadership, Willow Springs will follow in the footsteps of renowned California tracks such as Laguna Seca and Sonoma Raceway by undergoing upgrades aimed at enhancing facilities, bolstering safety measures, and expanding its attractiveness as a mecca for automotive and motorsport aficionados. Additionally, there is an intention to reconnect with professional racing series post-completion, potentially bringing high-level competitions back to the venue.
The nostalgic song possesses significant charm, and its current proprietors are committed to maintaining this essence while introducing fresh components such as a singer-hosted nightclub along with various retail spaces for racing teams, repair services, vehicle collections, and additional business ventures related to the automotive sector.
One of the biggest challenges lies in figuring out how to preserve what makes Willow exceptional while also ensuring it’s both safe and enjoyable," Byrne shared with solusikaki.com. "The initial step in this process is being financially capable of implementing the necessary enhancements.
According to Byrne, the rumors about Willow Springs becoming a members-only establishment are unfounded.
I'm really passionate about anything related to automobiles, including collecting, driving, and working on cars with my children," he explained. "I operate a real estate investment company back home that handles clubs and multiple other ventures. Because of this, I frequently receive inquiries regarding funding racetrack projects. It’s interesting how many of these initiatives only seem to exist online without ever becoming reality.
I've spent nearly ten years examining the industry and contemplating its potential future developments. This includes studying European operations that are better managed and provide additional services to enhance sustainability. Los Angeles seemed like an excellent location to possibly implement such ideas. However, what I noticed in these deals is a critical issue: excluding the public from track experiences ultimately weakens the sense of community we aim to build.
Affluent individuals may not wish to exclude others. Instead, they could desire premium amenities like a good parking spot. While they aim for comprehensive accessibility, someone owning 100 cars might encounter another person driving the sought-after '73 Porsche RS Lightweight and engage in conversation for about three hours. This made me question the concept of exclusive track programs as presented; I felt they lacked character.
Thanks to Singer’s significant input, Byrne now benefits from an influential endorsement that bolsters the legitimacy of his plans for Willow Springs. Speedway Motorsports Inc., known for operating various oval and road course tracks nationwide, has been entrusted with managing Willow Springs. Additionally, ex-F1 racer Alex Wurz has joined the team to offer his expertise in track design and safety measures aimed at enhancing the facility’s road circuits.
After the construction projects begin and the renovation is finished, attracting businesses from the automotive and racing sectors to utilize the track and its amenities will be one of the top priorities.
Increasing recognition for Willow Springs is an essential part of this strategy. The track frequently gets overlooked amidst the numerous racing locations nearby that host significant events and prominent competitions, leading enthusiasts to view these alternative sites as primary destinations for driving experiences or communal celebrations.
There are three distinct areas you can focus on," Byrne stated. "The top priority is engaging with the general public. This involves organizing events everyone would like to join. Supporting car clubs also plays an essential role. Additionally, implementing a large-scale karting initiative for youth is crucial to cultivate more fans of the sport. We must find ways to reduce costs associated with karting and ensure these activities remain both secure and considerate. This initial aspect—the one centered around the community—is highly significant to our mission.
The second aspect involves the corporate Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) sector, where we see increased opportunities for engagement. For instance, it could involve a delivery hub specifically designed for OEMs. I picked up my Singer from their facility in Torrance and have participated in five track events at Willow Springs, yet imagine how exciting it would be to get the vehicle delivered directly onto the racetrack instead! This presents a significant chance to boost our earnings because sustainability is crucial for us. Our strategy includes constructing multiple garages, attracting various specialized manufacturers who wish to participate.
And the third element involves a club. When I refer to a club, I'm not talking about something exclusive; that's just not my style. Of course, I am heavily involved in the club industry, as we manage one of the biggest private clubs globally. However, this isn't our focus here. Instead, it's all about providing an exceptional experience for those who wish to use the racetrack—perhaps even more so than others do elsewhere. What made Willow special is that it offered us various pre-existing tracks within its premises. Acquiring around 700 or 800 acres of land anywhere else solely for building these circuits simply wouldn't be feasible.
We needed to discover opportunities for enhancements and explore alternative methods to generate income. These form the three key aspects of our approach. However, the top priority remains preserving the essence of this being a vibrant public space.
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