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| A timeless, yet weathered, welcome to Willow Springs International Raceway, established November 22, 1953, as it gears up for a new era with Willow Springs Reimagined. Image Credit: RoadracingWorld.com via FB/META (2025) |
Willow Springs Reimagined: A Roaring Revival Of America’s Oldest Road Course
By Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal via Notes From The EDJE
Under a cloudless, yet blustery/windy, California sky, Willow Springs
International Raceway roared back to life on Saturday, October 11, 2025, with
a sold-out crowd of 5,000 enthusiasts converging to witness the dawn of a new
era for America’s oldest road course.
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| The line to get into Willow Springs International Raceway, just west of Rosamond off of the 14 Hwy., is about 4 miles long. Image Credit: Damon Rivetti via FB/META (2025) |
The event, dubbed *Willow Springs Reimagined*, marked the first major spectacle since a new ownership group, led by CrossHarbor Capital Partners, acquired the historic track earlier this year. What unfolded was a high-octane celebration of car culture, blending iconic vehicles, all-star drivers, and a fresh vision for a beloved motorsport mecca.
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| Willow Springs Reimagined as on display from the planning committees of Singer and CrossHarbor Capital Partners. Note the addition of track configurations and pavement runs to compliment the Big Willow original configuration. This 3-d perspective was created orientated from the south looking toward the north. Image Credit: Larry Mason - FastLane Race School (2025) |
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| This perspective of Willow Springs International Raceway's Big Willow track layout is from the northwest, looking southeast, under partly cloudy daytime conditions, consistent with Southern California's spring weather. Image Credit: RoadracingWorld.com via FB/META (2025) |
The nine-turn “Big Willow” circuit pulsed with energy as racing legends and modern marvels took to the asphalt. Seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, Formula 1 titleholder Jenson Button, and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti headlined a B-Sedan Racing demonstration, a nod to the track’s storied 50-year history with the category.
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| Let the rubber burn until it hurts (tap to launch video). jimmie7timejohnson via Instagram (2025) |
Johnson, ever the showman, thrilled the crowd with a smoky burnout in his No. 84 Carvana Toyota Camry along pit lane. Meanwhile, demonstrations from the Petersen Automotive Museum, Singer, Czinger, and others showcased a spectrum of automotive artistry, from vintage classics to cutting-edge hypercars.
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Czinger in the raw showing off much of its 3D Printed
infrastructures. Image Credit: Larry Mason - FastLane Race School (2025) |
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Czinger in the flesh showing off the aerodynamics of the outer
skin that allowed a predecessor of this car set a
class lap speed record at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Image Credit: Larry Mason - FastLane Race School (2025) |
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A closer look at some of the engineering and its 3D Printed
manifestation - this is some serious and intricate design.
Image Credit: Larry Mason - FastLane Race School (2025) |
A poignant highlight came when 19-year-old Lia Block piloted her late father
Ken Block’s legendary Hoonitruck, its first public outing since his passing
in 2023. The moment, charged with emotion, underscored the event’s deep ties
to automotive heritage and family legacy. The crowd, hushed at first,
erupted as the Hoonitruck’s tires screamed, a fitting tribute to a rally
icon.
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| Pace Car used to lead out the squad of specially prepared Singer Porsche track cars complete with the new Willow Springs logo on the side. Image Credit: German Angel (2025) |
Jarod DeAnda, the booming voice of Formula Drift, kept the energy high as emcee, while *The Smoking Tire* podcast, hosted by Matt Farah and Zack Klapmann, kicked off the day with a live recording that drew fans eager for insider tales from the automotive world. The paddock buzzed with curated displays, including life-sized Hot Wheels replicas of the 2001 Twin Mill and 2011 Bone Shaker, alongside Ken Block’s personal collection presented by the 43 Institute. Hoonigan’s Hoonipigasus Porsche and Micah Diaz’s Pro-Spec E46 added raw, tire-shredding spectacle, while DirtFish’s rally cars and displays from Porsche Santa Clarita, Shelby American, and ICON 4x4 filled the grounds with eye candy for every gearhead.
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| Race at the best tracks in California - whether you're starting your career or are already racing at an elite level - Ages: 5-17. F.A.T Karting Arrive and Drive - there’s no need to buy your own kart - just show up and race. |
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| Willow Springs Karting Race Track newly established with all new electric-powered engines. The Karting facility is just west of the entrance and south of Turn 2 of the Big Willow track. Image Credit: Larry Mason FastLane Race School (2025) |
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| Electric karts designed by F1 engineers. F.A.T. karts combine cutting-edge technology with expertise from the world’s top motorsport professionals. Image Credit: Larry Mason FastLane Race School (2025) |
“The incredible turnout today proves the enthusiast culture is alive and well,” said Sam Byrne, co-founder of CrossHarbor Capital Partners and a voice for the ownership group. “We’re excited about the future here at Willow Springs. It’s all about reinvigorating the facility while leaning into its really cool past.” The ownership’s vision was palpable, with recent renovations enhancing the facility’s appeal while preserving its gritty, authentic charm.
Beyond the horsepower, the event carried a heart. A portion of ticket
proceeds supported the East Kern Family Resource Center and Lost Angels
Career Center, local nonprofits fostering community growth. Exclusive
merchandise, including special-edition items from The Drivers Era and Lost
Angels, added a collectible flair while raising funds and awareness.
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| The patina of this event was pure Southern California motor culture. Galpin Auto Sports captured the afternoon in this quick video posted at FB/META - Enjoy! |
The main paddock overflowed with over 200 vehicles, from rare classics to supercars rarely seen outside private vaults or concours lawns. Harbinger’s innovative chassis designs shared space with FAT International’s curated gems, while a car show featuring 50-plus vehicles from collectors and influencers offered an up-close look at automotive history and innovation.
Click REELS displayed at end of video for mor impressions of Willow
Springs Reimagined
As the sun dipped over the desert, Willow Springs Reimagined left no doubt:
this wasn’t just a one-day thrill but the opening lap of a bold new chapter.
With plans for more events already in motion - starting with another
spectacle next month - the track is poised to reclaim its place as Southern
California’s beating heart of car culture. For those who were there, the
sound of engines and the smell of burning rubber will linger as a promise of
more to come.
... notes from
The EDJE
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TAGS: Willow Springs, car culture, Big Willow, Jimmie Johnson, Jenson Button,
Dario Franchitti, Lia Block, Hoonitruck, Hot Wheels, FastLane Race School,
Tire, automotive, racing, Ken Block, charity, supercars, Larry Mason,
FastLane Race School, The EDJE
