Willow Springs Reimagined: A Roaring Revival Of America’s Oldest Road Course

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. 

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.

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)

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. 

F1 driver and commentator Jenson Button (left) exchanges words in conversation with NASCAR 7-Time Champion and IndyCar competitor Jimmy Johnson (left-center in blue) while IndyCar and INDY500 Champion Dario Franchetti (center in white) listens in. Image Credit: German Angel via FB/META (2025)  

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.

Czinger in the raw showing off much of its 3D Printed infrastructures. 
Image Credit: Larry Mason - FastLane Race School (2025)

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)

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)

Click for Images

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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 

Petersen Automotive Museum Rites Of Spring So. Cal. Motor Culture Experience - Chip Ganassi

Scott Dixon nails down his sixth NTT INDYCAR SERIES season championship during a time when this fabulous exhibit on the successes of Chip Ganassi Racing was placed on hiatus due to health event protocols. Ganassi represents a sporting motor culture one can taste and it is on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2021)  

Petersen Automotive Museum Rites Of Spring So. Cal. Motor Culture Experience - Chip Ganassi

Opening March 25, 2021, after being closed due to the recognition of our nationwide response to the pandemic virus invasion termed COVID-19, The Petersen Automotive Museum continues to pay tribute to the incredible motorsports career of driver and most famously renowned racing team owner through the exhibit, "Chip Ganassi Racing: Fast Tracks To Success | 30th Anniversary Tribute."

This exhibit, that is located on the second floor to one's left, as they exit the elevator, on the right of the center aisle motorcycle display in the Charles Nearburg Family Gallery of the museum, opened mid-December 2019. The exhibit features a video expose displayed on the walls behind some of the most winning cars fielded by this pillar of American Motorsports history. Yes, the exhibit has been updated to reflect the fact Scott Dixon is now a six-time season series champion of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES which happened in the COVID-19 protocol enhanced 2020.

Entrance to "Fast Tracks To Success" and there have been many of them. Here's just a thumbnail sketch (by no means a highlight reel) on Chip Ganassi and its incredible contribution to the American/World arena of motorsports - the only team to win the Indianapolis 500 (four times), the Brickyard 400, the Rolex 24-Hours of Daytona (seven times), the 12 Hours of Sebring, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans - such a winning tradition. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2021)

"The new exhibit tells a visual story of Chip Ganassi Racing’s success over the last 30 years," said Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges at the opening presentation. "Once they step inside the gallery, see the cars and watch the accompanying 180-degree video, visitors will truly be able to feel the excitement and appreciate the history behind each of the vehicles."

When one enters the Charles Nearburg Family Gallery, the display of 10 vehicles include the 1983 Patrick Wildcat MK9B raced by Chip Ganassi to his best finish at the Indianapolis 500; the Lexus-powered 2006 Riley MK XI raced by Scott Dixon at the 24 Hours at Daytona; the 2010 Dallara IR-05 driven to victory at the Indianapolis 500; the 2016 Ford GT that finished first in the LM GTE Pro category 50 years after Ford’s iconic first-, second- and third-place victories in 1966; and the 2019 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 driven by Kurt Busch.

A new NASCAR platform will join the 2001 Coors Light Dodge Intrepid, driven by Sterling Marlin at Michigan International Raceway for Chip Ganassi Racing's first NASCAR victory and the 2010 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet Impala, driven by Jamie McMurry which delivered the Daytona 500 & Brickyard 400 wins in the 3 car NASCAR portion of the exhibit. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2021)

Following a strong career as a driver, Ganassi created his own one-car IndyCar team in 1990. The team’s track record includes 16 championships and 200 victories. It is the only team to win the Indianapolis 500 (four times), the Brickyard 400, 24 Hours at Daytona (seven times), 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Adding to the prestige, it is also the only team to win 24 Hours at Daytona three times consecutively and the only team to win 24 Hours at Daytona, the Daytona 500, the Indy 500 and the Brickyard 400 in one 12-month span.

Last year, Los Angeles had to do without its long-standing motor culture "rites-of-spring" experience when the Acura Grand Prix Of Long Beach was cancelled due to this health event originating from Wuhan, China. In 2021, the event isn't cancelled, but moved off to become the season finale of the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season SEPT. 24-26, 2021. This still leaves quite a void for motor culture enthusiasts needing to feel the year kick off in a proper way since the Long Beach Grand Prix, which was always traditionally run in the March/April timeframe for the better part of 45 years.

Sports Cars may be one of the toughest racing environments to compete in since the vehicles entered are so varied in terms of concept and support from the different manufacturers/privateers. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2021)

Eight special exhibit collections will be there to greet you - “Supercars: A Century of Spectacle and Speed,” which showcases the evolution of the supercar; “Extreme Conditions,” which highlights 11 custom competition, recreational, and utilitarian off-roading vehicles; “Redefining Performance,” which features Porsche’s most innovative road and race vehicles; “Hollywood Dream Machines: Vehicles of Science Fiction and Fantasy,” with repositioned presentations; “Reclaimed Rust: The James Hetfield Collection,” a Petersen Museum donated exclusive; “Building an Electric Future” presented by Volkswagen; and, of course “The Aesthetic of Motoring: 90 Years of Pininfarina,” which will make for a very full and thought provoking visit.

Recommendation? Get a fanny, or a group of fannies, over to the Petersen Automotive Museum where one can spend an easy three hours slowly walking, photographing, and reading about Human transportation devices that add to the expansion of one's living and life experiences.

“Chip Ganassi Racing: Fast Tracks to Success | 30th Anniversary Tribute” was originally set to close January 31, 2021, but since the museum was closed for the pandemic, this wonderful tribute has been extended to the end of 2021. It is the intention of Petersen Automotive Museum to have all current exhibits run through the end of 2021 (check status when reserving your admission). To learn more about the Petersen Automotive Museum, please visit https://www.petersen.org/tickets.

The Petersen Automotive Museum will reopen to the public on Thursday, March 25, 2021 on a new schedule of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets for all visitors must be purchased in advance on the Petersen website, and all guests will be required to wear masks during their visit.

To express its gratitude to all those on the front line during this challenging time, the museum will offer verified health care workers and first responders complimentary admission for themselves and up to three immediate family members for the rest of 2021.

Let the new tradition of Southern California's rites of spring begin with an annual visit (or two) to the Petersen Automotive Museum. Pretty cool.

... notes from The EDJE

TAGS: #petersenmuseum, Building an Electric Future, Extreme Conditions, Hollywood Dream Machines, Reclaimed Rust, Redefining Performance, Supercars, Chip Ganassi, The EDJE

Petersen Automotive Museum Rites Of Spring So. Cal. Motor Culture Experience - Pininfarina

"The Aesthetic of Motoring: 90 Years of Pininfarina" - the exhibit is capped by the all electric "Batista" (image left) - The Battista ushers in a new dimension in hypercar design and performance, inspired by a legendary past. It combines true innovation in its technical prowess and emotive form. Simply stated, the 1,900-horsepower hypercar can hit 180 mph faster than an F-16 jet with a slippery eye-catching design that calls one in. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2021)

Petersen Automotive Museum Rites Of Spring So. Cal. Motor Culture Experience - Pininfarina

Opening March 25, 2021, after being closed due to the recognition of our nationwide response to the pandemic virus invasion termed COVID-19, The Petersen Automotive Museum launches a special new exhibition titled "The Aesthetic of Motoring: 90 Years of Pininfarina" - featuring the significance and evolution of the Italian car design firm and coachbuilder.

This exhibit, that is located just to one's right, as they enter the museum, is an esthetic tour de force that shows off  a curated display of four key automobiles representing its storied 90-year history.

Born in Italy, applied to many chassis solutions throughout the world. Image Credit: Ted Seven via #petersenmuseum (2021)

Vehicles on display will include a 1931 Cadillac Model452A Boattail Roadster, the first Pininfarina body mounted on a non-Italian chassis; a 1947 Cisitalia 202 Coupe, widely considered one of the most attractive vehicles ever built; a 1966 Dino Berlinetta 206 GT Prototype, the first mid-engine Ferrari; and a 2019 Automobili Pininfarina “Battista,” which is an early design model of the luxury hypercar rather than a functioning automobile. 

Fly Yellow 1966 Dino Berlinetta 206 GT Prototype looking at the display design star of the show, the 2019 Automobili Pininfarina “Battista” ... but this shot goes away next month. Image Credit: Ted Seven via #petersenmuseum (2021)

A 1967 Ferrari 365P Berlinetta Speciale “Tre Posti,” the last vehicle bodied by Pininfarina for a private client, will replace the 1966 Dino Berlinetta 206 GT Prototype in April 2021 - so come early because this Fly Yellow Dino is a "Not Miss" experience.

Cadillac wasn't the only American automobile manufacture to enjoy the design fruits of this Turin imagination powerhouse, Nash Kelvinator introduced in 1952 the Nash Ambassador Custom 2 door, "Pinin Farina" as its most luxurious car and built 1,178 according to Mecum Auctions. Image Credit: Ted Seven via #petersenmuseum (2021)

Last year, Los Angeles had to do without its long-standing motor culture "rites-of-spring" experience when the Acura Grand Prix Of Long Beach was cancelled due to this health event originating from Wuhan, China. In 2021, the event isn't cancelled, but moved off to become the season finale of the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season SEPT. 24-26, 2021. This still leaves quite a void for motor culture enthusiasts needing to feel the year kick off in a proper way since the Long Beach Grand Prix, which was always traditionally run in the March/April timeframe for the better part of 45 years.

Recommendation? Get a fanny, or a group of fannies, over to the Petersen Automotive Museum where one can spend an easy three hours slowly walking, photographing, and reading about Human transportation devices that add to the expansion of one's living and life experiences.

Beautifully sculpted rear end areo elements of the 2019 Automobili Pininfarina “Battista" with the 1966 Dino Berlinetta 206 GT Prototype as a backdrop. Rarified air, indeed. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2021)

Eight special exhibit collections will be there to greet you - “Supercars: A Century of Spectacle and Speed,” which showcases the evolution of the supercar; “Extreme Conditions,” which highlights 11 custom competition, recreational, and utilitarian off-roading vehicles; “Redefining Performance,” which features Porsche’s most innovative road and race vehicles; “Hollywood Dream Machines: Vehicles of Science Fiction and Fantasy,” with repositioned presentations; “Reclaimed Rust: The James Hetfield Collection,” a Petersen Museum donated exclusive; “Building an Electric Future” presented by Volkswagen; and, of course “The Aesthetic of Motoring: 90 Years of Pininfarina,” which will make for a very full and thought provoking visit. 

If this isn't enough to itch the racin' bug, there is one more exhibit "CHIP GANASSI: FAST TRACK TO SUCCESS" that shows off the career of Chip Ganassi and its incredible contribution to the American/World arena of motorsports - the only team to win the Indianapolis 500 (four times), the Brickyard 400, the Rolex 24-Hours of Daytona (seven times), the 12 Hours of Sebring, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans - such a winning tradition.

The Petersen Automotive Museum will reopen to the public on Thursday, March 25, 2021 on a new schedule of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets for all visitors must be purchased in advance on the Petersen website, and all guests will be required to wear masks during their visit. For more information about the Petersen Automotive Museum and its exhibits, visit Petersen.org/tickets.

To express its gratitude to all those on the front line during this challenging time, the museum will offer verified health care workers and first responders complimentary admission for themselves and up to three immediate family members for the rest of 2021.

Let the new tradition of Southern California's rites of spring begin with an annual visit (or two) to the Petersen Automotive Museum. Pretty cool.

... notes from The EDJE

TAGS: Petersen Automotive Museum, Chip Ganassi, Pininfarina, Supercars, Extreme Conditions, Reclaimed Rust, Hollywood Dream Machines, Building an Electric Future, Redefining Performance, The EDJE