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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 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 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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
“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 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.
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
TAGS: Willow Springs, car culture, Big Willow, Jimmie Johnson, Jenson Button, Dario Franchitti, Lia Block, Hoonitruck, Hot Wheels, The Smoking Tire, automotive, racing, Ken Block, charity, supercars, The EDJE
