Gran Turismo's Willow Springs International Motorsports Park is For Sale

[McLaren]

There are so many options, but in the end it all comes down to money.

And California has been hating cars for a while. Weird when so much car culture started there.

I wonder if a car person will buy it.

I wonder if California will allow it to stay.

Is it the worst track? (Or set of tracks?)

That depends on if you like a unique challenge or not.

It's been a recognized Point of Historical Interest for the last 30 years....

California State Parks

California State Parks, State of California

www.parks.ca.gov

California Points of Historical Interest (Points) are buildings, sites, features, or events that are of local (city or county) significance and have anthropological, cultural, military, political, architectural, economic, scientific or technical, religious, experimental, or other historical value.

 

[CTznOfTime]

Sony Entertainment Polyphony Digital should get it...

Unless GTPlanet Crowd Fund it....

 

[RACECAR]

Soooo, not so good news.

 

[RACECAR]

Soooo, not so good news.

And in even more not so good news

California and Turning classic Race tracks that aren't Laguna Seca or Long Beach into some trashy BS, name a more iconic duo.

 

[TexHill]

Singer has been announced as a new co-owner and promises to maintain Willow Springs' history while updating the facilities.

Sold: Singer, Yes That One, Will Run Private Club at Renovated Willow Springs Raceway

It's official—the deal for a private equity firm to purchase the historic track has been finalized, and Singer Vehicle Design is listed as co-owner.

www.thedrive.com

 

[EngieDiesel]

Singer has been announced as a new co-owner and promises to maintain Willow Springs' history while updating the facilities.

Sold: Singer, Yes That One, Will Run Private Club at Renovated Willow Springs Raceway

It's official—the deal for a private equity firm to purchase the historic track has been finalized, and Singer Vehicle Design is listed as co-owner.

www.thedrive.com

Though it should be noted that the primary owner is CrossHarbor Capital Partners (because of course it's an investment firm, they love motorsports these days), who presumably have the majority control over what happens with the track.

https://www.autoweek.com/racing/a64409164/willow-springs-race-track-new-ownership/

On the plus side we know the track isn't going to be leveled into an industrial park or cheap housing developments, and they at least sound legit about their promises for now:

“CrossHarbor and Singer do not intend to ever sell Willow Springs and have brought together a group of passionate motorsport enthusiasts to join as co-owners in the facility, all with a long-term, multigenerational goal of preservation and improvement.” The new owners claim several recognized consultants to support and plan future improvements, including:

• Former Formula 1 driver, Le Mans winner and track designer Alex Wurz, head of Wurz Design, who will enhance existing track design and safety.
• Speedway Motorsports’ subsidiary Sonoma Raceway, bringing years of expertise in delivering premier on-track experiences and renowned for motorsports entertainment and venue management, will oversee track operations to help create a world class motorsports facility.
• Hart Howerton, a world-recognized master planner, will create off-track elements to enhance Willow Springs’ customer and member experience.

 

[TRLWNC7396]

I'm VERY glad that (for now) Willow Springs will remain a usable track. It would be sad to lose another one.