Willow Springs International Raceway, the oldest permanent road course in the United States, has unveiled its latest set of major renovations to two of its most popular tracks.
Both the 2.9km (1.8-mile) ‘Streets of Willow Springs’ road course and the 1.0km (0.625-mile) kart track have undergone significant investment and modernisation to upgrade the overall on-track experience, along with improving safety.
Both circuits have been totally repaved with new asphalt, replacing the old and cracked track surfaces, along with new internal and external kerbs painted and branded in the raceway’s new green and off-white colour scheme.
Grading and extended gravel has been added along the track perimeter, along with a new runoff around the entire circuit. Three new chicanes were also added to the Streets of Willow Springs layout for track extension and safety.
With its continued focus on safety, Willow Springs will also add tire barriers, Armco, and air fence to the circuits, with work expected to be completed during the US autumn.
It’s important to note that the original 4.0km (2.5-mile) nine-turn configuration of the complete ‘Big Willow’ circuit remains unchanged since it opened in November 1953, offering a uniquely challenging track experience with high-speed straights, elevation changes, and technical corners.
This new era for the historic raceway has been brought about through a partnership between CrossHarbor Capital Partners and Porsche 964 restomod specialists Singer Vehicle Design, with both groups dedicated to honouring the track’s historic legacy while establishing it as North America’s premier motorsports hub for drivers, fans and car culture enthusiasts.
“We are excited to preserve the history of Willow Springs while continuing to make improvements that establish it as the premier venue for motorsport enthusiasts of all kinds,” says Sam Byrne, co-founder of CrossHarbor Capital Partners and representative of the Willow Springs ownership group.
“This is just the first phase of our plans for this iconic facility, and we’re excited to show off the work we’ve completed so far at the Willow Springs Reimagined event on October 11.”
