One of the most well-known and historic racetracks in America, Willow Springs, recently went up for sale. This, naturally, raised a lot of questions about the future of the track. Would it be acquired by some investment firm that was more interested in the property to develop into something else? Would any buyer come up? The news seems to be good for car fans because the new owners will keep the track open. In fact, one of the companies taking ownership is already associated with cars.
Porsche
Porsche is a German sports car manufacturer and part of the broader Volkswagen Group since August 2012. Founded in 1931 by Ferdinand Porsche, the brand is most famous for the 911 line of sports cars, which first launched in September 1963. But it was the Porsche 356 that came first, and subsequently, Porsche has expanded its model lineup to include a variety of sports cars, supercars, SUVs, sedans, and even EVs. Porsche has a rich history in motorsport, with 19 outright Le Mans victories to its name, among various other titles.
- Founded
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1948
- Founder
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Ferdinand Porsche
- Headquarters
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Stuttgart, Germany
- Owned By
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Volkswagen
- Current CEO
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Oliver Blume
The New Owners
Two companies collaborated to purchase the facilities. The first you’re all probably familiar with: Singer Vehicle Design. Yes, this is the company that has been building some of the most renowned restored and modified air-cooled Porsches. It’s not hard to see how a California-based company focused on classic sports cars would be interested in helping preserve and operate another classic piece of automotive history. The company’s Chief Strategy Officer, Mazen Fawaz, said as much in a press release:
“Willow Springs is an important part of California’s motorsport heritage for enthusiasts, and everyone with an automotive obsession. Singer has two decades of track days, racing, and development at Willow’s circuits. We are delighted to help make sure that it’s in safe hands and can be an even more impressive part of California’s car culture for the next seventy years. Its custodianship is a responsibility we are not taking lightly, and our partners could not be better suited to see it through.”
Related
Singer Has Now Reimagined 300 Porsche 911s
The milestone example is a gorgeous Targa 964 with the company’s famous 4.0 flat-six.
That partner is CrossHarbor Capital Partners. It’s an investment firm specializing in real estate. The company is based in Boston. The co-founder, Sam Byrne, gave the following statement in a press release:
We are committed to serving the community for decades to come and creating a space where all members of the car community can collectively share their enthusiasm for Willow Springs and motorsports. Along with Singer, we are collaborating with recognized and respected names within the auto industry and are excited to partner with them in pursuit of this definitive California experience.”
The Plans Are Long-Term
Both companies made it clear that they intend to own and operate Willow Springs for the long term. All of the courses will remain open and accessible, including Willow Springs Raceway (“Big Willow”), The Streets of Willow Springs, Horse Thief Mile. The companies intend on making upgrades to the facility’s concessions and track design, with Le Mans-winning racing driver Alex Wurz leading the track upgrades. Sonoma Raceway will handle general track operations, and Singer intends to set up a track membership program with access to a private members’ club. Willow Springs will also get facilities for vehicle storage and service, as well as development resources for automakers.
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