Willow Springs Raceway, the storied road course tucked into the Antelope Valley north of Lancaster near Rosamond, has new owners pouring money into safety upgrades and modern amenities while leaving its historic track layout untouched. The raceway, which traces its original 2.5-mile, nine-turn road course back to 1953, had been feared by longtime enthusiasts to be headed for a fate other than racing after its longtime owners put it up for sale.
Instead, the track has been saved and is now undergoing what its new operators describe as a gradual remodeling and modernization, according to ABC7 Los Angeles, which reported the story under veteran reporter Dave Kunz. Accounts differ on exactly when the sale closed: Singer Vehicle Design said in April 2025 that an affiliate of CrossHarbor Capital Partners had purchased the track in collaboration with Singer, while The New York Times reported this November that the Huth family, owners since 1962, sold it this year to a joint venture bringing together Cross Harbor Capital Partners and Singer Vehicle Design. Rick Fedrizzi and Speedway Motorsports Inc. took over day-to-day operations of the formerly family-run track in spring 2025, according to Performance Racing Industry.
Safety Comes Before the Shiny New Buildings
Willow Springs is prioritizing safety improvements before investing in newer buildings and viewing areas, according to ABC7's reporting. The raceway itself says it is undertaking its first major track improvements, including new safety features, fresh asphalt, expanded runoff areas and redesigned elements across both Streets of Willow and its kart track, per a statement posted on Willow Springs Raceway's website. The track describes the goal as preserving the character of the historic Southern California raceway while making it safer.
Safety renovations are ongoing, with new fire-response trucks added and tire-barrier work still underway. Fedrizzi has said a track like Willow Springs matters because cars keep getting faster and drivers need somewhere to safely push them, and he has said the raceway will continue operating for a long time to come.
A Diner Gets a New Menu, and a Reimagined Event Sells Out
Beyond the asphalt and barriers, the raceway is working to attract a wider audience with what it calls a more world-class venue, including a food service with a more gourmet offering. Its diner has been renovated with a completely new menu, and Kai Lerman has said Summit Speed Events upgraded the food and beverage offerings as part of that overhaul. Summit Speed Events hosted the Willow Springs Reimagined event at the raceway, giving fans a chance to see the changes firsthand.
The New York Times reported that the mid-October event, called Willow Springs Reimagined Day, showed off the racetrack to the public. Car and Driver described the second annual gathering, held October 17, as featuring an updated café, food stalls, efficient shuttles and free ridealongs — though that outlet also reported that the track moved to a members-only format after the ownership change, a detail that stands in contrast to the raceway's own statement that it will continue to host both public and private events. The Antelope Valley Press reported that all 5,000 tickets to the event sold out, and CrossHarbor co-founder and managing partner Sam Byrne said the gathering is meant to become a fixture, telling the outlet, “Reimagined is going to happen every year here.”
Construction Underway as Track Eyes Bigger Buildout
Car and Driver also reported that construction is underway on garages and condos meant to expand the track's hospitality options, part of a broader plan that includes new buildings and infrastructure at the site. Big Willow's historic road-course layout has remained unchanged since 1953, while Streets of Willow and the kart track are separate facilities undergoing renovations.
Willow Springs' new owners appear determined to build on the track's 1953 roots while pursuing a bigger, more upscale future.
