Willow Springs Revitalized makes debut
A new chapter for America’s oldest road course was launched at Willow Springs Reimagined last Saturday.
Willow Springs International Raceway hosted its first large-scale event since being acquired by a new ownership group earlier this year, offering a full day of on-track demonstrations, curated displays from leading OEMs and designers, and a line-up of more than 200 of the world’s rarest and most iconic vehicles. The track sold all its 5000 tickets for the event.
“The incredible turnout today proves the enthusiast culture is alive and well, and we're excited about the future here at Willow Springs,” said Sam Byrne, co-founder of CrossHarbor Capital Partners and representative of the Willow Springs ownership group. “Our goal is to reinvigorate the facility while leaning into its really cool past. It's all about celebrating car culture and performance"
The nine-turn "Big Willow" road course hosted a variety of on-track activity throughout the day, including B-Sedan Racing, an all-star demonstration race featuring the likes of seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, Formula 1 champion Jenson Button and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti, as well as demonstration laps by the Petersen Automotive Museum, Singer, Czinger and more. Johnson also took his No. 84 Carvana Toyota Camry for a few laps and a burnout along pit lane.
The nine-turn "Big Willow" road course hosted a variety of on-track activity throughout the day, including B-Sedan Racing, an all-star demonstration race featuring the likes of seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, Formula 1 champion Jenson Button and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti, as well as demonstration laps by the Petersen Automotive Museum, Singer, Czinger and more. Johnson also took his No. 84 Carvana Toyota Camry for a few laps and a burnout along pit lane.
One of the event’s most memorable moments came when 19-year-old Lia Block took the wheel of her father’s legendary Hoonitruck, marking the first time the truck has been driven publicly since Ken’s passing in 2023.
Jarod DeAnda, the official voice of Formula Drift, emceed the day, which kicked off with a live recording of The Smoking Tire podcast with hosts Matt Farah and Zack Klapmann. Guests were also treated to a display of iconic vehicles from Ken Block’s collection presented by the 43 Institute, life-sized replicas of iconic Hot Wheels models, including the 2011 Bone Shaker and the 2001 Twin Mill, and a variety of DirtFish rally racing cars. Hoonigan showcased the Hoonipigasus Porsche while athlete Micah Diaz lit up the track in his Pro-Spec E46.
The event also featured exclusive merchandise in collaboration with automotive lifestyle brand The Drivers Era, as well as variety of special-edition items.
A portion of proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the East Kern Family Resource Center and Lost Angels Career Center, local 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.
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