Historic Willow Springs Raceway Is Up For Sale – See What The Future Holds For This Iconic Track

Whenever a major racetrack goes up for sale, it's an event that makes gearheads everywhere sit up and take notice. Most listings tend to be custom-built tracks or grassroots setups, but every now and then, a piece of motorsport history hits the market. This time, that historic marvel is the Willow Springs International Raceway in Southern California, which has now been listed for sale.

Located roughly 80 miles outside Los Angeles in Kern County, Willow Springs holds the distinction of being the oldest permanent road course in the United States. Constructed in 1952, the 2.5-mile track has hosted NASCAR events and numerous regional series, becoming a beloved fixture in the racing community. This isn’t just any track; it's a complex tapestry of multiple racing venues including the main Willow Springs Raceway, the 1.8-mile Streets of Willow Springs, the one-mile Horse Thief Mile, and even karting tracks and a quarter-mile oval.

The history of Willow Springs is intertwined with the Huth family, who have owned it since 1962. Family patriarch Bill Huth initially bought the track with dreams of turning it into a drag strip. However, after realizing the strip would be too short, he opted to keep the track as it was. Decades later, the family is now selling it, and while the asking price remains undisclosed, the property is assessed at just over $2.25 million.

The allure of Willow Springs lies not only in its history but in its sprawling layout, which features seven different tracks. Besides the main track, the venue includes the recently repaved Streets of Willow Springs, which offers a more techinical 1.8-mile layout. House Thief Mile, added in 2003, provides a one-mile circuit that adds diversity to the complex. Other tracks include The Speedway, a kart track, a practice area affectionately known as The Playpen, and the Walt James Stadium.

Given its remote location, far from urban sprawl, it's unlikely that Willow Springs will suffer the fate of being turned into a warehouse district like AutoClub Speedway. Instead, the listing pitches the property as a Southern Californian counterpart to the glossy Sonoma Raceway, highlighting potential lucrative ventures.

Potential buyers are encouraged to consider investments that diversify the track's appeal. Think high-end clientele, professional and corporate gatherings, and a membership-based revenue stream. Boosting gate fees, concession sales, additional lodging options, and long-term garage rentals are also on the table for increasing profitability.

This vision positions Willow Springs as an entertainment hub, much like Sonoma Raceway in Northern California, catering to both professional motorsport and recreational drivers alike.

It's fascinating to speculate on what lies ahead for Willow Springs. Who knows, perhaps an enthusiast—or even one of our readers—could be the next steward of this legendary venue. If so, don’t forget to invite us for a few laps around the track!