The legendary Willow Springs circuit, famously known as The Fastest Track in the West, has been put up for sale, leaving its future hanging in the balance.
Willow Springs, a cornerstone of American motorsport since its opening in 1953, has never hosted an F1 race but has a rich history with numerous NASCAR Cup races in the mid-1950s and its prominent role in the 2019 film Ford v Ferrari. The track, designed in part by racing legend Ken Miles, has seen many high-profile events and personalities over the decades.
In 2011, movie star Tom Cruise took a Red Bull F1 car for a spin at Willow Springs, reaching a top speed of 181 mph, just 4 mph shy of his instructor, former F1 driver David Coulthard. The track spreads over 600 acres and features seven different configurations, with Big Willow being the most iconic. This 2.5-mile course has remained unchanged for 70 years and holds the track record set by Michael Andretti with a lap time of 1:06.050 in 1987.
Willow Springs also boasts facilities such as a go-kart circuit, a skidpad, short oval courses, and rallycross and off-road tracks. It’s particularly popular among motorcyclists for its high-speed corners and elevation changes, making it a go-to destination for track days.
The circuit has a somewhat rustic charm, with its sunbleached buildings and cracked surfaces, which appeals to long-time enthusiasts. However, with new ownership, there is potential for modernization and fresh investment to rejuvenate this storied venue.
Its history is further enriched by a personal connection, as Bill Huth bought the track in 1962 for just $116,000 with plans to turn it into a dragstrip. Realizing the straight was too short, he instead maintained it as a racing circuit. Huth’s family has continued to run the operation since his passing in 2015 at the age of 91.
Today, as new circuits like Las Vegas, Miami, and Austin’s Circuit of the Americas highlight the growing popularity of F1 in the United States, Willow Springs stands as a testament to motorsport’s rich heritage in America. Its sale marks the end of an era but also presents an opportunity for a new chapter in its illustrious history.
With its storied past and potential for future development, the sale of Willow Springs racing circuit opens up the possibility of a new, exciting chapter for this iconic venue.
Source: Planetf1
