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Willow Springs

Started by TA Coupe, March 27, 2025, 10:44:30 PM

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TA Coupe

Willow Springs has been sold:

https://www.hotrod.com/features/willow-springs-raceway-closing-2025-new-owners/

Lots of great memories from there. Hopefully it's not RIP time.

     Roy
If it starts it's streetable.
Overkill is just enough.

98SVT - was 06GT

Odd they want everyone out by the end of the month. I wonder how the rental/lease agreements were written. I saw Lynn Park a few weeks ago. At that time the COCOA weekend was still on.

It will probably become another "race club" for the ultra rich. Ala VIR, Spring Mountain, The Thermal Club, etc.
https://youtu.be/a8ScSreCCNo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfakxwLAJsg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgoDs__TV-w
Previous owner 6S843 - GT350H & 68 GT500 Convert #135.
Mine: GT1 Mustang, 1998 SVT 32V, 1929 Model A Coupe, Wife's: 2004 Tbird
Member since 1975 - priceless

tesgt350

Any time I see where a Business gets bought up by a "Private Equity Group", it rarely ends well, especially when the Buyers don't have any or much experience in what that Business does.  I went to their Web Site and I didn't see anything that pertains to racing.  It is as if one or two of the Executives running the Company decided to get into Tracking their Car for fun so they got their Company to buy it. I could be wrong. 

pbf777

Quote from: tesgt350 on March 28, 2025, 07:42:40 AMAny time I see where a Business gets bought up by a "Private Equity Group", it rarely ends well, especially when the Buyers don't have any or much experience in what that Business does. 

    In case you haven't noticed, it would seem the bulk of the big name "Automotive Aftermarket Performance Parts Manufacturing Industry" has been picked up in the same fashion.  :o

    And I would have to agree.............. the future doesn't look good!  :(

    Scott.

427heaven

Look who comes out to PLAY with their vehicles..... Lets call them 'FINANCIALLY ABLE'. Sports cars/ Classic cars/Race cars are not typically for the common man.

TA Coupe

Doesn't look like COCOA at Willow Springs is listed anywhere that I can find 🤔

     Roy
If it starts it's streetable.
Overkill is just enough.

kate

Willow Springs' sale to a private group is bittersweet. Likely headed toward exclusive use for the ultra-rich, it may lose its grassroots spirit. Many fear it's the end of an era for public access and real enthusiast culture. Let's hope the legacy isn't entirely erased

98SVT - was 06GT

Quote from: kate on April 08, 2025, 09:03:22 AM..... Let's hope the legacy isn't entirely erased
You may have struck on the solution. It's the first permanent track built in the US. We should start a drive to save the place for its historical significance.

It is the oldest permanent road course in the United States. Construction began in 1952, with the inaugural race held on November 23, 1953. The main track is a 2.500 mi (4.023 km) long road course that is unchanged from its original 1953 configuration.
Previous owner 6S843 - GT350H & 68 GT500 Convert #135.
Mine: GT1 Mustang, 1998 SVT 32V, 1929 Model A Coupe, Wife's: 2004 Tbird
Member since 1975 - priceless

FL SAAC

another one gone to soon...R.I.P.
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"Usque Ad finem"

tesgt350

Quote from: kate on April 08, 2025, 09:03:22 AMWillow Springs' sale to a private group is bittersweet. Likely headed toward exclusive use for the ultra-rich, it may lose its grassroots spirit. Many fear it's the end of an era for public access and real enthusiast culture. Let's hope the legacy isn't entirely erased

I'd give it a couple Years before they realize they will need to open it up to Public use for Income to help maintain it.