By SEMA News Editors
Singer Vehicle Design, CrossHarbor Capital Acquire Willow Springs International Raceway
Singer Vehicle Design, the California-based restorer of air-cooled Porsche 911s, and real estate investment firm CrossHarbor Capital have partnered to acquire Willow Springs International Raceway, the Kern County, California, racing facility.
The new ownership group sees public access as a key aspect of Willow Springs' success, according to a statement announcing the acquisition, and the raceway will continue to host both public and private events. Existing tracks, including all three road courses, will remain open to the public and undergo enhancements to improve safety. A variety of track layouts, including karting, ATV courses and driver instruction, will continue to be available to a broad range of interests, company officials said.
In addition to being an owner, Singer will partner with CrossHarbor to create a private member's club. Membership will be open to Singer's clients as well as other like-minded enthusiasts and will enable drivers to bring their vehicles for track days and related experiences.
New ownership has already begun an in-depth evaluation of the raceway's facilities and will initially focus on track and safety improvements, including adding more asphalt and curbs and enhancing run-off areas with leveling and gravel. Future plans include upgrading its facilities, improving food and beverage offerings, and refining the track and driving experience.
Additionally, Speedway Motorsports, the North Carolina-based owner of California's Sonoma Raceway, will oversee track operations at the facility.
For more information, visit willowspringsraceway.com.
McLaren Racing to Enter WEC Hypercar Class in 2027
McLaren Racing, the United Kingdom-based Formula 1, INDYCAR and Formula E Team, is expanding into the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in the Hypercar prototype class beginning in 2027.
The British marque--which this year is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its 24 Hours of Le Mans victory with the F1 GTR in 1995--joins the top class in sports car racing for the first time since 1998.
In partnership with United Autosports, McLaren Automotive entered FIA WEC's LMGT3 division in 2024, tallying a trio of top four finishes in the 720S LMGT3 Evo's maiden campaign in the series.
McLaren is the latest manufacturer to announce its intent to join the Hypercar grid in the coming years, alongside Hyundai's Genesis-branded prototype effort and Ford, which both confirmed new Hypercar programs earlier this year.
For more information, visit fiawec.com.