‘Re-imagining’ of Willow Springs continues with Goodwood America event

The ongoing transformation of Willow Springs International Raceway marked another milestone with the announcement that the historic California circuit will host the first event of the newly launched Goodwood Road Racing Club of America.

Best known for flagship events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Goodwood Revival and Goodwood Members’ Meeting in England, Thursday's announcement represents a defining moment for both institutions. The oldest permanent road course in the U.S., Willow Springs Raceway will serve as a focal point for Goodwood's celebrated motorsport community in America, further cementing the circuit's position as one of the world's most significant destinations for automotive enthusiasts.

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Built in 1953, the 2.5-mile, 9-turn road course in Rosamond, Calif., was purchased by CrossHarbor Capital Partners in 2025 with plans for renovating the venerable facility. The inaugural GRRC of America event at Willow Springs, scheduled for the fall of 2028, will introduce Goodwood to a new audience through exclusive events, curated experiences and an enthusiast community built around a shared passion for motorsport, heritage and automotive culture.

For Willow Springs Raceway, the partnership is another step toward its goal of creating a premier venue for motorsport, automotive innovation and enthusiast culture in North America.

"Willow Springs Raceway has always represented an authentic connection between drivers, cars and motorsport history," said Sam Byrne, co-founder of CrossHarbor Capital Partners. "To partner with Goodwood as the home of its first Goodwood Road Racing Club of America flagship event is an extraordinary honor and a testament to the significance of this circuit. Together, we have an opportunity to create something truly special, which celebrates the heritage of motorsport while inspiring a new generation of enthusiasts."

The launch of the Goodwood Road Racing Club of America extends Goodwood’s philosophy of placing automotive enthusiasts at the center of its mission across the Atlantic. The club will offer member exclusive access to Goodwood’s iconic events in the UK while introducing a new calendar of experiences across the U.S. The organization will launch with three founding patrons, whose careers embody the club's enduring spirit: three-time Formula 1 world champion Sir Jackie Stewart, Indy 500 winner and Formula 1 world champion Mario Andretti, and NASCAR icon Richard Petty. Each has played a significant role in Goodwood's history, and will help establish the character and vision of the GRRC’s American chapter.

"The Goodwood Road Racing Club of America will be a club defined by unrivaled access, exclusive events and exceptional shared experiences, delivered with the charm, wit and style for which Goodwood is renowned. With California as our starting point, we aim to honor the automotive history of the United States, and Willow Springs Raceway is the perfect partner and destination for us to begin this radical journey,” said Charles Richmond, Duke of Richmond and Gordon. "We've aspired to bring the Goodwood spirit to the United States for a long time, so this serves as a defining moment for us, and one we believe will resonate across the wider car culture world."