For decades, The Goodwood Festival of Speed has been considered one of the greatest automotive celebrations in the world. Every July, enthusiasts from across the globe travel to England to witness legendary race cars, modern hypercars, Formula 1 machines, motorcycles, manufacturers, and racing icons come together in a way that no other event can replicate. Now, for the first time in its history, that unmistakable Goodwood spirit is officially crossing the Atlantic. This has been a dream event to attend for Street Cars 101 Magazine and it is finally going to happen.
On July 10, Willow Springs International Raceway announced a landmark partnership with the Goodwood Road Racing Club of America (GRRC of America), making the legendary California circuit the permanent home of Goodwood’s first-ever American flagship event. It is one of the biggest announcements in recent motorsports history and has the potential to reshape enthusiast culture in the United States for years to come.
More Than Just Another Car Show
If you’ve never experienced Goodwood, it’s difficult to explain. It isn’t simply a race weekend, a concours, or an auto show. It blends motorsports, automotive history, manufacturers, celebrities, collectors, and enthusiasts into one unforgettable experience. The recently released Goodwood announcement video captures that philosophy perfectly. Rather than focusing solely on race cars, it tells the story of bringing together every corner of car culture. Historic racing legends, modern performance vehicles, future technology, passionate enthusiasts, and unforgettable experiences all become part of the same community. The message is clear: this is about preserving motorsport heritage while creating new memories for future generations. That vision now has an American home.
Why Willow Springs?
Choosing Willow Springs International Raceway was far from random. Known as America’s oldest permanent road course, Willow Springs has been operating since 1953 and has earned legendary status among racers. Located in Rosamond, California the historic “Big Willow” circuit has challenged everyone from Formula cars and NASCAR competitors to manufacturers testing future performance vehicles. The track remains virtually unchanged from its original layout, making it one of the purest driving experiences anywhere in North America.
The partnership also continues the ambitious transformation that began after CrossHarbor Capital Partners purchased the facility in 2025. Since then, plans have focused on restoring Willow Springs into one of the world’s premier automotive destinations while preserving the character that made the circuit famous.
A Club Built Around Enthusiasts
Instead of immediately launching a massive public festival, Goodwood is first introducing the Goodwood Road Racing Club of America. Beginning in 2027, members will gain access to exclusive automotive experiences throughout the United States while also enjoying unique opportunities connected to Goodwood’s iconic events in England. The club is designed to create a community of passionate enthusiasts who appreciate motorsport history, craftsmanship, racing heritage, and unforgettable driving experiences. Applications for membership are expected to open in January 2027, giving American enthusiasts an opportunity to become part of Goodwood’s expanding global community before the inaugural flagship event arrives.
Racing Legends Lead the Way
The organization is launching with three founding patrons whose careers span multiple generations of motorsport. Three-time Formula 1 World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart, Formula 1 World Champion and Indianapolis 500 winner Mario Andretti, and NASCAR legend Richard Petty will help shape the identity of the American chapter. It’s difficult to imagine three names that better represent international racing, American open-wheel competition, and stock car history. Their involvement immediately gives the project credibility while connecting multiple generations of fans.
The Main Event Arrives in 2028
Although club activities begin in 2027, enthusiasts already have one date circled on the calendar. The first official Goodwood Road Racing Club of America headline event is scheduled for Fall 2028 at Willow Springs Raceway. While organizers have intentionally kept many details under wraps, expectations are understandably high. If the event captures even a portion of the atmosphere found at England’s Festival of Speed, Revival, or Members’ Meeting. American enthusiasts could be witnessing the birth of one of the country’s premier annual automotive gatherings.
What This Means for American Car Culture
From our perspective at Street Cars 101 Magazine, this announcement is much bigger than adding another event to an already busy calendar. For years we’ve watched American enthusiasts travel overseas to experience Goodwood firsthand. Now, one of the most respected names in motorsports is making a long-term investment in the United States. This also reflects a growing trend we’ve been covering throughout 2026. Events are becoming more than races or car shows. They are becoming destinations where enthusiasts connect with manufacturers, media, collectors, racers, builders, and families in one place. Now Goodwood is bringing that same philosophy to one of America’s most historic race tracks.
The combination of Willow Springs’ legendary history and Goodwood’s world-renowned reputation creates something few could have imagined just a few years ago. If everything unfolds as planned, Fall 2028 may mark the beginning of a brand-new tradition in American motorsports, one that blends British heritage with American horsepower and gives enthusiasts on this side of the Atlantic a chance to experience the magic of Goodwood without crossing an ocean.
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About Willow Springs International Raceway
Willow Springs International Raceway is the oldest permanent road course in the United States. Its iconic 2.5-mile, nine-turn layout has remained unchanged for decades. Under new ownership by CrossHarbor Capital Partners and Singer Vehicle Design, the historic facility is being revitalized as a premier destination for motorsports, automotive enthusiasts, and car culture.
About CrossHarbor Capital Partners
Founded in 1993, CrossHarbor Capital Partners is a real estate investment firm with more than $10 billion in assets under management and over $30 billion in investment history. The company is known for transforming landmark properties, including Montana’s Yellowstone Club, and is helping lead the redevelopment of Willow Springs Raceway.
About Goodwood
Goodwood is England’s historic sporting estate, home to world-renowned events including the Festival of Speed, Goodwood Revival, Members’ Meeting, and Qatar Goodwood Festival. The 11,000-acre estate combines motorsport, horse racing, aviation, hospitality, and sustainability, making it one of the world’s most celebrated automotive and sporting destinations.
About the Goodwood Road Racing Club
Founded in 1998, the Goodwood Road Racing Club (GRRC) is Goodwood’s global community of motorsport enthusiasts, offering exclusive events, experiences, and access to iconic gatherings such as the Members’ Meeting. In 2026, Goodwood announced the GRRC will expand into the United States, launching a California-based membership program in 2027 as part of its partnership with Willow Springs International Raceway.
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