The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles and the new ownership group for Willow Springs International Raceway in Rosamond, California, announced a new partnership.

The Petersen Automotive Museum will help create the new Petersen Pavilion, an outpost of the Los Angeles institution, to be built at Willow Springs. The new facility is designed to play a key role in elevating Willow Springs as a cultural and historical landmark, and the timeline for the construction will be announced at a later date.

"As one of the most iconic racetracks in America, Willow Springs, is an ideal place to celebrate the passion, heritage and innovation that define the automotive world," said Terry L. Karges, executive director of the Petersen Automotive Museum. "We look forward to bringing our expertise in storytelling and curation to create an environment where enthusiasts can engage with automotive culture in a dynamic and meaningful way."

Willow Springs was purchased in April 2025 by an affiliate of CrossHarbor Capital Partners in collaboration with Singer Vehicle Design. The new ownership group is focused on preserving the facility's rich history while making significant investments to establish it as the premier venue for automotive and motorsports enthusiasts.

"The Petersen has helped set the bar for automotive museums around the world, and it is the perfect partner to help us engage with the vibrant history and future of automotive culture," said Sam Byrne, co-founder of CrossHarbor Capital Partners. "Stunning exhibitions and immersive storytelling are at the heart of what the Petersen does, and the showcase will be a tremendous asset as we reimagine Willow Springs Raceway."

Maintaining public access is a key element of Willow Springs' success, and the raceway will continue to host both public and private events. The Petersen Automotive Museum joins a growing list of industry experts who will help upgrade and improve the track experience. Former Formula 1 driver, Le Mans winner and track designer Alex Wurz, head of Wurz Design, has been tapped to enhance existing track design and safety, while Speedway Motorsports' subsidiary Sonoma Raceway is set to help offer premier on-track experiences to oversee track operations.

For more information, visit petersen.org and willowspringsraceway.com.  

Image courtesy of Petersen Automotive Museum, Willow Springs Raceway