goodwood is coming to americaThe Duke of Richmond's iconic motorsport properties have long been considered the pinnacle of historic racing and automotive culture, but they have always required a transatlantic flight for American enthusiasts. That boundary is officially dissolving.The Goodwood Road Racing Club (GRRC) has announced its expansion into the United States with the formation of the Goodwood Road Racing Club of America. In a move that bridges British motorsport tradition with American racing heritage, the organization has partnered with California's historic Willow Springs International Raceway to serve as the permanent home for its flagship American events.A Convergence of Historic VenuesSelecting Willow Springs is a deliberate nod to genuine racing heritage. While modern corporate tracks offer sterile, state-of-the-art facilities, Willow Springs holds the distinction of being the oldest permanent road course in the United States. Opened in 1953, its fast, sweeping elevation changes have tested everyone from Ken Miles to modern IndyCar teams.AdvertisementAdvertisementFor Goodwood-an organization built entirely on the reverence of motorsport history at the Duke of Richmond's West Sussex estate-the gritty, authentic legacy of the high-desert track makes it a fitting Western hemisphere counterpart.The rollout will follow a phased timeline:2027: The GRRC of America will officially debut, launching membership tiers, curated enthusiast experiences, and exclusive access to existing UK events like the Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival.Fall 2028: Willow Springs will host the inaugural, recurring headline American motorsport event.Heavyweight Backing from Motorsport RoyaltyTo establish immediate credibility in a crowded North American automotive calendar, the GRRC of America has launched with three of the most revered names in racing history as its founding patrons:AdvertisementAdvertisementSir Jackie Stewart: Three-time Formula 1 World Champion.Mario Andretti: Formula 1 World Champion, Indy 500 winner, and Daytona 500 champion.Richard Petty: Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion.The involvement of Stewart, Andretti, and Petty underscores the club's intent to span the entire spectrum of motorsport disciplines, blending European open-wheel sophistication with the raw power of American oval and sports car racing."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," said Charles Richmond, Duke of Richmond and Gordon. "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."goodwood is coming to americaThe Business of Automotive CultureFor Willow Springs, this partnership represents a major commercial and cultural win. Under the stewardship of CrossHarbor Capital Partners, which acquired the track in 2024, the venue has been undergoing a steady transformation aimed at modernizing infrastructure while preserving its raw, vintage character. Securing an exclusive partnership with Goodwood immediately elevates the circuit's global profile and positions it to compete with premium automotive country clubs and experiential venues across North America.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhile the exact format of the Fall 2028 event remains under wraps, enthusiasts can reasonably expect an event that mirrors the spirit of the Goodwood Members' Meeting or the Revival-focused on historic grids, period-correct aesthetics, and unfettered paddock access.By marrying West Sussex pageantry with the unforgiving asphalt of the Mojave Desert, the GRRC is betting that American collectors and fans are ready for a new brand of historic motorsport.