Road America

Road America stands as one of the most iconic racing circuits in the United States, nestled in the rolling hills near Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. This historic track has thrilled racing fans and challenged drivers since its opening on September 10, 1955. Located midway between Milwaukee and Green Bay, the circuit sits on 640 acres of Wisconsin's beautiful Kettle Moraine region, earning its nickname "America's National Park of Speed" for its park-like setting and exciting racing action.

Track Layout and Technical Features

The 4.048-mile (6.515 km) asphalt circuit features 14 turns and holds an FIA Grade 2 classification. The track maintains its original configuration, making it one of the few major road courses in the world with such a timeless design. The layout takes full advantage of the natural terrain, creating significant elevation changes that test drivers' skills. The long front stretch allows speeds approaching 200 mph before drivers must brake hard for Turn 1, a fast right-hander that sets the tone for the lap. Several sections of Road America have become famous in racing circles. "The Kink" (Turn 11) presents drivers with a high-speed, blind challenge that separates the brave from the cautious. This corner is so demanding that track officials installed an optional chicane in 2003 specifically for motorcycle competitions, marking the only layout alteration for two-wheeled racing while preserving the original configuration for cars. The "Carousel" (Turns 9 and 10) forms a sweeping constant-radius section that demands precise throttle control. "Canada Corner" (Turn 12) sits at the end of a long straight and creates an excellent overtaking opportunity with its heavy braking zone. In late 2006, officials replaced the original bridge at Turn 13 with a tunnel, improving spectator and paddock access while eliminating a problematic mid-corner obstacle.

Rich Racing History

Road America's story began on the public roads around Elkhart Lake in the late 1940s. After safety concerns prompted a move to a dedicated facility, local civil engineer Cliff Tufte designed the current circuit. Since its first race weekend in September 1955, the track has hosted virtually every major racing series in North America. Several famous drivers scored their first career victories at Road America, including Emerson Fittipaldi, Jacques Villeneuve, and Héctor Rebaque.

Current Racing Calendar

The circuit maintains a full schedule of prominent racing series. Major events include the IndyCar Series XPEL Grand Prix of Road America, IMSA SportsCar Championship, MotoAmerica Superbike Championship, GT World Challenge America, and the Trans-Am Series. The NASCAR Cup Series raced here in 2021 and 2022 before moving to a street course in Chicago. The NASCAR Xfinity Series also previously competed at the circuit through 2023. The historic June Sprints has run for over 50 years under SCCA Chicago Region organization. The WeatherTech International Challenge with Brian Redman stands as one of America's largest vintage racing events, drawing classic race cars from around the world.

Spectator Experience

Road America offers a unique spectator experience with open seating throughout the grounds. Fans can move freely around the circuit, finding favorite viewing spots at any of the 14 turns. The track's natural hillside areas provide excellent viewing angles. A network of tunnels and bridges helps visitors access different parts of the facility. The circuit also features the Briggs & Stratton Motorplex, an 0.8-mile (1.3 km) karting track, plus driving schools and adventure programs, maintaining its status as one of America's most beloved and challenging road racing circuits.