IMSA - Road America

The Motul SportsCar Endurance Grand Prix at Road America represents a premier IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship event. This six-hour endurance race takes place at one of America's most respected permanent road courses. Road America hosts this competition as the fourth round of the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup. The circuit welcomes teams and drivers from around the globe to compete on its challenging layout near Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

About Road America

Road America sits on 640 acres near Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, on Highway 67 between Milwaukee and Green Bay. The circuit measures 4.048 miles in length and features 14 turns. The track has maintained its original configuration since 1955. This permanence makes Road America one of only a handful of road circuits worldwide to preserve its original design. The facility holds an FIA Grade 2 certification and can accommodate crowds exceeding 150,000 spectators.

Track Features

The circuit features significant elevation changes throughout its layout. The long front stretch allows cars to reach speeds approaching 200 mph. One notable feature is a turn on the backside known as "the kink." The track offers open seating throughout the grounds, with grandstands in several locations and hillside viewing areas. Road America attracts over 800,000 visitors annually and hosts more than 400 events each year.

Race Format

The IMSA event at Road America runs as a six-hour endurance race. This format tests both driver skill and team strategy over an extended period. The extended duration requires teams to manage fuel consumption, tire wear, and driver changes. The race serves as a key component of the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup.

Competition Classes

The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship includes multiple classes of race cars. Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) cars represent the top class. GTD PRO and GTD classes feature production-based sports cars. LMP2 prototypes also compete in select events. Each class brings different performance characteristics to Road America. The multi-class format creates varied racing throughout the field.

Technical Demands

Road America challenges drivers with its combination of speed and technical sections. Drivers must memorize turn sequences, braking points, and optimal speeds. The track requires both precision and bravery. The long straights reward powerful engines. The technical sections demand precise handling. The elevation changes add another layer of difficulty. Teams must set up their cars to balance these competing demands.

Circuit History

Racing in the Elkhart Lake area dates back to the early 1950s. Early races took place on public roads in and around the town. When authorities banned racing on public roads, Clif Tufte organized a group to build a permanent facility. His vision became reality in April 1955. The first SCCA national race weekend occurred on September 10, 1955. The venue has hosted sports car racing continuously since then.

The IMSA SportsCar Weekend at Road America has deep roots in American sports car racing. The event was part of the IMSA GT Championship and later the American Le Mans Series. The Road America 500 is a historic sports car race that appeared in various championships, including the SCCA National Sports Car Championship and the United States Road Racing Championship. Notable figures from entertainment and racing have visited the facility, including David Letterman, Tom Cruise, and Paul Newman. The circuit generates over $100 million in economic impact annually.

This IMSA race at Road America promises competitive action across all classes. The six-hour format provides ample opportunity for position changes and strategic battles. The circuit's unique characteristics create racing that rewards both speed and consistency. Fans can experience world-class sports car racing at one of America's most storied road courses.