IndyCar - Road America

The XPEL Grand Prix at Road America Presented by AMR brings NTT IndyCar Series competition to one of North America's most respected permanent road courses. This 2026 race returns to the famous Wisconsin circuit, where drivers compete on 4.048 miles of challenging asphalt featuring 14 turns and significant elevation changes. Road America hosts this IndyCar race alongside support series including Indy NXT, Radical Cup North America, USF Pro 2000, and USF 2000, creating a full weekend of open-wheel racing action.

The Circuit and Location

Road America sits near Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, on Highway 67, positioned midway between Milwaukee and Green Bay. The track occupies 640 acres and uses the natural topography of the Kettle Moraine area. The circuit layout has remained virtually unchanged since 1955, offering a pure test of driver skill and car setup. The 4.048-mile course features high-speed straights and demanding corners with names like "The Kink," "Canada Corner," and "Thunder Valley." The track holds an FIA Grade 2 certification and is often called "America's National Park of Speed."

The facility can accommodate over 150,000 spectators across various viewing areas. Fans have access to open seating, multiple grandstands, and hillside viewing spots that provide clear sightlines of different sections of the track. The natural elevation changes allow spectators to watch cars navigate through multiple corners from single vantage points.

Teams and Drivers in 2026

The 2026 IndyCar season features confirmed entries from Andretti Global, Arrow McLaren, Chip Ganassi Racing, Dale Coyne Racing, Ed Carpenter Racing, Juncos Hollinger Racing, Meyer Shank Racing, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, and Team Penske. These teams bring some of the sport's top talent to Road America, including Alex Palou, Scott McLaughlin, Josef Newgarden, and Scott Dixon. Additional drivers expected to compete include Marcus Armstrong, David Malukas, Christian Rasmussen, and Felix Rosenqvist.

The Indy NXT support series adds depth to the race weekend. Several new teams join Indy NXT competition in 2026, including Juncos Hollinger Racing, AJ Foyt Racing, and Ed Carpenter Racing. The series operates with a limit of 24 cars, with teams capped at four entries each. This structure provides a platform for developing drivers to showcase their abilities on the same circuit as IndyCar veterans.

Technical Specifications

IndyCar teams compete with the Dallara DW12 chassis equipped with the 2018 universal aero kit. Firestone serves as the sole tire supplier for the series through at least 2030, providing specialized compounds for road course racing at venues like Road America. The tire strategy plays a significant role in race outcomes on this long, fast circuit where tire degradation varies across different sections of the track.

The Indy NXT series introduces technical updates for 2026. The Dallara IL15 chassis receives a replacement for its original six-speed transmission, and teams will use a new semi-automatic shifting system. All NTT IndyCar Series races in 2026 will be broadcast on FOX, making the Road America race accessible to television viewers nationwide.

History and Track Character

Road racing in the Elkhart Lake area began in the late 1940s when the Sports Car Club of America organized races on public roads. Clif Tufte, a highway engineer, established Road America in 1955 after racing on public roads was banned. The first race took place on September 10-11, 1955, as an SCCA National race weekend. The track has maintained its original configuration and character for nearly seven decades.

Road America has hosted various racing series over the years. NASCAR held one Grand National race at the track in 1956 and returned for Cup Series races in 2021 and 2022. The circuit's design challenges drivers with its combination of high-speed sections and technical corners, requiring precise car setup and driving finesse. The minimal modifications to the natural landscape preserve the track's unique character and difficulty.

Spectator Experience and Facilities

Road America attracts over 800,000 visitors annually and hosts more than 500 events each year. The facility generates significant economic impact, with studies showing contributions exceeding $250 million to Sheboygan County and over $400 million statewide. The track offers comprehensive food and beverage services throughout the grounds, along with various hospitality options including the Finish Line Tower Package and the Turn 14 Experience.

Families benefit from free general admission for children 16 and under when accompanied by a paying adult at season racing events. The facility provides over 1,000 campsites for fans who want to stay on the property throughout the race weekend. The camping areas create a festival atmosphere where IndyCar fans gather to share their passion for the sport.

The 2026 IndyCar race at Road America promises competitive action on a circuit that rewards both driver talent and strategic thinking. The combination of high speeds, elevation changes, and technical corners creates opportunities for position changes and close racing. This event showcases IndyCar competition on one of the series' most respected road courses, where the margin between success and disappointment measures in fractions of a second.