IndyCar - Road America

The NTT IndyCar Series returns to Road America for the XPEL Grand Prix at Road America Presented by AMR. This race brings open-wheel racing to one of America's premier road courses in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The event features the full field of IndyCar competitors racing on a historic 4.048-mile circuit that has challenged drivers since 1955.

About the Circuit

Road America is a permanent road course that spans 640 acres near Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The track measures 4.048 miles in length and features 14 turns. Drivers face significant elevation changes, including a 160-foot drop from the start/finish line down to the section between Turn 11 and Turn 12.

The circuit layout has remained virtually unchanged since it opened in 1955. This consistency makes Road America a true test of driving skill. The front stretch allows IndyCar machines to reach speeds approaching 200 mph. Turn 11, known as "The Kink," presents a high-speed challenge that demands precision. Turn 12, called Canada Corner, offers a heavy braking zone where overtaking opportunities often develop.

The FIA classifies Road America as a Grade Two circuit. The facility hosts over 400 events annually, ranging from professional series to vintage and club racing.

The Competitors

The 2026 NTT IndyCar Series field includes multiple championship-winning teams. Chip Ganassi Racing, Arrow McLaren, Andretti Global, Meyer Shank Racing, and Team Penske lead the entry list. Additional teams include Ed Carpenter Racing, A.J. Foyt Racing, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Dale Coyne Racing, and Juncos Hollinger Racing.

The driver lineup for 2026 features reigning champion Álex Palou alongside established stars such as Josef Newgarden, Scott McLaughlin, Will Power, and Scott Dixon. Other competitors include Pato O'Ward, Kyle Kirkwood, Marcus Ericsson, Alexander Rossi, Felix Rosenqvist, Christian Lundgaard, David Malukas, Rinus VeeKay, Graham Rahal, Santino Ferrucci, and Romain Grosjean.

The 2026 rookie class brings fresh talent to the series. Dennis Hauger, Caio Collet, and Mick Schumacher join the IndyCar grid for the first time this season.

IndyCar Technical Details

IndyCar uses a spec chassis formula to promote competitive racing. All teams compete with the Dallara IR-18 chassis, a purpose-built open-wheel design optimized for high downforce and aerodynamic efficiency. A new chassis, the IR28, is expected to debut in 2028.

The series uses 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid engines from Chevrolet and Honda. These powerplants produce between 550 and 750 horsepower depending on boost levels, with a 12,000 RPM limit. The hybrid system was integrated into the engine package midway through the 2024 season and continues for 2026.

Firestone supplies all tires for the NTT IndyCar Series. Cars competing on road courses must weigh at least 1,630 pounds, including the driver and fuel. IndyCars measure a minimum of 192 inches in length, between 77.5 and 78.5 inches in width, and feature a wheelbase of 121.5 to 122 inches.

For 2026, IndyCar introduced new superspeedway tire ramp flaps for Indianapolis 500 sessions. These carbon fiber components deploy during a spin to reduce lift. The series also established IndyCar Officiating, a new independent organization that oversees all competition officiating through a three-person Independent Officiating Board.

Racing Heritage at Road America

Racing in the Elkhart Lake area began in the early 1950s on public roads. Engineer Clif Tufte founded the permanent circuit after authorities banned racing on public roads. The facility opened in 1955.

IndyCar, then known as CART, first raced at Road America in 1982. Héctor Rebaque won that inaugural event after Al Unser ran out of fuel on the final lap. The track has witnessed several drivers earn their first career Indy car victories, including Dario Franchitti in 1998 and Felix Rosenqvist in 2020.

The Andretti family has strong ties to Road America, with Michael Andretti securing multiple victories at the circuit. The venue has also seen its share of heartbreak, as Al Unser Jr. never managed to win at Road America despite several strong performances.

What Makes This Venue Special

Road America offers a unique spectator experience. The track maintains an open seating policy, allowing fans to roam freely across the 640-acre facility. Natural hillsides provide viewing areas that can accommodate over 150,000 people. Fans can choose from various vantage points around the circuit.

The facility generates significant economic value for the region, bringing over $100 million annually to the local area. The venue's appeal has attracted celebrities including David Letterman, Tom Cruise, Patrick Dempsey, Tim Allen, and the late Paul Newman.

Road America maintains its original 4.048-mile, 14-turn configuration, making it one of the few truly classic road courses still in active use. This old-school layout challenges modern IndyCar drivers with the same corners and elevation changes that tested racers decades ago. The circuit offers an optional chicane at Turn 11 for other racing series, though IndyCar runs the traditional layout.

The 2026 XPEL Grand Prix at Road America Presented by AMR promises close competition on a track that rewards driver skill and car setup. FOX will broadcast the race, bringing the action from Wisconsin to viewers across the country.