Road America is a permanent course located near Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The circuit opened in 1955 and still has its original track configuration. Today, the circuit hosts more than 600 events annually.
History of Road America
After World War II, races were commonly run on public streets around the country, including Elkhart Lake. After legislature banned racing on public roads, organizers joined together to create privately-owned racecourses.
One of the first was the Chicago Region of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). The group developed plans and sold stock to build a permanent racecourse. The overall vision of Road America is credited to Clif Tufte, a highway engineer. Tufte chose 525 acres of Wisconsin farmland outside the Village of Elkhart Lake to build Road America. His dream became a reality in April 1955.
At 4.048 miles in length, with 14 turns, the track is virtually the same today as it was when it was first laid out. More than 800,000 visitors a year from every corner of the world visit, generating more than $100 million dollars annually.
In addition to its original 4-mile course, Road America has an interior CTECH Manufacturing Motorplex used for karting, and beautiful grounds that surround the facility.
Fun Facts
- Road America is halfway between Milwaukee and Green Bay, Wisconsin
- The first race took place on September 10, 1955.
- The 4.048-mile course has 14 turns.
- The record race lap of 1:39.866 was set by Dario Franchitti in a CART series race in 2000.
- The Road America tracks have been included in many racing video games.
- The track is the only permanent road circuit that has its original layout with no short courses, added loops or revised corners.
- More than 800,000 people visit each year, generating more than $100 million in revenue.
Find a complete schedule of upcoming events at Road America and other tracks across the U.S. with Track Rabbit’s platform. And as always, ensure you and your car are protected during track day events with insurance from Lockton Motorsports. Find the policy that’s right for you.