Road America, located near Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin is a motorsports circuit that has hosted auto-racing events since the 1950s. Road America, a four-mile track that has 14 turns is a top motorsports destination. The track has hosted many NASCAR, Xfinity Series and international races. It is a favorite with fans of all ages.
Auto racing was popularized in America after World War II. Road racing gained popularity due to the improved economy after World War II. Elkhart Lake's streets were used for sports car races in the 1950s. The Elkhart lake road race was first organized by Chicago Region Sports Car Club of America.
Road America's four-mile circuit was laid out by Clif Tufte, a former highway engineer, who chose 525 acres of farm land outside of Elkhart Lake for the track. Tufte needed to find a way of raising the funds to buy the land and construct the course. He sold some stocks and the track was built.
Tufte named Road America the track after American roads. The track was completed for the first time in September 1955. The 4-mile track was known as "4 miles that go nowhere" and was nicknamed "4 Miles That Go Nowhere". IndyCar opted for a 4.048 mile layout in 1997. It's still the same today.
In the late 1940s, racing began to thrive on the nation's public roads. The state legislature banned auto racing from public roads in 1950. To continue hosting road races, Tufte purchased farm land between Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, and Plymouth, Wisconsin. Tufte then began to map the course. Tufte recruited a few influential local residents to help him with the project. This was to raise money. He then sought advice from race course owners in Europe.
Road America was founded in 1955. Tufte was capable of raising the required funds and even sold some shares to do so. The track was built in company property. The company provided funding until all of the money was raised.
Road America has become a top-class road course. It hosts numerous events and programs. Road America hosts a variety of motorcycle events as well as other group events. It hosts the SCCA Pirelli World Challenge (weathertech sportscar championship), the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and the AMA Superbike Series. Road America was the original site of the Circuit of the Americas race that took place in May.
Racing fans from around the world visit Road America to take in the excitement of a high-speed race. The track is considered the premier road course in the world. It has been the setting for many racing video games including Need for Speed: Shift and Ride.
Elkhart Lake's Road America, Inc. manages the track and offers driving lessons, group events programs, and operations at the racetrack. Road America offers a variety of attractions in addition to racing. These include a full-service food & beverage facility, award winning caterers and custom-plated meals.
FAQ
Why does race car driver wear special clothing?
Many race car driver wear very special clothing.
These clothes keep them cool while racing.
This fabric prevents sweat from running down their bodies.
And it protects their skin from getting damaged by the wind.
What makes a race car driver use these cars?
Modern racing cars use engines. These engines look similar to the ones found in passenger cars.
But instead of using petrol, they run on compressed air.
Who was the first to race a car?
Charles Brady King invented the automobile racetrack in Long Island. He built it in 1896. July 4th of that year saw the inaugural auto race.
How many people go into making a racecar?
Many race car manufacturers employ hundreds.
They manufacture parts such as wheels, tires, suspension systems, body panels, and engine components.
How long does a race take?
Different races have different lengths.
You can take part in endurance races for many days.
Other races, like sprint races, are shorter.
Are there rules about how a racecar should look?
No. No.
They must also adhere to safety standards.
Statistics
- Petty has won 200 NASCAR Cup Series races, a likely unbreakable record, along with a series record seven Cup championships. (frontstretch.com)
- According to Toyota, the 390-hp-plus 2019 Yaris WRC runs out of gearing after 124 mph, 19 mph less than the crazy Yaris GR that's currently sitting on dealer lots outside of the U.S. BONUS: (motortrend.com)
- Acceleration is a little gentler (relatively speaking) too, with 0-100km/h taking an estimated 3.1 seconds and 0-200km/h covered in 7.8 seconds. (autosport.com)
- In 2009, the slick tires returned as a part of revisions to the rules for the 2009 season; slicks have no grooves and give up to 18% more contact with the track. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to AutoSport, IndyCar's top speeds are 380km/h or 236 mph. (motorbiscuit.com)
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