When families and sports fans seek out their favorite special activities for the entire family the planning often involves fun for each member. Road America in Elkhart Lake has taken on it’s own family vacation personality, encompassing the country’s best motorsports events, and a host of expanded unique family outdoor involvement choices to please everyone.
Road America Beginnings
Road America is a road course located near Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin on Wisconsin Highway 67. It has hosted races since the 1950s and currently hosts races in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, SCCA Pirelli World Challenge, ARCA, MotoAmerica Superbike series, IndyCar Series, and SCCA Pro Racing’s Trans-Am Series. It has been cited as “the best test of road racing in North America.”
CTECH Manufacturing Motorplex
In addition to the main course, the facility includes a 0.8-mile (1.3 km) karting track called the CTECH Manufacturing Motorplex inside the Carousel. The motorplex hosts two series of karting events. It hosts weekly events on Tuesdays in the summer. It also hosts approximately six Saturday events during the summer. The Motorplex also hosts events sanctioned by the North Woods GP series running Supermoto and street bike racing, using small displacement motorcycles.The Motorplex was built at the site of an earlier off road racing circuit used for several SODA events in the 1990s.
History of racing at Elkhart Lake The site of the 1951 and 1952 start finish line for road races in downtown began in Elkhart Lake in the late 1940s. Road racing was gaining popularity, owing to the post World War II economy, and the influx of sporting automobiles. The Sports Car Club of America was the main organizer of these races, and in 1950, the Chicago Region SCCA and the Village of Elkhart Lake organized the first road race at Elkhart Lake.
The 640-acre park like grounds offers ongoing outdoor eventsRoad America is located midway between Milwaukee and Green Bay in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. This legendary 4-mile, 14-turn road circuit has challenged the world’s best racers for over 60 years. The 640-acre, park-like grounds offer an amazing setting for runs, walks, and cycling events for thousands of participants annually. Adrenaline junkies, novice cyclists and competitive athletes alike are certain to enjoy the thrill of pushing the limit on the world-renowned race circuit that is normally reserved for motorcycles and race cars. The facility is also equipped with several miles of walking paths and trails through the natural wooded terrain which are ideal for cross-country and endurance challenges.
Road America offers group event programs
In addition to public race weekends, Road America offers group event programs, the CTECH Manufacturing Motorplex for karting, supermoto and autocross, and the Road America Motorcycle and Advanced Driving Schools.Road America is one of only a handful of road circuits in the world maintaining its original configuration[4] being 4.048 miles (6.515 km) in length and 14 turns. The track features many elevation changes, along with a long front stretch where speeds approaching 200 mph (320 km/h) may be reached. One of the best known features of this course is a turn on the backside known as “the kink.
Spectator Seating
Road America’s open seating allows spectators to venture throughout the grounds. Grandstands are available in several locations, as well as permanent hillside seating where crowds of more than 150,000 can be accommodated.[citation needed]The world’s best racers have competed at this legendary four-mile, 14-turn road circuit for over 60 years. The 640-acre, park-like grounds offer amazing viewing opportunities, fantastic concessions and high-speed excitement to hundreds of thousands of spectators each year. For info call 800-365-7223.
Road America for Families – Check out all the sights, sounds and fun
Spend time with family and friends as Road America is now offering its 4 Miles of Fitness Events every Monday and Wednesday night from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., starting in May and running until end of September. From cross country trails, to clearly marked service roads around Road America’s picturesque 640-acre facility, and even the legendary 4-mile, 14 turn road racing surface itself, anyone interested in bicycling, walking or running can enjoy all the facility has to offer in a safe environment free of traffic hassles and the usual neighborhood distractions.
Events are open to all cyclists, walkers and runners. Group discounts are available and youth 16 and under are free with an accompanying adult and photo ID.
The Basic Rider Course (BRC) was designed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) for beginning riders of all ages. This course requires a total time commitment from students of approximately 19 hours. Upon successful completion students earn a Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) Waiver that allows them to be exempt from the Wisconsin Motorcycle-In-Traffic road test. This course is part of the requirement needed to obtain a class M (Motorcycle) license endorsement from any Wisconsin DMV center. Once enrolled in this course and not more than 30 days prior to the start date of the course students will be required to complete the MSF’s online eCourse, which takes approximately 3 hours of self study time and carries an additional cost of $20.
Road America Motorcycle School
The Road America Motorcycle School is one of the premier training programs for novice, returning and advanced riders in the Midwest. Eight different levels of motorcycle training are available at the expansive 640 acre venue, which includes five controlled off-street training ranges. Courses are available April through November in a variety of daytime, weekend, and weeknight formats. All courses are designed to maximize the ease of adaptive learning and minimize the risk of riding a motorcycle or scooter.
Add to the adventure at Road America with Disc Golf
In conjunction with 4 Miles of Fitness, Road America’s disc golf course starts in May and runs thru the end of September.Road America’s disc golf course will also be open and available to any ticket purchaser at public events.
4 Mile Dinner Series
Road America’s 4 Mile Dinner Series is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion, spend time with friends, or just enjoy your next night off! Located in the Tufte Center on the revered grounds of America’s National Park of Speed, you will be entertained with comedy, a murder mystery or guest speaker. Top it off with dinner and fun with friends, and you have a full night out at a unique venue.
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