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Sustainable Initiatives for the Future

Road America: Sustainable Initiatives for the Future

Overview

Clean Air Resourcefulness

Road America has participated in the NASCAR Green Clean Air Program. As part of this effort, numerous trees have been planted on and around the property to help offset carbon emissions created during events. The track also partners with local groups to expand these planting efforts into the surrounding community.

Instead of removing deceased ash trees, Road America turned them into beautiful carvings that now add character around the facility. These steps reduce the track’s carbon footprint and improve the natural landscape for everyone who visits.

Solar Power and Electric Vehicles

Moving toward a cleaner future, Road America installed a solar-powered EV charging station in partnership with EnTech Solutions. Located in the paddock, the station generates renewable energy to charge electric vehicles. It even stores extra solar energy for cloudy days.

The station supports the shift toward cleaner transportation and helps reduce reliance on the power grid — a small but meaningful step forward in making the motorsports community more sustainable.

Sustainable Facilities: The Paddock Tech Center

Sustainability efforts aren’t limited to the track. The Paddock Tech Center, a 13-bay garage, was built with eco-friendly design in mind. It features energy-efficient lighting powered by rooftop solar tubes.

This approach reduces carbon emissions and lowers energy use, while still providing teams with a high-quality space for car preparation and maintenance. It’s proof that smart design can benefit both the environment and racing operations.

Track Improvements with a Purpose

Between 2021 and 2022, Road America made several upgrades with sustainability at the center:

– Tire Recycling: Over 5,000 used tires were removed and recycled, cutting down on waste.
– Concrete Wall Enhancements: More than 2,000 feet of new concrete walls were installed to improve safety.
– Track Repaving: The track was repaved while preserving its historic layout. Old asphalt was ground up and reused for pathways and parking lots.
– Drainage Improvements: Upgraded drainage systems help manage water runoff, keeping the environment cleaner.


Every project shows that smart planning and environmental care can go hand in hand.

Creative Recycling: Conveyor Belts

Working with Michels, Road America found a way to reuse worn-out conveyor belts by wrapping them around stacked tires used for safety barriers. This clever solution keeps tires secure during accidents and keeps tons of material out of landfills.

It’s another example of how Road America finds practical, real-world solutions that benefit both safety and the environment.

Permanent Restrooms: A Smarter Choice

Instead of relying on temporary portable restrooms, Road America invested in permanent facilities throughout the grounds. This decision reduces the carbon footprint tied to the constant transportation and servicing of portable units.

These new restrooms also use low-flow toilets and urinals, helping conserve water. It’s a change that’s better for guests — and better for the environment.

A Commitment That Runs Deep

At Road America, sustainability isn’t a slogan. It’s an operational standard. From tree planting to solar energy to recycling, the track has built a strong model of environmental stewardship.

Road America’s efforts prove that motorsports can honor tradition, deliver excitement, and still move toward a more sustainable future. It’s a legacy worth celebrating — and one that inspires everyone who cares about the future of racing and the world around us.

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