General Information

What is Road America?

Road America is a 640-acre, world-class motorsports facility featuring a 4.048-mile permanent road course and a 1-mile supermoto/karting track. Since its first official race in September of 1955, it has been a favorite circuit of racers world-wide who relish the challenges of the undulating landscape and the high-speed turns and curves. Fans return year after year to enjoy the park-like atmosphere, fantastic food, and wheel-to-wheel competition by the world’s fastest riders and drivers.

How many events take place at Road America?

Over 500 events are held annually at Road America. The facility often hosts multiple activities on the same day incorporating the four-mile track, the interior CTECH Manufacturing Motorplex, and the beautiful grounds surrounding the facility. In addition to public events, the facility is in use by various private clubs, organizations, group programs, and schools.

What is the closest Airport to Road America?

Closest Airports:

• Sheboygan County airport (private jets, smaller aircraft) within 10 minutes.
• Mitchell International Airport is located in Milwaukee (commercial) within one hour of the track.
• Appleton and Green Bay (commercial) within one hour of the track.
• Chicago O’Hare Airport (commercial) within three hours of the track.

What is the shipping address for Road America?

Always include the first and last name of the recipient and their company name.

SAMPLE: Attn: John Smith / Team Racing, Road America, N7390 Hwy. 67, Plymouth, WI 53073.

Please include the phone number of the receiver.

Packages can be picked up at the Shipping and Receiving building (near Gate 6).  Hours vary and are posted at the building.

There is a $5 fee per package at the time of pick up.

Does Road America Have Electric Vehicle Charging Stations?

Yes, we have one Tesla Charger on-site, call 800-365-7223 for location and operating times. 

Parking & Seating

Do you have reserved seating?

Road America’s key attraction is that there is no assigned grandstand seating, and fans are free to roam about the property to find their favorite viewing location. Trees are everywhere, plus acres of green grass, rolling hills, seven jumbo screens, and elevated vantage points that offer fans totally unique perspectives to watch the action. There are benches built into the hillsides for seating or you can bring blankets or folding chairs and spectate from open grass areas around the facility. Road America truly is, America’s National Park of Speed! 

Is there a charge for parking?

General admission parking is FREE with the purchase of a ticket. Preferred Parking passes can be purchased for $25. The Preferred Parking Pass is a Thursday-Sunday designated parking area with easy walk-in access to the paddock.

All spectators will be parked during the IndyCar event in a designated parking area with easy walk-in access to the paddock.

Is Road America Car-Friendly? 

Yes, very. During most events, aside from INDYCAR, NASCAR and IMSA, if you need a break from walking, you can pretty much use your car as a golf cart, and simply drive to where you want to go and park at any of the corners, as long as you keep clear of the paddock. For the big events a golf cart is the best way to get around and you can rent those in advance. 

The parking areas are filled with not just ‘nice’ cars, but obscure, rare, fantastic vehicles of all shapes and sizes. The close proximity to Chicago (about a two and a half hour drive) and active local enthusiast community puts on a gathering of cars that rivals anywhere else in the United States.

How will parking work for NASCAR Cup on July 4th

Due to anticipated increased volume, convenient parking is available for a fee at Road America. Please anticipate purchasing a parking pass along with your tickets. 

On race day, (Sunday, July 4th), fans should anticipate congestion while traveling to/from and around Road America. Remember to arrive early, and carpooling is highly recommended. Fans are also encouraged to park for FREE at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds. A FREE shuttle will be available to transport fans to/from Road America on Sunday only.

Fans who wish to park on-site at Road America on Sunday, July 4th, will need to purchase a parking pass in advance. 

On Sunday, July 4th, fans who have purchased on-site parking passes in advance are encouraged to arrive early at the gate closest to where they intend to park to help facilitate their entry and exit. Upon entry, attendants will be directing fans to the parking areas closest to their entry gate to park for the event. 

Everyone is encouraged to study the general parking map prior to arriving.

What is Spectating like at Road America? 

Spectating is simply better since there are fewer high catch-fences to block your view, and it’s quicker to get around and watch from different vantage points. Modern racetracks seem to be built to keep the fans outside and make them walk the longest way around. Road America is not one of those tracks as you can move about the property freely from all over the inside of the facility.  When you walk from section to section and it feels like you’re entering different ecosystems. 

Tickets & Admission

Can anyone attend a Club event?

Each club/organization determines whether the public will have access to the event and, if so, sets the admission fees.

If you are interested in Club Events, please contact the club directly using the links on our Events Schedule.

Do you ever sell out tickets?

Due to the size of our facility, we do NOT sell out of admission tickets.

What access does a general admission ticket give me?

All tickets include access to the paddock and free general parking. The NASCAR paddock is closed to the public during the event.

Daily tickets, weekend tickets, and a Season Pass all provide the customer with access to the paddock and free general parking.

What are the ticket prices for children?

Children 16 and under are FREE with a paying adult and photo ID.

 Anyone over the age of 16 is the same price as an adult.  This also applies to all camping prices.

Camping

Where can I find information on camping?

Road America allows spectator tent or motorhome camping during major public events. Additional fees apply and advance reservations recommended, order online or by calling 800-365-7223.

Paddock

What is the paddock? Where is it located and do fans have access?

The Paddock is an area centralized to what is commonly known as the pits in motorsports in which the teams keep their race transporters and motor homes. Aside from NASCAR and certain events, Road America’s paddock is open to spectators. Road America’s main paddock is located South of the Paddock Concessions Stand and East of the Hagerty Tech Center and West of the pit lane. 

General admission ticket includes walk-in access to the paddock. 

Fans can get an up-close look at the drivers, crews, cars, and equipment during most events. 

Vendors and concessions are available. 

Fans can take photos and get autographs. 

Remember: Racecars have the right of way!

Fan Activities

Does Road America offer autograph sessions?

Road America includes autograph sessions in the major public event schedules.

Please check the event schedules for dates and times.

Does Road America offer facility tours?

Tours are available by appointment only.

Please contact our office in advance to set up an appointment (800) 365-7223 or info@roadamerica.com

Does Road America offer on-track touring for motorcycles?

The Salute to Cycles parade gives spectators the opportunity to ride their own motorcycles on the track for a minimal fee.

The parade is offered during our MotoAmerica and Rockerbox Motofest events (See Ticket information.)

Admission to the event is sold separately (16 and under are free with paying adult & photo ID.)

The cost is per person/per day.

The amount of time that you will spend on the track varies.

The motorcycles have a lead motorcycle/pace car, as well as a pace car in the rear, and is a controlled lapping session.

You must participate in a riders safety meeting before the parade.

Road America highly recommends the use of helmets, however, special riding equipment is not required.

Cars, SUVs, vans, trucks, campers, buses, etc. are NOT allowed on the track.

We recommend making an advance reservation either on-line or by calling our offices at 1-800-365-7223.

Touring is held rain or shine.

No refunds or exchanges.

Does Road America offer on-track touring for cars only?

Touring gives spectators the opportunity to drive their own streetcars on the track for a fee.

The cost varies by event and is per car / per day. Touring is offered during several public events.

Admission into the event is sold separately (16 and under is free with a paying adult & photo ID).

You may have passengers in the car — state laws apply (safety belts and child restraints required).

The amount of time that you will spend on the track and speeds vary.

Touring is a controlled lapping session with a pace car leading and in the rear — no passing is allowed.

You must participate in a technical inspection (proper air pressure in the tires, no leaking fluids, etc.) and drivers’ safety meeting before the touring session.

SUVs, vans, trucks, campers, buses, motorcycles, etc. are NOT allowed on the track.

Space is limited to the first 200 cars per day and space sells out fast.

We recommend making an advance reservation either on-line or by calling our offices at 1-800-365-7223.

Touring is held rain or shine.

No refunds or exchanges.

What activities are available for fans at events?

Fan activities vary by event and details are always included in the event schedule.

Vendors and displays are available throughout the paddock.

Autograph sessions

Karting at the Road America Motorplex.

Family Fun Zone – check the event schedule for locations.

Geocaching

Paddock Shop for apparel and gifts

Big Screens – check event schedules for details

Recommended Attire

What should I wear when attending an event at Road America?

Road America is a large facility including grass, gravel, pavement, trails, and hills. With this in mind, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. 

Sunscreen is always a good idea. If you forget your sunscreen it is available for purchase at the Paddock Shop.

Racing continues either rain or shine and weather conditions change rapidly in Wisconsin. Clear skies give way to fast-moving clouds, haze, and summer showers, before clearing again in the same afternoon. Don’t forget sweatshirts, jackets, or rain gear if the forecast calls for rain. 

For certain events, hot pit/hot garage access requires specific attire including long pants and closed-toed shoes. Check with the event schedule before arriving. 

Where Are Some Popular Viewing Locations?

Turn 5 

This turn ranks among Road America’s top vantage points. The tight corner is a prime overtaking spot and leads to the dramatic climb up to Turn 6. While plopping down in the grassy meadow to the drivers’ right of the corner is a popular option, you can also try the hillside between Turns 5 and 6.

For an added bonus, you’ll be able to track the cars half a lap later as they pop up from Thunder Valley and whistle through Turn 13 into Turn 14 before commencing their climb up the start/finish straightaway.

Turn 3 to Turn 5

There’s little to be gleaned in terms of who’s going fast and why; the cars steam past at top speed. The sheer sensations of seeing, hearing, and – yes – feeling some two dozen vividly colored, sexily shaped, roaring-rumbling-shrieking cars flashing through the forest is not to be missed; particularly in the cool of a morning practice session. And if (or when) you’ve had your fill of sensory overload, wander along to the braking area for Turn 5 to see who’s taken their daily dose of brave pills. 

Canada Corner (Turn 12) 

A tight bend at the end of a long straight section, with amazing viewing angles. It’s a great spot for overtakes and challenging for the drivers, who must negotiate a slight left turn under heavy braking, before making the sharp right turn through the apex.

Thunder Valley (Turn 13)

Out of Canada Corner, drivers open the throttle to blast through a section named for the way the engine sounds reverberate against the forest and signage. It’s a spectacular way to get close to the cars as they launch out of the corner under full acceleration. Both this section and Canada Corner are on the shaded, heavily-wooded path that provides a welcome relief from the mid-day sun.

Road America Straight

Even the main straight at Road America is uniquely challenging. Drivers approach the start/finish line and flag-stand blind and must crest a steep uphill section before it comes into view.

The Carousel (Turns 9 & 10)

Head to the inside of The Carousel to watch and time the cars as they accelerate out of Turn 8, pass under the bridge, and arc gently downhill through 240 degrees of race track before passing directly below you en route to one of the most famous turns in motorsports “The Kink.”

The bridge is a convenient point to start your watch, and you’ll easily find a bush, tree, or some other (stationary) feature on the exit of the turn to serve as the finish line for your “section timing” exercise; one that will make abundantly clear which cars are gaining (or losing) time negotiating The Carousel and thus carrying the most speed into The Kink on down through Kettle Bottoms to Canada Corner.

Outside of Turn 7

Stand eye level with the track surface and can look straight through the apex. From there you can watch the cars turn-in, roll slightly, change direction and maybe even induce some slip from the rear as they make their way around. You’re low enough to see daylight under the race cars and close enough to hear the tires. You can see the suspension at work, and pick out which drivers are committed, and who’s using the curbs. The best part is that like most of the great spots at Road America, you don’t need special accreditation to see this, it’s open to everyone.

Access Around the Facility

Can I bring my own golf cart, ATV, dirt bike, etc?

Spectators are NOT allowed to bring off-road vehicles on the property. In other words, the vehicle needs to be street licensed in order to use it on our property. Bicycles or street-licensed mopeds are acceptable modes of transportation around the facility but are not allowed in the paddock. Roller skates, roller blades, scooters (motorized or non-motorized), and personal golf carts are NOT allowed.

Amenities

Are alcoholic beverages available at Road America?

Beer and wine are available for purchase at our concession stands.

Turn 1 concession stand does serve mixed drinks and liquor.

Are pets allowed on the premises?

Pets are strongly discouraged. You must remember that this is a racing environment.

It is Road America’s policy that should you absolutely need to bring your pet, it must be kept under the control of a leash or in your vehicle with adequate ventilation, food, and water.

Pets are NOT allowed unattended in the campground.

You must pick up and dispose of waste left behind by your pet.

Should the pet cause harm or become a disturbance to other spectators, it will be grounds for ejection from the park without a refund.

Pets are NOT permitted in Paddock areas during spectator events.

Can I bring my own food and drink to Road America?

Carry-ins are allowed into the property.

We ask that you refrain from bringing your own beverages/coolers into the concession stands and seating areas around the stands.

You can bring your own beverages, food, grills, and coolers and have a picnic in the open grass areas or if you are camping on-site.

We ask that you do not bring glass into the property and that you dispose of charcoal in the properly labeled containers.

Keep in mind that Road America is known for its great food at the 13 concession stands around the property.

Can I use my cell phone while at Road America?

You can use your cell phone at RA, but keep in mind that service areas vary, and access declines as the number of people attending an event increases.

Road America does not have cell phone charging stations.

Do Not rely on your cell phone if you need to relay or receive important information.

Do you have camping at Road America?

Road America does allow spectator tent or motorhome camping during major public events.

We recommend that you make advance reservations.

You can make your reservations on-line or by contacting the Road America offices at 1-800-365-7223.

See Camping for more information.

Emergencies

How do I contact someone at the race in the event of an emergency?

In the case of an emergency, please contact security at 1-920-892-2663.

What services are offered if I have a medical issue?

Mobile medical teams patrol the facility.

If in need of medical assistance, contact Security, a RA representative or concession stand employee so they can contact the Medical staff.

There is a permanent medical unit located in the competition paddock.

What to do if my child and I become separated?

Contact an RA security representative and supply them with a description of the child, i.e., name, age, the color of hair, clothes they are wearing, etc.

Lost & Found

Is there a Lost and Found?

Yes, contact an RA security representative and they will direct you to the Security office which is located inside Gate 6.

 After an event, all lost and found items are transferred to the RA Administrative Office.

Your inquiries should be directed to 1-800-365-7223 or email info@roadamerica.com

What to do if my child and I become separated?

Contact an RA security representative and supply them with a description of the child, i.e., name, age, the color of hair, clothes they are wearing, etc.

What to Leave at Home

What to leave at home?

Personal golf carts, ATV’s and unlicensed vehicles are NOT allowed on Road America property.

They WILL be impounded upon arrival until the end of the event.

Firearms and fireworks are also prohibited.

Drones, QuadCopters, or Unmanned Aircraft Systems/Vehicle (UAS/UAV) are NOT Allowed.

Track Speed Record

What is the track speed record?

1:39.866 / 145.924mph (234.791 kph) set by Dario Franchitti, 2000 Team Kool Green Honda Reynard, CART Championship Race

History

Where can I find information on Road America’s History?

The History of Road America

In the early 1950s, sports car races were being run on the streets in and around Elkhart Lake. When the state legislature banned racing on public roads, a man named Clif Tufte organized a group of influential local citizens and leaders of the Chicago Region of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). This group developed plans and sold stock to build a permanent racecourse. The overall vision of Road America grew out of the dreams of Tufte, a highway engineer, who chose 525 acres of Wisconsin farmland outside the Village of Elkhart Lake for the track.

Tufte’s dream became a reality in April 1955, the natural topography of the glacial Kettle Moraine area was utilized for the track, sweeping around rolling hills and plunging through ravines. By September 10, 1955, the track’s first SCCA national race weekend was held. 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 and is revered the world over as one of the world’s finest and most challenging road courses.

Millions of dollars in improvements have been made throughout the years, but the original 4.048-mile, 14-turn configuration has never been altered. In 2005, Elkhart Lake’s Road America, Inc. celebrated its 50th anniversary. Its history was documented in a book, “Road America: Celebrating 50 Years of Road Racing” by Tom Schultz. Celebrities such as David Letterman, Tom Cruise, Patrick Dempsey, Tim Allen, Ashley Judd and the late Paul Newman have visited this venue, not only for the great racing but also the scenic surroundings of this resort community.

Today

Road America is big business, attracting 800,000 visitors a year from every corner of the world. Economic impact studies show that Road America, its events and visitors generate more than $70 million dollars annually each year. Over 425 events are held annually at Road America, often running multiple activities on the same day incorporating the four-mile track, the interior Road America Motorplex and the beautiful grounds surrounding the facility.

The First Race

In 1955 the SCCA granted a sanction for an SCCA National, the highest form of road racing in the country at the time, held September 10 and 11. The feature, a 148-mile race for the era’s large sports racing cars, became a duel between two men and their cars. Sherwood Johnson of Rye, N.Y., was one of the country’s best drivers. He was driving semi-works D Jaguar for the Briggs Cunningham team. Phil Hill of Santa Monica, Calif., a rising racing star on the west coast, took to the track in a Ferrari Monza. For 37 laps Johnston and Hill were inseparable but then began to fight for the lead during the last six laps. As they approached the finish line on the last lap, Hill inched ahead and barely won the race. Phil Hill’s average speed was 80.2 mph.

The First Professional Race Weekend

The first professional race weekend was the August 1956 NASCAR Grand National race. At the time NASCAR was just a regional southern series and not widely popular. Well under 10,000 spectators attended the two-day event. On Saturday Paul Goldsmith won in a Jaguar Mk., VII sedan with a winning speed of 59.2 mph. The Sunday race was run in the rain and was a display of spinouts and hay bale bashing. The day’s winner was Tim Flock in a Mercury at a speed of 71.4 mph.

Contacts

Who do I contact for Media Credentials?

Media credentials must be requested in accordance with RA policies, additional information is available on our News page.

Who do I contact for Vendor space during an event?

Please contact our offices at 1-800-365-7223 or email hospitality@roadamerica.com

Who do I contact for Volunteering at Road America?

Road America is always looking for non-profit organizations that are interested in assisting with parking attendant positions, concessions, etc. Call us at 800-365-7223 or email info@roadamerica.com

Who do I contact to make wedding arrangements at Road America?

Please contact our offices at 1-800-365-7223 or email hospitality@roadamerica.com

Driving the Track

Can I buy Fuel at Road America?

Yes, fuel is available for purchase via credit card at all club events. To gain access to the pumps, purchasers need to be participants who are registered in an event that is taking place. There are two types of fuel available: Sunoco Standard, 110 octane, (leaded), and Sunoco 260 GTX , 98 octane (unleaded).

What is it like to drive the track from a racer’s perspective?

Road America is a racetrack that sports car drivers both revere and respect. Like the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit in France, Road America’s extended straights are a test of horsepower and its high-speed curves are a test of bravery.

We asked Corvette Racing driver Tommy Milner to take us for a virtual lap around this fast, flowing circuit that winds through the hills and valleys of Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine. Here is what the 26-year-old driver and 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans winner had to say about this challenging 4-mile, 14-turn road course that’s known as the National Park of Speed:

I like race tracks that are fast, with quick corners and a layout that has a rhythm – and Road America has all of those things. When my Corvette’s setup is right and the car feels comfortable, it’s a very rewarding lap.

Turn 1 is very fast and very difficult because you are turning and braking simultaneously. I approach the first turn flat out in sixth gear, then downshift to fourth and use the access road on the left side as my braking reference. The key here is to carry the engine speed through the middle of the corner and then get back on the power hard.

Coming out of Turn 1, I shift up to fifth gear through the gentle Turn 2 bend and approach Turn 3, which can be a difficult corner to get right. Going into the turn, I downshift to third; with the camber in this corner, it’s easy to lock up right front tire. If you’re close behind another car coming out of Turn 1, then Turn 3 can be a good passing opportunity. However, there’s not much room at the exit with a ditch behind the rumble strips, so if you use the curb you have to get back on the road quickly.

Turn 4 is just a gradual bend in the road, but Turn 5 is super important because it’s a great passing opportunity. Going downhill under the Sargento Bridge, I’m in sixth gear through one of fastest parts of the track. The braking zone for Turn 5 is a great place to pass; we decelerate from 150 mph, so the balance of the car under hard braking is critical. There’s room on the exit to run wide, and then it’s back hard on the throttle going up the hill to the Corvette Bridge.

You have to be easy on the brakes going under the Corvette Bridge into Turn 6 because the car gets very light going over the crest of the hill. It’s a blind corner, too, which adds to the excitement factor. This corner has a lot of grip, so it’s possible to toss the car across the apex and then let the track catch it at end of Turn 6 – big fun!

I’m back on the throttle hard going into Turn 7 and through the Hurry Downs, one of my favorite sections at Road America. The car needs good balance to make this transition quickly; if it’s right, you don’t use the brakes at all, just lift a little on the throttle. Turn 8 is a tight, 90-degree corner, so if the guy in front makes a mistake in Turn 7, you can really put the pressure on here. The track is typically a little slippery here in the braking zone. I go down to second gear, let the track catch the car in the apex, and then power slide out of Turn 8.

Next up are Road America’s most famous corners, the Carousel and the Kink. I hold my breath a bit, and get settled for this very difficult series of turns. Going into the Carousel, I bring the car to the left and try to drive it as flat and long as possible, usually taking several apexes. I turn the steering wheel to the to point that I can get the most out of the front tires, and use my right foot on the gas pedal to steer the car. The Carousel sets you up for the long, fast ride through the Kink and Kettle Bottoms.

The Kink gets your undivided attention – it’s one quick corner. There are faster corners, but the Kink is special because you can’t take it flat out. It becomes a game to see who can stay on the throttle the longest. Hitting a curb in the Kink can upset the car, and that’s the last thing you want in that corner. I enter the Kink in fifth or sixth gear, depending on the gear ratios, and lift just a bit on the entry. I admit that on the first lap I do tap the brake, but after that, I go through the Kink without braking – although my foot is usually hovering over the brake pedal!

After the Kink, it’s a flat-out run down through a tunnel of trees to Canada Corner and another excellent overtaking opportunity. If you have a fast car, you can really make up time on a competitor, but it’s difficult to pull off a pass if he drives a defensive line. I shift down to second gear for Canada Corner, and it’s important to have a car that puts the power down well to accelerate through Thunder Valley and the Bill Mitchell Bend.

Turn 13 seems to get faster every year as the engineers find new ways to give us more downforce. The exit is very fast, but it’s tough to see where the apex is and how much room you have at the exit. Last year I had a close encounter with the wall there when I was pushing too hard on cold tires. I learned that Turn 13 can bite you.

It’s important to get good exit from Turn 14, the final corner because it leads onto the long, uphill straight. The car gains speed slowly climbing the hill and then sets you back in the seat when the track finally flattens out. The front straight is a good place to draft. The GT cars often run two-wide here, which makes it difficult for the faster Prototype cars to get around us, but that’s just part of the multi-class racing at Road America.