General Information
What is Road America?
Road America is a world-class motorsports facility featuring a
14-turn, 4.048-mile permanent road course and a 1-mile
Motorplextrack. The 640-acre, park-like grounds offer amazing
viewing opportunities, fantastic concessions and high-speed excitement to
thousands of spectators each year. In addition to being a
major attraction during public race weekends, Road America
offers group event programs, the Briggs & Stratton Motorplex
for karting and SuperMoto club racing, and the Road America
Motorcycle School and Driving School.
How many events take place at Road America?
Over 500 events are held annually at Road America, often running
multiple activities on the same day incorporating the four-mile
track, the interior Briggs & Stratton Motorplex and the
beautiful grounds surrounding the facility.
What is the closest airport to Road America?
What is the shipping address for Road America?
Always include the first and last name of the recipient and their
company name.
SAMPLE:
Road America
Attn: John Smith / Team Racing
N7390 Hwy 67
Plymouth, WI 53073
Please include the phone number of the recipient on the shipping
order. 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 a 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 track viewing location. With 640-acres to
explore there really isn’t a bad seat in the house. Bring your
own chairs or grab a bleacher seat around the property. You can
also watch live race feeds on jumbo screens near Turns 1, 3, 5,
7, and 12, by the Road America Center building and Victory Lane.
Fans are discouraged from reserving viewing areas by
placing chairs, EZ-Ups, or ropes. Any items left
up or out overnight in general admission areas will be
removed and confiscated by security.
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 by the
VIP Tower with easy walk-in access to the paddock. Road America
reserves the right to charge for general admission parking for
select events.
Is Road America car-friendly?
Yes, very. During most events, aside from INDYCAR,
NASCAR, and IMSA where facility access is
restricted, if you need a break from walking, you can pretty much
use your car to get around, 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 for the
weekend in advance. Purchase your golf cart reservation when
buying your tickets to ensure availability.
Are trailers permitted at Road America?
Spectator trailers are not permitted. Road America reserves the
right to deny trailer access to the property. Any trailers for
commercial purposes entering the property are subject to
inspection by Road America staff.
Does Road America search vehicles?
Road America staff reserves the right to search all property and
vehicles entering the facility.
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 in the event calendar.
There are select club events open to season pass holders. These
events are designated in the events
calendar.
Do you ever sell out tickets?
Due to the size of our facility, we do NOT sell out of
admission tickets. Off-site parking options may also be offered
for large events.
What access do general admission tickets provide?
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, general admission grandstands as well as
numerous other seating options and free general parking.
What are the ticket prices for children?
Children 16 and under receive free admission to all Road America
events with a paying adult. Students with current year
ID can receive $10 off ticket prices at the gates. Current Road
America ticket promotions can viewed HERE.
Camping
Where can I find information on camping?
Road America allows spectator tent or motorhome camping during public events, on select non-public
weekends like Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend, and
during club events. Additional fees apply and advance
reservations are recommended.
Can I park at my campsite?
Yes. If your vehicle doesn’t fit in your site space, additional
parking is available throughout the property.
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 walk-in spectator access. Road
America’s main Paddock is located at the south end of the midway.
Racecars always have the right of way at Road
America.
Fan Activities
Does Road America offer autograph sessions?
The majority of public events offer autograph sessions throughout
the race weekend. View the individual event
schedules for updates.
Does Road America offer facility tours?
Road America’s Group
Adventure Programs include several facility and on-track
touring options which can be booked for your group outing.
View all Group Adventure offerings or call 800-365-7223 for
more information. DOWNLOAD Group Adventure Programs
Does Road America offer on-track touring for motorcycles?
The Salute to Cycles touring offered during MotoAmerica
gives spectators the opportunity to ride their own
motorcycle on the track. Admission to the event is required
and sold separately.
Another option to take your motorcycle on the Road
America track is through our Sunset
Cruise program which runs April through October. This
activity is a leisurely, low-speed, 3-lap experience of the
sweeping, rolling 4-mile track.
Does Road America offer on-track touring during events?
Touring gives spectators the opportunity to drive their own
sportscars and sedans on track during select events. Often
touring sessions will be offered by manufacturer i.e. Corvette
only, Porsche only. Trucks, SUVs, vans and motorcycles are not
allowed during touring sessions due to a higher rate of speed.
These types of vehicles (that are less than 8ft in height)
are welcome to participate in Sunset
Cruise opportunities.
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. Other fan activities can
include:
- Autograph sessions
- Public karting
- Family Fun Zone
- Disc Golf
- Paddock Shop
Recommended Attire
What should I wear when attending an event at Road America?
Road America is a large facility with a mix of large open spaces
and shaded wooded areas including grass, gravel, pavement,
trails, and hills. With this in mind, comfortable walking shoes
and sun protection are recommended. Hats, sunscreen, and
other hot weather attire is available at the Paddock Shop. The
Paddock Shop has
umbrellas and other rain-protection apparel available for
purchase.
For certain events, hot pit/hot garage access requires specific
attire including long pants and closed-toed shoes.
Where Are Some Popular Viewing Locations?
Turn 5
Turn 5 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. From Turn 3 to Turn 5, the cars steam past at top
speed. The sheer sensations of seeing, hearing, and – yes –
feeling high performance cars flashing through the forest is not
to be missed.
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 at Road America 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. Personal golf carts, ATV’s and unlicensed
vehicles are NOT allowed on Road America 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 (non-licensed
motorized or non-motorized), and personal golf carts
are NOT allowed. Rental golf
carts are available for all public events.
Amenities
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.
Are alcoholic beverages available at Road America?
Alcohol is available for purchase at our concession stands. Los
Amigos at Turn 1 and Antoinette’s at Win Tunnel are the only
concession stands that serve liquor.
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 food and beverages into the concession
stand seating areas. You can bring your own beverages,
food, grills, and coolers and have a picnic in the open grass
areas or at your campsite.
We ask that you do not bring glass into the property and that you
dispose of charcoal in the properly labeled hot ash cement
containers located throughout the campgrounds.
What concessions are available at Road America?
Road America is known across the race tracks in America for
having the best quality food with endless variety to choose from
during race weekends. Review concession menus HERE. Concession stands and open
hours vary by event. Event specific details are noted on
the event pages.
Can I use my cell phone while at Road America?
You can use your cell phone at Road America, 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.
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
920-892-2663.
What services are offered if I have a medical issue?
Mobile medical teams patrol the facility. If you or another guest
are in need of medical assistance, contact Security at
920-892-2663, a Road America representative, or concession stand
employee so they can contact the Medical staff. There is a
permanent medical unit located in the competition paddock near
the Paddock Shop.
What to do if my child and I become separated?
Contact Road America security at 920-892-2663 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 & Found?
Yes, contact Road America security and they will direct you
to the security office located inside Gate 6.
After an event, all lost and found items are transferred to the
Road America Administrative Office which is open M-F from 8:30
a.m.-4:30 p.m. All inquiries about lost items should be
directed to: 800-365-7223 or info@roadamerica.com.
What to Leave at Home
Prohibited Items:
- Personal golf carts, ATV’s and unlicensed vehicles -
they WILL be impounded upon arrival until the end of
the event
- Firearms and fireworks
- All Unmanned Aircraft Systems/Vehicles (UAS/UAV)
- Offensive or divisive signage
- Any other items that may impose a safety hazard or diminish
the enjoyment of the event for other guests
Prohibited items discovered during security inspections at the
facility entrances must either be returned to the owner’s vehicle
or discarded. Unlawful items discovered during security
inspections are subject to confiscation and the person in
possession of those items is subject to arrest. Any prohibited
items discovered inside the facility are subject to confiscation.
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?
A summary of Road America’s history can be found on the history page of our website. Select books
written about Road America and Elkhart Lake racing history
are available in the Paddock Shop.
Contacts
Who do I contact for Media Credentials?
Media credentials must be requested in advance through
the Media page.
Who do I contact for Vendor space during an event?
Vendor spaces are available for all public events. For specific
event pricing and availability, contact our offices at
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?
Road America is a premier wedding
destination located midway between Milwaukee and Green Bay in
beautiful Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The 640-acre, park-like
grounds nestled in the Kettle Moraine provide stunning scenery
with an abundance of space making Road America the ideal location
to entertain your guests and capture unforgettable moments. Road
America offers indoor (240 guest max) and expansive outdoor event
spaces based on your plans. DOWNLOAD Wedding Package Information
For specific availability, contact our offices at 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, 110 octane,
(leaded), and 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
he had to say about this challenging 4-mile, 14-turn road course
that’s known as America’s 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 upright the
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 the 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 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 a 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.
