Road America Motul SportsCar Endurance Grand Prix Fan & Track Guide
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The Ultimate First-Timer's Guide to Road America
If there is one race track every motorsport fan should visit at least once, it's Road America.
Often called "America's National Park of Speed," Road America is one of the longest, fastest, and most beautiful permanent road courses in the world. Nestled among the rolling hills of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, this legendary circuit has challenged drivers since 1955 with its high-speed corners, dramatic elevation changes, and iconic braking zones.
For 2026, Road America becomes even more special. For the first time in IMSA WeatherTech Championship history, the event expands into a six-hour endurance race, adding another major endurance event to the calendar. (IMSA)
Whether you're making your first pilgrimage to Road America or returning for another unforgettable weekend, here's everything you need to know.
Race Overview
Track: Road America
Location: Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
Race Length: 6 Hours (New for 2026)
Series: IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
Classes
• GTP
• LMP2
• GTD PRO
• GTD
The 2026 Motul SportsCar Endurance Grand Prix takes place July 30 – August 2, featuring four days of racing that also include Michelin Pilot Challenge, Porsche Carrera Cup North America, and Lamborghini Super Trofeo. (IMSA)
Circuit Facts
Track Length: 4.048 miles (6.515 km)
Turns: 14
Direction: Clockwise
Opened: 1955
Road America remains one of the few classic road courses that has changed very little over the decades, preserving its flowing layout and old-school character.
What Makes Road America So Special?
Road America is fast.
Really fast.
With nearly four miles of racing surface and several long straights, cars spend much of the lap at full throttle before diving into heavy braking zones.
Unlike tighter circuits...
Road America rewards bravery.
Late braking.
Slipstreaming.
Perfect exits.
It's one of the few places where prototypes routinely exceed 180 mph.
Best Viewing Locations
Turn 1
One of the best places to watch the race start.
Heavy braking.
Wheel-to-wheel racing.
First-lap drama.
You'll see drivers immediately begin fighting for position.
Turn 5
If you ask longtime Road America fans...
This is usually their favorite corner.
Massive braking zone.
Excellent overtaking opportunities.
One of the loudest parts of the circuit.
Bring your camera.
Hurry Downs
One of the fastest sections on the circuit.
Watch GTP cars dance over the elevation changes before heading toward Canada Corner.
Canada Corner
Arguably the most famous passing zone at Road America.
Drivers arrive at incredible speed before braking hard into the right-hander.
Many race-winning moves happen here.
If you only visit one corner...
Choose Canada Corner.
The Kink
One of the most legendary corners in North American motorsport.
Flat-out commitment.
No room for mistakes.
Watching prototypes fly through here is unforgettable.
Turn 14
The final corner.
Fantastic place to watch pit strategies unfold as cars accelerate onto the front straight.
Best Photography Locations
📸 Canada Corner
📸 Turn 5
📸 The Kink
📸 Hurry Downs
📸 Turn 14
The natural elevation changes and tree-lined backdrop make Road America one of the most photogenic circuits in the country.
Don't Miss
Race Start
Forty-plus cars launching toward Turn 1 over four miles of racing surface is one of IMSA's greatest spectacles.
Sunset
Late afternoon sunlight filtering through the Wisconsin trees creates incredible photography opportunities.
The Final Two Hours
With the race expanded to six hours, fuel strategy, tire wear, and traffic management become even more important.
Expect teams to play the long game before pushing hard in the closing stages. (IMSA)
Race Weekend Tips
✔ Bring comfortable walking shoes.
Road America covers over 600 acres.
You'll walk a lot.
✔ Bring a bicycle or golf cart if you're camping.
Many experienced fans do.
✔ Bring sunscreen.
Shade varies throughout the circuit.
✔ Ear protection is recommended.
The GTP cars echo through the forests.
✔ Bring a folding chair.
Many of the best spectator areas are grassy hillsides.
Camping
Road America has some of the best camping in North American motorsport.
Fans spend the entire weekend:
Grilling
Riding bikes
Watching support races
Socializing with fellow race fans
Many campers return to the exact same campsite every year.
Reserve early.
The best camping areas sell out quickly.
Fan Access
One of the biggest reasons fans love IMSA...
The paddock.
Road America traditionally offers outstanding fan access, allowing spectators to get remarkably close to the teams, garages, and drivers throughout the weekend. Driver autograph sessions are also a regular feature of the event. (Road America)
Best Food
Road America is famous for its bratwurst.
Don't leave without trying one.
Other favorites include:
🍔 Burgers
🌭 Wisconsin brats
🧀 Local cheese curds
🍺 Wisconsin craft beer
Food is part of the Road America experience.
Things To Do Around Elkhart Lake
Downtown Elkhart Lake
A charming resort town just minutes from the circuit.
Explore:
Restaurants
Coffee shops
Boutiques
Lakeside walking paths
Elkhart Lake
Swimming
Kayaking
Paddleboarding
Relaxing after a full day at the circuit.
Kohler
Just a short drive away.
Visit:
Golf courses
Restaurants
The Kohler Design Center
Kettle Moraine State Forest
Perfect if you're extending your stay.
Excellent hiking and cycling.
Beautiful Wisconsin scenery.
Road America Track Tour
If available during your visit, take a guided lap of the circuit.
Experiencing the elevation changes firsthand gives you a whole new appreciation for the drivers.
Best Hotels
Stay in:
Elkhart Lake
Plymouth
Sheboygan
Kohler
Many fans choose camping, but hotels fill quickly for IMSA weekend, so book early.
First-Time Fan Tips
Don't stay in one place.
Road America is built for exploration.
Spend time at:
Morning:
Turn 5
Mid-Race:
Canada Corner
Afternoon:
The Kink
Finish:
Turn 14
Every section feels like an entirely different race track.
Why Drivers Love Road America
Road America is one of the few circuits where every type of race car feels at home.
Drivers love:
High speeds
Flowing corners
Heavy braking zones
Long straights
Natural elevation changes
Winning here is considered one of the highlights of any IMSA season.
Why Fans Keep Coming Back
Road America offers everything motorsport fans could want:
One of America's greatest race tracks
Incredible camping
Fantastic fan access
Beautiful scenery
Historic atmosphere
Some of the best racing on the IMSA calendar
It's not just one of the best IMSA weekends.
It's one of the best motorsport weekends in the world.
First Sector Recommendation
If you're visiting Road America for the first time, dedicate an entire day to exploring the circuit. Few tracks reward walking like Road America, and each corner has its own personality. Start at Turn 5 for the heavy braking action, spend the afternoon at Canada Corner, and finish the race watching the cars blast through the Kink. Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and a chair—you'll quickly understand why Road America has earned its reputation as America's National Park of Speed.
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