Road America Live Cam

Road America, located in Plymouth, Wisconsin, is one of the most iconic and historic road racing circuits in the United States. Since its opening in 1955, this 4.048-mile track has been a favorite among drivers, teams, and fans alike. Known for its challenging layout, scenic surroundings, and a long-standing tradition of hosting world-class motorsports events, Road America is more than just a racetrack—it is a beloved institution in American racing history. This article will explore the history of Road America, its impact on the local community, and its role in the world of motorsports, while also highlighting the unique features that make this track a favorite destination for racing enthusiasts from around the globe.

History

The history of Road America dates back to the early 1950s, a time when road racing was gaining popularity in the United States. After World War II, sports car racing began to flourish in America, particularly in the Midwest. The small town of Elkhart Lake, located near Plymouth, Wisconsin, became a focal point for this growing interest. In the early 1950s, races were held on public roads around Elkhart Lake, attracting large crowds and some of the best drivers of the time. However, concerns over safety and the potential dangers of racing on public roads led to the idea of constructing a permanent, purpose-built road racing circuit in the area.

The vision for Road America was spearheaded by Clif Tufte, an engineer and racing enthusiast who saw the potential for creating a world-class racing facility in Wisconsin. Tufte's goal was to build a track that would not only provide a safe and challenging environment for drivers but also capture the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. With the support of local businesses and the community, Tufte purchased 525 acres of farmland and began the construction of the track in 1954. The design of the circuit took advantage of the natural terrain, with its rolling hills, sweeping curves, and elevation changes, creating a layout that was both thrilling and technically demanding.

Road America officially opened on September 10, 1955, with its inaugural race weekend featuring the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) national event. From the beginning, the track was a hit with drivers and fans, earning praise for its challenging layout and picturesque setting. The success of the first event set the stage for Road America's future as a premier racing destination. Over the years, the track continued to attract top-tier racing series, including the United States Road Racing Championship (USRRC), Can-Am, Trans-Am, Formula 5000, and, later, the IMSA sports car series and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS).

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Road America became synonymous with the golden era of sports car racing in America. The track hosted some of the most legendary drivers in motorsports history, including Mario Andretti, Dan Gurney, Mark Donohue, and Phil Hill. These drivers, along with many others, helped to establish Road America's reputation as one of the most challenging and respected circuits in the world. The track's long straights, high-speed corners, and technical sections made it a true driver's track, where skill and bravery were required to succeed.

One of the most significant developments in Road America's history came in 1973 when the track was expanded to its current length of 4.048 miles. This expansion included the addition of the Carousel, a long, sweeping right-hand corner that became one of the track's signature features. The new layout further cemented Road America's status as a premier racing venue, attracting even more top-level events and competitors.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Road America continued to evolve, adapting to the changing landscape of motorsports. The track hosted the CART IndyCar series, bringing open-wheel racing to the circuit and attracting a new generation of fans. The IndyCar races at Road America became some of the most popular events on the calendar, with drivers like Emerson Fittipaldi, Michael Andretti, and Paul Tracy battling it out on the challenging circuit. Road America's mix of high-speed straights and technical corners provided a unique challenge for the IndyCar drivers, who had to balance speed with precision to succeed.

In addition to IndyCar, Road America also became a staple on the schedule of the IMSA sports car series, which brought a new level of endurance racing to the track. The American Le Mans Series (ALMS), which merged with IMSA in 2014, regularly featured races at Road America, drawing top teams and manufacturers from around the world. The combination of prototype and GT cars racing on the circuit created some of the most exciting and memorable moments in Road America's history, further solidifying the track's reputation as a premier destination for sports car racing.

In recent years, Road America has continued to thrive, hosting a wide variety of racing events that appeal to fans of all types of motorsports. The track is a regular stop for the NASCAR Xfinity Series, bringing stock car racing to the circuit and introducing a new generation of fans to the unique challenges of road course racing. The NASCAR races at Road America have become some of the most anticipated events on the calendar, with drivers and teams relishing the opportunity to tackle one of the most demanding road courses in the country.

Beyond professional racing, Road America has also become a hub for amateur racing and club events. The track hosts numerous SCCA events, vintage racing weekends, and motorcycle races, providing opportunities for drivers of all skill levels to experience the thrill of racing on a world-class circuit. The track's commitment to grassroots motorsports has helped to foster a strong racing community in the region, with enthusiasts from across the Midwest coming to Road America to test their skills and share their passion for the sport.

Impact on the Local Community

Road America's impact extends far beyond the world of motorsports. The track has become an integral part of the local community, contributing to the economy and serving as a source of pride for the residents of Plymouth and the surrounding areas. Each year, Road America attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors, who come to the area not only for the racing but also to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the region.

The influx of visitors during race weekends provides a significant boost to the local economy, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and businesses throughout Plymouth and the surrounding towns. The track's events also create jobs, both directly at the facility and indirectly through the increased demand for services and accommodations. For many local businesses, race weekends are some of the busiest and most profitable times of the year, helping to sustain the local economy and support the community.

In addition to its economic impact, Road America has also played a role in promoting tourism in the region. The track's reputation as a premier racing destination draws visitors from across the country and around the world, many of whom take the opportunity to explore the area during their visit. The region's scenic beauty, with its rolling hills, forests, and lakes, offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and boating. The combination of world-class racing and natural attractions makes Road America a unique destination that appeals to a broad range of visitors.

Road America's commitment to the local community is also evident in its support for charitable organizations and community initiatives. The track regularly hosts charity events, such as fundraisers, auctions, and benefit races, to support local causes and give back to the community. Through these efforts, Road America has established itself as a valued and responsible member of the Plymouth community, contributing not only to the local economy but also to the well-being of its residents.

Track Layout and Features

One of the key factors that make Road America such a beloved track is its challenging and unique layout. The 4.048-mile circuit is known for its combination of high-speed straights, technical corners, and elevation changes, which test the skills of drivers and provide thrilling action for fans. The track features 14 turns, each with its own distinct character, requiring drivers to be precise and adaptable throughout the race.

One of the most famous sections of the track is the "Carousel," a long, sweeping right-hand corner that leads into the fast and flowing "Kettle Bottoms" section. The Carousel is a test of both car setup and driver skill, as maintaining speed through the long corner is crucial for a good lap time. The Kettle Bottoms, a series of fast bends, rewards bravery and precision, as drivers push their cars to the limit while avoiding the grass and gravel traps that line the track.

Another iconic feature of Road America is the "Canada Corner," a tight right-hand turn at the end of a long straight. Canada Corner is one of the prime overtaking spots on the circuit, as drivers use the draft on the straight to gain an advantage before diving into the corner. However, the braking zone for Canada Corner is tricky, and many races have been decided by mistakes or brilliant maneuvers at this critical point on the track.

Road America also features significant elevation changes, which add to the complexity and excitement of the circuit. The climb from the "Kettle Bottoms" up to the final corner and onto the front straight is one of the most dramatic sections of the track, with cars cresting a hill before plunging back down towards the start/finish line. This elevation change, combined with the track's flowing layout, gives Road America a rhythm that is unique among American road courses.

In addition to its on-track features, Road America is known for its excellent facilities and fan-friendly environment. The track offers a wide range of viewing areas, allowing fans to experience the action from multiple perspectives. From the grassy hillsides overlooking the Carousel to the grandstands along the front straight, there are plenty of great spots to watch the racing and soak in the atmosphere.

Road America also provides a variety of amenities for fans, including camping areas, food vendors, and souvenir shops. The track's commitment to providing a great experience for fans is evident in the quality of its facilities and the friendliness of its staff. Whether you're a seasoned racing fan or a first-time visitor, Road America offers a welcoming and exciting environment that keeps fans coming back year after year.

Conclusion

Road America in Plymouth, Wisconsin, is more than just a racetrack—it's a beloved institution with a rich history, a strong connection to the local community, and a reputation as one of the most challenging and exciting circuits in the world. From its humble beginnings as a vision of a safe and scenic racing venue to its status as a premier destination for motorsports, Road America has become an iconic part of American racing culture.

Over the decades, Road America has hosted some of the most memorable races and legendary drivers in motorsports history, contributing to its enduring legacy. The track's unique layout, with its combination of high-speed straights, technical corners, and elevation changes, continues to challenge and thrill drivers and fans alike. Road America's commitment to providing a great experience for both competitors and spectators has made it a favorite destination for racing enthusiasts from around the world.

As Road America looks to the future, it remains dedicated to preserving its rich history while continuing to evolve and adapt to the changing world of motorsports. With its blend of world-class racing, beautiful surroundings, and a welcoming community, Road America will undoubtedly continue to be a cherished part of the American racing landscape for many years to come.