Photo Credit: Les Tension
Widely known as one of the largest vintage racing gatherings in the United States, over 550 cars are expected to participate and both race cars and sports cars from all walks of vintage are welcome. With 14 different groups subdivided into several sub-classes the breadth of cars has something for everyone and there will be no shortage of spectacular racing. Every year has a feature and this year as participants descend on the historic circuit Road America will not only be celebrating its 60th Anniversary but intends to pay homage to CAN-AM's 49th Anniversary while hosting a combined tribute for Chevrolet's 60th Anniversary of its revered V8 engine in the form of a special small-block Chevrolet V8 race. Additional features include a Masters GP group and an F5000 group to round out the bevy of cars expected to participate.
The festivities kick off on Thursday, July 16, with gates opening at 7 a.m. Test sessions begin at 8 a.m., and run throughout the entire day. On Friday the on track action resumes with practice sessions in the morning and qualifying sessions in the afternoon.
Friday evening, the tiny village of Elkhart Lake will spring to life with a blend of art-on-wheels as over 100 race cars will parade from the track to downtown Elkhart Lake for judging and spectator viewing beginning at 6 p.m., for the Nationwide Concours d'Elegance.
Photo Credit: Pierre Munson
This event is a must see spectacle for enthusiasts of all ages as the quiet town is taken over by vintage racing cars. The sound, while not as visceral as being at the track itself is unique in that you are seeing the pinnacle of vintage racing rumble through public roads. Standing ten feet from a 1,000 horsepower big block CAN-AM car, or the beyond mad 80's Formula 1 turbo cars as they idle and rev by you is a sensation that goes beyond hearing and it is inexplicably cool.
Everyone is invited to take part in the concours viewing but Road America encourages fans and patrons to arrive early (before 5 p.m.) to allow enough time for parking and to find your perfect viewing location along the parade route and Lake Street where the race cars will park. Please consider these alternate routes into Elkhart Lake. County Road A from the East, Golf Course Road from the South and County Road J from the West.
Photo Credit: Les Tension
On Saturday qualifying resumes in the morning for all groups. Then in the afternoon racing gets underway with qualifying races for each group. Over 100 sports cars will then gather again on Saturday evening in downtown Elkhart Lake from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the second night of the Nationwide Concours d'Elegance. Brimming with rarity, the street fills again. Most of these cars are rare metal, fast metal, and only once in a lifetime that you will see them metal. The access again is unprecedented.
Photo Credit: Les Tension
Seeing owners giving little kids seat time in the cars is part of the fun. In short, events like this, having the young ones exposed to the cars, and the sensations surrounding the event is critical to continuing the heritage of vintage racing and events like The HAWK International Challenge with Brian Redman make all of this possible.
On Sunday, the featured racing begins at 9:30 a.m. Races are held until 12:15 p.m., when the Nationwide Concours d'Elegance awards for Best Street and Race car; Best of Show and the People's Choice award are announced. The rest of the day is filled with exciting feature races for each group. Other fan attractions include autograph sessions, an automotive art and vendor fair, on-track touring presented by Associated Bank, Road America's Zip Line and public go-karting at the Road America Motorplex.
Tickets are available online or during the event at the gate. Additional information is available at www.roadamerica.com or by calling 800-365-RACE (7223). All races run rain or shine and kids 12 and under are free with an adult. Parking and paddock access is also free.
