Amidst all the positives of this year's merger between the IRL and Champ Car, many race fans are disgruntled by the loss of a couple of North America's finest race tracks on the open wheel map. Road courses like Portland and Cleveland are among the most popular tracks to have been dropped after the merger, but usually the first name on most fans' list is that of Road America. The famous 4-mile track in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin has been a set piece of the CART/Champ Car calendar for many years and now finds itself on the outside looking in. UpdateF1 takes a look at the track's situation.
Road America's bond with U.S. open wheels quickly becomes apparent when talking to the track's representatives. Elkhart Lake has been hosting a race from 1982 until 2007, being the theatre of 26 Champ Car grand prix, and the track's organisation is keen on bringing the newly merged series back to popular venue.
Communication manager Julie Sebranek: “Road America has been holding world-class road racing events for over 53 years. Open-wheel racing has always been a part of our history and we're a natural fit for the IndyCar Series, its drivers and its fans. We definitely have a long-term intention to bring the IRL back to Elkhart Lake.”
Despite the interest in the IRL, the Wisconsin market may be a difficult one. At present, a major part of the calendar is centred around the Midwest, including a successful event at Milwaukee, WI, and many people wonder whether another race in the region would be a good idea. Even if it's Elkhart Lake's legend.
Sebranek: “We are concerned about market saturation. The vicinity of races like Milwaukee and many other Midwest races could hurt a potential IndyCar Series race at our venue.”
Even though the lack of major open wheels series leaves a big hole in its calendar, Road America is positive about its future.
“Road America continually upgrades its facility with racing conditions and the fan experience in mind”, says Sebranek. She adds: “We are very proud that we've grown over the years while maintaining our original track configuration. We also pursue a variety of motorsports series that keep our motorcycle fans, sports car fans, and open-wheel fans engaged in road racing.”
From the looks of it, a return on the IndyCar calender doesn't seem to be a prospect for tomorrow. However, the schedule is expected to change in some areas for 2010 and beyond, which may open up a slot for the track. Whatever the outcome, Road America remains one of North America's most popular road courses, a status it will rightfully maintain.
Written by fc on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 22:29:14
[ Print View ][ E-Mail Article ]
