Wisconsin road course adds fresh asphalt, video displays
Road America announced a repaving project and other major improvements for fans ahead of its motorsports season, including the return of the NASCAR XFINITY Series on Aug. 29 (3 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network).
Track officials announced Monday that the historic 14-turn, 4.048-mile road course in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, would have fresh asphalt in Turns 5, 6, 8 and 14 in time for a vintage sports car event May 15-17. Officials also said the repaving did not include any changes to the width of the racing surface.
“We take great pride in not only improving the facility for fans, but for competitors as well,” George Bruggenthies, Road America president and general manager, said in a press release provided by the track. “We have many club events, schools, vehicle tests and private events at Road America and the integrity of the racing surface is just as important as our amenities, concessions, programs and many entertainment offerings.
“This new resurfacing project wasn’t immediately necessary but we wanted to make the improvements now to keep up with the demands that our 4-mile road course endures throughout the season and we guarantee the track will be ready for our first event.”
Road America also announced the addition of four high-definition video displays, permanently installed in Turns 1, 3, 12 and the area between Turns 7 and 8. The networked LED displays supplement the track’s existing video board in Turn 5.
The 2015 season will mark the sixth consecutive year of racing for the XFINITY Series at Road America, but also a shift from its customary mid-June race date to late August. Last year, Brendan Gaughan became the fifth winner in five XFINITY events on the Wisconsin road course.