You want to come to the best track in America to see your favorite racing series? Excellent. We are happy to have you! If this is your first visit to see NASCAR at Road America, these tips will bring you extra luck towards your weekend of racing enjoyment. (this page is a work in progress)
NASCAR CUP 2021 Might Change A Few Things
My only experience with NASCAR at Road America is with the Xfinity Series. In 2021, NASCAR Cup series is coming to the track over the Fourth of July weekend. These tips might change a little due to the size of the event and the expectation of all those people.
NASCAR Races At Road America
One thing to keep in mind is that you are NOT going to get access to the NASCAR garage or paddock where the haulers are. The most asked question and more frequent complaint is in regards to that. It’s been that way for a long time now and I am sure it will not be changing anytime soon. Plan accordingly.
Now that we are done with the intro. Lets move into what you need to know about Road America ensuring your weekend is a joyous one.
Road America is Huge
You are not going to be sitting on top of one another, unless you want to. There is so much room to roam at Road America it has become a headline each season.
Take advantage of the viewing areas with grandstands* if you want a simple experience, but also remember you can move around and watch from ANY part of the track.
Getting around to other parts of the track is covered a bit later. Even though grandstands are peppered around the property, you can setup a canopy and a bunch of chairs for your own viewing area.
*Outside Turn 1 \ Outside Turn 3 \ Outside & Inside Turn 5 \ Outside & Inside Turn 6 \ Outside Turn 7 \ Outside Turn 8 \ Outside Turn 12 \ Turn 13 \ Outside Turn 14
If you want to see the area of the track known as The Kink, now is your chance, but it is a hike.
The shuttles run to specific areas of the track and get you close to many viewing spots. For the The Kink, that ride must be supplemented with a little walk.
Once you arrive to the viewing area located just to the west of the go-kart track, you will be looking down at The Kink through the trees. It is a great experience.
Canada Corner Is a Must
If you are used to left turns during a NASCAR race and want to see something different, Canada Corner is a great viewing opportunity for you.
Canada Corner is a great place to view the cars as they race down Kettle Bottoms to one of the most exciting passing locations on the track. This is not the only place you will find action, but it is 1 of 5-6 places the cars turn right.
The Crowd Traffic Is Heavy
As I have mentioned before, moving from one viewing location to the next can get a little hectic. Even without a large spectator crowd like the one NASCAR brings, it requires planning and sometimes defensive walking/driving skills.
On race day, you can expect the traffic flow to be slow, even when on foot. Plan accordingly and move during cold track times to maximize your race viewing pleasure.
As a GENERAL RULE, the track allows travel in your car between viewing locations, but that might not be the case for the NASCAR CUP AND NASCAR XFINITY SERIES HENRY 180 race.
Moving through the Paddock is also limited to walking, insured moped or golf cart. Riding your bike, scooter or other non-motorized vehicle is not permitted in the Paddock area.
BRING YOUR OWN FOOD AND DRINK
If you do not want to wait in line for food, or walk from Turn 5 to the Paddock Concessions, I recommend bringing your own food and drink.
A sweet cooler on wheels packed with snacks and drinks will go a long way when you are waiting around for the next race. Not to mention it will save a little stress on the pocketbook at the end of the weekend.
This is 100% allowed on the Road America property. Every single time I hear someone complain about the prices or the food choices, I just want to remind them the nicest way possible 🙂
Food at the track is out of this world. Options include mac and cheese, double brats with sauerkraut, hot dogs, popcorn, ice cream, corn on the cob, pulled pork and so much more!
Visiting For More Than 1 Day?
This is not uncommon at all. Even though many race fans are not able to get tickets for the entire weekend, many do so. When that happens, they need a place to stay.
Road America camping is the next best thing to eating a brat for every single meal. More than 1,000 sites available throughout the track property and none of them are terrible.
The reason I can say that is because once you are within the gates, NOTHING (that isn’t controlled by Mother Nature) is terrible!
Not able to camp? Or would you rather stay in a comfortable bed for the night? Sheboygan, Manitowoc and Fond Du Lac areas are filled with AirBnB rentals that get you close to the track.
Don’t Forget The Racing Related Goodies
The Paddock Shop at Road America recently underwent a little facelift and a visit to the track would not be complete without stepping foot in there to check it out.
