ELKHART LAKE, Wis. – NASCAR’s Independence Day weekend party will shift locations within the Midwest next summer, as Road America welcomes the NASCAR Cup Series on July 4.
The picturesque 4.048-mile, 14-turn circuit will host the 20th of 26 races in the Cup Series regular season on Independence Day, ending a 64-year hiatus of top-level stock car racing at the historic track.
Wednesday’s news sets the first modern-era Cup race in track history and the second overall, following a 1956 Grand National Series stop at what was then a 4.1-mile layout.
Start times and broadcast details for the Road America NASCAR Cup Series event are still being determined and will be announced at a later date.
“Since we welcomed the NASCAR XFINITY Series in 2010, our fans have been asking for the NASCAR Cup Series, and we are very proud to make it happen on the Fourth of July,” said Road America’s President and General Manager Mike Kertscher. “The weekend is going to be memorable and exciting for everyone as we celebrate Independence Day at America’s National Park of Speed. We encourage new and returning fans to get their tickets and campsites early because we intend to host four full days of on-track action.
“Our entire staff is excited to welcome the teams, drivers, and new visitors to show them that Road America is the ideal facility to come for the experience and stay for the race.”
The first time NASCAR racing came to Road America was Aug. 12, 1956, at the urging of Carl Kiekhaefer of Fond du Lac, Wis., when the Grand National Division (now NASCAR Cup Series) ran the 37th event of 56 that counted towards the championship battle.
Many of the 26 drivers who took the green flag that day read like a who’s who of the early days in NASCAR racing – Lee Petty, Junior Johnson, Buck Baker, and Fireball Roberts were a few notables – but Tim Flock took the checkered flag, in the rain, driving a Mercury.
Tickets are now available, and additional event details, ticket pricing, and camping information can be found at www.roadamerica.com or by calling 800-365-7223.
Fans 16 and under are free with a paying adult at the gate. Racing runs rain or shine.