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VINTAGE RACING SETS THE 2016 SEASON IN MOTION AT ROAD AMERICA
- Active, Reserve and Retired Military Receive Free Admission -
ELKHART LAKE, Wis., May 4, 2016 -
It has been 66 years since racers tore through the streets of this tiny village about 60 miles north of Milwaukee. Still, every spring you would swear time stood still when the sounds of historic racecars from days gone by seem to echo throughout the hillside.
Racing came to Elkhart Lake in 1950, with cars competing against the backdrop of the countryside course. In 1953, auto racing was banned on open roads in Wisconsin and as a result, the need for a real racetrack became apparent and Road America was established with the first event taking place in 1955. The four-mile, 14-turn road course was designed by Clif Tufte as an adaptation to the existing hillside commonly known in eastern Wisconsin as the Kettle Moraine - complete with corners and straightaways that have taken on names of their own, based mainly on their configuration but more often the intimidation level.
With radical elevation changes, tree-lined straights and spring flowers blooming at every turn; Road America's four spectacular miles are in a one-of-a-kind class with racers the world over, while photographers view it as a paradise for split-second shutters and scenic backgrounds.
Whatever your desire, from May 13-15 the SVRA Spring Vintage Weekend serves it up in classic form. Come witness the power, pageantry and picturesque landscapes of Road America, a track that is every bit as impressive as the cars that will compete.
"I love coming back to Road America every year because you get to witness the sights, sounds and even smells that you don't get to anymore at most races," says Rick Pfrang, of Menasha, Wis., a diehard vintage racer who plans to run his '89 GT-1 Camaro sponsored by Brew Pub Pizza at this year's event. "For us racers, the reward of racing in an event like this is obviously doing well but it's also the speed, camaraderie with others and the feeling when you get that smell of the tires and fuel in your nostrils. It is a wonderful weekend, because you get a chance to see, hear and admire cars you'd never have a chance to experience outside of a vintage event."
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Rick Pfrang coaxes his '89 GT-1 Camaro through the Carousel - credit Rick Blaha
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Make no mistake about it, the SVRA Spring Vintage Weekend offers tightly regulated, wheel-to-wheel racing, the weekend will showcase a wide variety of cars including those that competed in past Indianapolis 500s, NASCAR, Formula One, Grand-Am prototypes and Trans-Am. In addition, American racing iron from makes like Chevrolet and Ford will compete with historic racecars from Ferrari, Porsche, Jaguar, MG and many others in 12 different classes of racing including over 200 participants. Two Enduro races will also be scheduled this year as the Stuttgart Cup Series for Porsche Caymans will join in the SVRA festivities for a series race.
"For me it's all about the people, the cars and the fans," says Brad Dahmer, a local racer from Sheboygan, Wis., who plans to run his '94 GT-1 Chevrolet Monte Carlo under the Terry's Tap and Sign Me Up livery during the Spring Vintage Weekend. "It's the chance to rub elbows with your peers and compete alongside some of the coolest cars ever built. Stuff from the early CAN-AM days, and beginnings of IMSA, to the NASCAR Busch Series, and our reward comes from the respectful competition we find in driving and racing together. Being at the track is like camping, but with vintage cars. All your friends and family are there, plus some really great cars and it's just a really fun time."
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Brad Dahmer and his '94 GT-1 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
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Fans that enjoy grassroots racing of all types are encouraged to mingle in the pits, peek under the hoods and visit the paddock area for an up-close look at these rare vehicles all while chatting with the men and women who dedicate their time to preserving the rich history of auto racing. This event gives also gives enthusiasts the opportunity to watch many of their favorite vintage sports cars and formula cars as they race around the tricky 14-turn course offering an unprecedented side-by-side view of many different machines.
Gates will open to the public each day at 7 a.m. Admission is $60 for the 3-day weekend, $20 Friday, $30 Saturday and $20 Sunday. As part of its commitment to honoring America's heroes, Road America will provide free admission to all active, reserve-duty military and veterans with ID during the SVRA Spring Vintage Races at Road America. New for 2016, anyone 16-years-old and under are FREE with a paying adult at the gate. All races will run rain or shine. A tentative event schedule is available online at www.roadamerica.com
About Road America: Established in 1955 as the first permanent road racing course in the United States, Road America is located midway between Milwaukee and Green Bay in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The world's best racers have competed at this legendary four-mile, 14-turn road circuit for 60 years. The 640-acre, park-like grounds offer amazing viewing opportunities, fantastic concessions and high-speed excitement to hundreds of thousands of spectators each year. In addition to public race weekends, Road America offers a variety of group event programs, the Road America Motorplex for karting and supermoto, and the Road America Motorcycle and Advanced Driving Schools. For more information, visit www.roadamerica.com or call 800-365-7223.
Chevrolet - The Official Vehicle of Road America
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