This year, can IndyCar match the crowds of 2016 at Road America?
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| Road America |
The problem Road America faces after the return of Indy cars last year — if you really can call this a problem — is trying to match the success in Year 2 writes Dave Kallmann of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Demand built over an eight-season absence to the point that thousands of fans showed up for team testing, and Road America president and general manager George Bruggenthies estimated the race drew as large a crowd as any in the track’s history.
“Obviously it’s difficult to top it," track spokesman John Ewert said Monday, on the start of Kohler Grand Prix week.
“What we try to do for the most part is listen to the fans and provide them what we can to have the most enjoyable experience as possible."
Track activity at the 4-mile course in Elkhart Lake starts with testing and official practice sessions for various support series. The main event, the Kohler Grand Prix, the 10th of 17 races for the Verizon IndyCar Series, is scheduled for 12:10 p.m. Sunday.
Spectators will notice a few changes since last year, such as expanded parking and viewing areas in some places and an additional video screen to the drivers’ right in the popular Turn 5 area.
Also, the Kettle Bottoms Trail, which opened up views of the track from the Carousel through the Kink and Canada Corner, is completely paved and open to golf carts and scooters as well as pedestrians.
“That’s three-quarters of a mile that definitely provides an elevated view above the race course where you can get the entire sensory experience of the speed the cars reach," Ewert said.
One policy change that came about through customer feedback, Ewert said, is that people who camp through the weekend will be allowed to stay over after the race rather than packing up and getting on the road.
“I really think the idea of campers not having to leave until noon on Monday is a good idea … and makes it a lot more comfortable," Ewert said. “We’ve added campsites, too, and it’s a great experience to come here and camp and just be able to enjoy the event."
Road America Indycar Weekend Preview
What:Verizon IndyCar Series Kohler Grand Prix, plus Pirelli World Challenge, Indy Lights, Pro Mazda, Global MX-5 Cup.
When: Thursday through Sunday. The 55-lap Kohler Grand Prix is scheduled for 12:10 p.m. Sunday
Where:Road America, a 4-mile road course in Elkhart Lake.
Tickets:Available at the gate, $30 Thursday, $40 Friday, $70 Saturday, $80 Sunday, $170 weekend.
TV: NBCSN, 11:30 a.m., and qualifying at 4 p.m. Saturday. Also, all IndyCar practices and qualifying will be streamed live on racecontrol.indycar.com, as will Indy Lights, Pro Mazda and USF2000 practices, qualifying sessions and races.
Schedule highlights: Thursday, testing and practice for World Challenge, MX-5, Pro Mazda and USF2000. Friday, practice in all divisions (IndyCar at 10:45 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.), plus races for USF2000, MX-5 and Pro Mazda. Saturday, practice and qualifying, including IndyCar qualifying at 3 p.m., as well as races for MX-5, Indy Lights, USF200, Pro Mazda and World Challenge. Sunday, Kohler Grand Prix at 12:10 p.m., preceded by Indy Lights, with World Challenge both before and after. (Find a complete schedule at jsonline.com/sports/motor-sports.)
Last year:Will Power led 46 of 50 laps from the pole, was never passed on the track and had enough in reserve to survive his biggest challenge of the day from Tony Kanaan on the final lap. Dave Kallmann/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel