Road America tries to build on success
Large crowds came out for race last year
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.
Demand built over an eightseason 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 Botcustomer toms 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 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.”