By Chadd Randall / @apexdreamcars
Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI. never disappoints. The weather was spectacular, the crowds large and the food was fantastic. The cars that turned out and the racing was next level. WeatherTech International Challenge with Brian Redman at Road America is a yearly celebration of vintage pre-war racers to Masters Endurance Legends/modern GT's, with this years featured marque of vintage NASCAR and Grand National cars. With NASCAR CUP and NASCAR Xfinity Series racing through "America's National Park of Speed" just two weeks earlier, the thunderous echos seemed to still be resonating around the track providing an amazing atmosphere.
All wings and slicks with John Mckenna's 1974 Parnelli VPJ-4
Kirt Bennett in his 1974 Lola T322 leaving "Canada Corner"
It was a nice treat to watch Geoff Brabham drive his 1971 Brabham BT35
Group 7 cars gives spectators a view of some open wheel cars that never got a chance to stretch their legs around the four mile road course.
Masters Historic Formula One group which showcases F1 cars built from 1966-1985 with a limit on the Cosworth DHV engines to 3 Liters. Again showing fans cars that never got a chance to race at Road America in period, but leaving them stunned now. A trio of JPS Lotus brought back alot of memories.
Brian French full speed down the "Moraine Sweep" heading to turn 5 in his 1997 Benetton B197
Chris Locke in turn 14 in his 1976 Lotus 77
Dan Collins in his 1982 Lotus 91/8.
Lee Mowle and his 1980 lotus 81 headed to the "hurry downs"
Cal Meeker putting the power down to get up the front stretch in his 1979 Tyrrell 009
NASCAR doesn't have a long or storied past like other forms of racing around Road America YET, but they put on a tremendous show. Hopefully we continue to see them turning right for many years to come.
Stephen Keneally in his 2003 Dodge Intrepid Cup car coming out of turn 9
Frank Marcum in his 2010 Ford Taurus Cup car sweeping through the "carousel".
Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI. is known for its history of sportscar and prototype racing. No stone was left unturned with Masters Endurance Legends, IMSA, Modern GTs and Historic Big Bore. Cars that have raced at Lemans in the "big race" to club level racers, were all here to celebrate the greatness of the "Last Era".
Brian Pettey "hurrying down" in his 1974 Porsche 911 RSR.
The "Hurry Downs" a downhill portion of the track that contains corners 6, 7 , 8 that provide great passing opportunities for drivers as they setup to conquer the "Carousel".
Todd Treffert satisfied JDM fans with his 2000 Nissan R34 GT-R.
Jason Miller's 1990 Nissan 300 ZXT continued the JDM goodness coming out of "Thunder Valley"
Rob Cowen in a his 1972 Alfa Romeo GTAm having Big Fun Racing.
David Porter creeping up quickly in his 2007 Peugeot 908 HDi Masters Endurance Legend.
The 1966 VSC Porsche 906R of Justin Pauly and Revere Greist 1972 Porsche RSR ready to run.
I actually lived nearby and went to Road America regularly through my entire life. Growing up there I always looked up to a very successful local race team called RealTime Racing. Peter Cunningham and his entire team always seemed to be quite successful at there hometown track and it's very nice to see the RealTime race cars getting some exercise again.
Peter Cunningham in the RealTime Racing 2004 Acura TSX.
John Whitaker getting on the brakes hard for turn 14 in his Realtime Racing 2009 Acura TSX.
2005 Audi R8 LMP being handled by Travis Engen around the Carousel.
Jeff McKee flying through in his 1968 Superformance GT40.
A "Flying Lizard" in the shadows entering the "Carousel" Loren Beggs 2004 Porsche 911 RSR.
A speedy Travis Mjolsnes in his 1988 BMW M3-E30 DTM.
Watch out for the big cat hunting with Phillip Taxman in this 1964 Jaguar XKE Coupe.
Rob Cowen 3 wheeling in a his 1972 Alfa Romeo GTAm.
