IndyCar to return to Road America in 2016

Published Aug. 8, 2015 11:46 a.m. ET

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Samuel Reiman

In an effort to return IndyCar to yesteryear, the series has been attempting to reach out and return to the circuits that used to fill its schedule during the times it rivaled NASCAR in terms of popularity.

One such circuit is Road America, the 14-turn, 4.048-mile circuit in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin that played host to the series from 1982-2007.

To the delight of many IndyCar fans, drivers, and teams, the Verizon IndyCar Series announced that it would be returning to the historic road course in 2016 on the June 24-26 weekend, along with all three levels of the Mazda Road to Indy --  the Indy Lights, Pro Mazda and USF2000 championships.

"We know how revered Road America is by our drivers, teams and fans and we're confident it will be a great event on the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series calendar," said Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co., the parent of INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "We're thankful to (Road America president and general manager) George Bruggenthies and his staff for their collaboration in bringing INDYCAR back to one of the most iconic road courses in North America. This event, along with a new street race in Boston, are integral additions for 2016 as our efforts to finalize the entire schedule continue to progress."

“It’s truly great news that open-wheel racing will be back at Road America,” said INDYCAR President Derrick Walker. "It's a classic road course: Long, with almost every type of challenging corner. The track is designed to make full use of the natural terrain, which makes for great spectator locations to see the Verizon IndyCar Series at its best. In addition, our cars at Road America with aero kits will showcase some very exciting racing for our fans."

With low downforce packages leading to staggering speeds on the long and winding course, it wasn’t just the organizers who were glad to see the circuit make its return to the IndyCar schedule, with several IndyCar drivers taking to social media to express their delight:

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