Road America Art On Wheels Vintage Weekend

The last weekend of summer brought cool, damp Wisconsin weather for the annual vintage race. Although track conditions were not ideal, they did not dampen enthusiasm or the event’s competitive spirit. Drivers from 24 states and 2 countries traveled to Elkhart Lake, WI, bringing 260 entrants to Art on Wheels at Road America.

IAvery Reed pushes his 1926 Bugatti hard into Turn 1

Friday practice/qualifying was the driest day of the weekend as Saturday’s rain (understandably) reduced the size of some qualifying groups. Given the lack of sunshine, Friday’s times were used to construct the starting grids for Saturday afternoon’s Spring Races.

James Kok Tavy turns his 1959 Austin Healey hard out of Turn 1-note his hand on the steering wheel.

Even with the soggy conditions, spectators were seated throughout the 4.04-mile road course. Sunday brought cool, dry track conditions that promoted ‘spirited’ Group Racing.

A group of 1965 Mustangs goes into Turn 5 during practice as drizzle begins to fall, causing #176 to slide out of the apex.

The drive from my home base of Indianapolis to Elkhart Lake, WI, is just over 5 hours and always well worth it. The track makes noticeable improvements in the off-season (this year an expanded starting area), and the many outbuildings are all well maintained. One puzzling concession stand change is that Johnsville Brats are no longer served? Now I have no financial interest in the company, but they (IMO) are a very tasty WI staple and have been served for decades. Guess time marches on.

This 1994 Mustang ran hard in Sunday’s race, finishing first in the GTP Group.

Road America just turned 71 and continues to host racing events that shape American racing history. As I left the track on Sunday, I was already planning my 2027 return trip.