NASCAR coming to Road America

[boomerbust]

Road America's boss had been talking with NASCAR for a decade, sometimes casually and at some points more seriously.

The conversations finally paid off.

NASCAR announced Monday - less than week after the troubled Milwaukee Mile was forced to give up its dates for 2010 - it would take the June 19 Nationwide Series race to Road America.

"It's a really big deal for us, and I'm really excited because this is a new audience for us in large part and really will showcase our facility to new fans," said George Bruggenthies, president and general manager for the 4-mile road course in Elkhart Lake.

"We've had five generations of fans coming to Road America, and it's definitely a unique experience."

Only the oldest of those fans will remember the track's other experience with a NASCAR national series. On Aug. 12, 1956, in the track's second season, Tim Flock beat teammate Billy Myers in what has become Sprint Cup.

The defunct NASCAR Midwest Series raced at the track in 2001, an event won by Paul Menard, now a Cup driver and part-time Nationwide competitor.

"The then-Busch series was road-racing, and I think we were in line to get one for 2002," Bruggenthies said. "Then they changed the engine package and . . . (decided) with the extra stress, no more road racing for the Busch Series. But when they started again with Mexico (in 2005), I'm going like, hey. . . "

Road America will be the first of three road races for the Nationwide Series next season, joining Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Montreal. It is unclear where NASCAR will take the Camping World Truck Series race that had been scheduled for Milwaukee.

[Sabriel]

1. How about F1 instead?

I can't imagine it's not at least close to FIA safety specs.

[boomerbust]

2. Nationwide

Should be a good draw. I live about two miles from the track. I'll be there.

[madrchsod]

3. dam....i sure would like to go.

i suppose i could save a few dollars...