RACE: Road America news 2009-06-16

Hundreds of Cars To Race in June Sprints®

ELKHART LAKE, WI, June 15, 2009 - Over 500 competitors from across the nation will be racing at Road America during the 54th running of the Chicago Region SCCA June Sprints®, June 18-21, 2009. The SCCA-Sports Car Club of America-is an organization devoted to providing amateur and professional racing opportunities for men and women of all skill levels using a variety of cars. Everything from showroom stock to highly-modified, purpose-built race cars heat up the track with four days of practice, qualifying and racing. The drivers love testing their skills on the legendary road course while spectators enjoy Road America's park-like setting, tracks-side viewing and open paddock access.

This year's June Sprints is drawing an even larger number of competitors, many new to the track, because of the SCCA National Championship Runoffs®, the season's culminating event for club sports car racers. Drivers are eager to gain track experience during the June Sprints as they work toward their class championships. The Runoffs will be held at Road America for the first time, September 24-27.

Road America makes June Sprints its annual Salute to Youth weekend by offering special group tickets and activities to youth organizations. Every year, area Cub Scouts tour the paddock and participate in outdoor activities. Public karting is available during the event at the Briggs & Stratton Motorplex. Karting is the way many of today's top racers got their start in competitive motorsports. For a fee, people ages 14 and older can take a kart out on the exciting purpose-built karting track and reach speeds of up to 50 mph. No experience is necessary and all equipment is provided.

On Saturday evening, June 20th, the track is hosting a drive-in movie fundraiser for the Sharon S. Richardson Hospice. The feature movie is GREASE, originally released in 1978 with stars John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. The Main Gate on Hwy 67 will open at 6:30 for movie-goers. A 50's costume contest will take place at 7:45 pm in front of the large movie screen. Cartoons will start at 8:30 p.m. and the feature film at 9:30 p.m. Cost to attend the Drive-In movie is $10 per carload, or $3.00 for walk-ins or on-site race fans. Concessions will be available for purchase.

Daily admission to the June Sprints is $20 Thursday, $25 Friday, and $35 each for Saturday and Sunday. Kids 12 and under are always free with an adult. Special ticket promotions include Cedar Crest Ice Cream Saturday and Toyota Sienna Sunday. On Saturday, spectators can turn in two 48oz Cedar Crest Ice Cream lids for one free Saturday or Sunday admission. On Sunday, up to seven people arriving at the gate in a Toyota Sienna van will be given free event admission. Gates open at 7 a.m. and races run rain or shine. For more information, call 800/365-7223 or visit www.roadamerica.com.

Established in 1955, Road America is located midway between Milwaukee and Green Bay in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. It offers 640 grassy, rolling acres which include the 4.048 circuit and the .94 mile paved and dirt supermoto/karting track. In addition to entertaining thousands of yearly race fans, the track offers the Road America Motorcycle School, driving schools, group adventure programs and more. On-site camping is available on public race weekends. Tickets and camping may be ordered online at www.roadamerica.com or by calling 800/365-7223.

-credit: road america