The Verizon IndyCar Series will return to Road America, ending an eight year absence for American Open Wheel Racing.
The yet to be named race will be held on the weekend of June 24-26 2016 and will feature the entire Mazda Road to Indy ladder as well as the Pirelli World Challenge.
Road America was a staple on the CART/Champ Car schedule from 1982-2007 and was not included in the schedule when Champ Car and the then named Indy Racing League merged in 2008.
“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.
“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.”
The series and the track have been in negotiations for an IndyCar return for the last few years but both sides managed to come to an agreement when a date came available on the IndyCar calendar.
“We listened to the fans and the local community, and after careful negotiations struck a deal to bring back one of the greatest forms of open-wheel racing ever to grace our beautiful 4-mile road course,” said George Bruggenthies, president, Road America.
“The response from our fans has been tremendous,” Bruggenthies added, “and as part of showing our appreciation to them, we are offering a special four-day ticket package that includes garage access, free parking and an event program.”
Several IndyCar drivers have praised the series return to the famed 4.0 mile road course, including Sebastien Bourdais, who won the final Champ Car race there in 2007.
“I am really excited to see Road America back on the 2016 Indy car schedule,” said Bourdais, a four-time Indy car champion who currently drives for KVSH Racing.
“This place allows our cars to stretch their legs fully and show what the Verizon IndyCar Series is all about. It is our duty toward road racing to continue this tradition and I could not be happier that a new deal got penciled.
For me, it is the best racetrack in North America and I have some great memories there, including the win in 2007, and I am looking forward to coming back.”
