By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief
The Verizon IndyCar Series has been confirmed that it will return to Road America next year on June 25.
Sunday’s race was the first time since 2007 that Indy cars had gone to the 4.048-mile road course, with a large turnout of fans that were treated to Team Penske’s Will Power holding off Chip Ganassi Racing’s Tony Kanaan in the final two laps to win in IndyCar’s return to the Wisconsin track.
Track president George Bruggenthies mentioned that it was one of, if not the biggest, crowds seen at Road America.
“We’d love to invite the series back and we’ve got a contract for June 25, 2017, so that’s really exciting to announce that right now,” Bruggenthies said.
“It was [bigger than expected]. You know, I know they probably exaggerated numbers in the early days, but I talked to a couple of my board of directors, and this is likely the largest event ever hosted by Road America, so that’s really something.”
Bruggenthies mentioned that with there were small advancements he would like to make to the site.
“Yeah, I think I’d like to expand the broadcast booth and the announcer booth,” Bruggenthies said. “I’m going to take a look at that. The engineer already has the plans for this building. We want to remodel this building somewhat. But we do something every year. We put $4-and-a-half million into the facility between October and May of this year.
“ As you can see, the new victory lane is outstanding. The retail store center, fan engagement center, the new entrance, just all things — we’ll always constantly try to improve the experience for the fans. This year we allowed 16 and under free with a paying adult. We’re trying to engage that other demographic to come and have fun at The National Park of Speed.”
