XPEL Grand Prix at Road America 2026

Road America near Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, is one of the most traditional racing circuits in North America. The history of the course dates back to the summer of 1950, when the first races were held on public roads around the town on July 23. The enthusiasm of spectators and the support of the Elkhart Lake Businessmen’s Association paved the way for a permanent, approximately 3.35-mile road course that was eventually built separate from public roads. Five years later, on September 10, 1955, the first major race weekend took place with an SCCA National event, marking the transition to an independent racing circuit.

Road America is located on Wisconsin Highway 67, roughly halfway between Milwaukee and Green Bay, and is now classified as a permanent road course with FIA Grade Two designation. Over the decades, the facility has established itself as a mainstay on the North American motorsports calendar and hosts not only the IndyCar Series but also the IMSA SportsCar Championship, the SCCA GT World Challenge America, the Trans-Am Series, and the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship. This diversity underscores its reputation as one of the most prestigious venues in American motorsports.

With a length of 6.515 kilometers and 14 turns, Road America ranks among the longest permanent racing circuits on the IndyCar calendar. Notably, the layout has remained virtually unchanged since its original construction, a rarity among major racing circuits worldwide. Surrounded by dense forests and shaded campgrounds, the circuit is considered by many fans to be one of the most beautiful racing circuits in North America. Fast straightaways alternate with demanding turn combinations, with the famous Turn 14 before the start/finish straight regularly providing spectacular overtaking opportunities.

The track record has been held since 2023 by Will Power, who set the fastest lap ever driven in the IndyCar Series with a lap time of 1:42.892. Most recently, Álex Palou won the 2025 XPEL Grand Prix at Road America, adding his name to the long list of notable winners who have triumphed on this historic circuit. The combination of tradition, scenic backdrop, and technical challenge makes Road America one of the most prestigious race weekends of the season to this day.