If you have spent time at Grid Lounge, you have probably heard drivers talking about Road America. Known as “America’s National Park of Speed” (official site), this legendary road course is a favorite in both real-world racing and sim racing. But what makes it so special? Let’s dive into its history, iconic corners, and a few tips to help you get the most out of your laps.
The History of Road America
Road America is located in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, and has been hosting races since 1955. At 4.048 miles (6.5 km) long with 14 turns, it is one of the longest permanent road courses in North America. The track’s natural elevation changes and long straights have made it a staple for everything from IndyCar and IMSA to NASCAR and sports car championships.
For sim racers, Road America’s mix of technical corners and high-speed straights makes it the ultimate test of precision and bravery. You can learn more about its history on the Road America Wikipedia page.
Track Layout and Key Sections
While every corner matters at Road America, a few stand out as critical for fast laps:
- Turn 1 – A fast right-hander at the end of the main straight. Carrying speed through here sets up your lap. Brake just after the pit wall ends, but do not overcook it. Exit speed matters more than entry.
- The Carousel (Turns 9–10) – A long, sweeping right-hand corner that feels endless. Patience and throttle control are everything here. Stay smooth and aim for a consistent arc. Too much steering input will scrub off speed.
- The Kink (Turn 11) – Perhaps the most famous corner on the track. A flat-out blast for pros, but tricky in sims. Precision steering and commitment are essential. Any mistake here is heavily punished.
- Canada Corner (Turn 12) – A heavy braking zone after a downhill run. It is one of the best overtaking spots on the circuit, but also one of the easiest places to lock up.
- Final Corner (Turn 14) – Do not underestimate this one. A clean exit is crucial because it leads onto the long front straight. A poor launch here costs you time all the way to Turn 1.
Sim Racing Tips for Road America
When tackling Road America in Assetto Corsa or iRacing, keep these pointers in mind:
- Braking Zones: Use visual references like bridges and signs. Braking too late will ruin your run into the long straights.
- Throttle Discipline: The Carousel and Kink reward smooth inputs. Jerky steering or throttle will destabilize the car.
- Drafting: The long straights make slipstreaming vital. Perfect for race strategy in multiplayer sessions.
- Setup Notes: Slightly higher downforce helps in the Carousel and Kink, but avoid overdoing it since you will need top speed for the straights.
Why Road America Stands Out
What makes Road America so beloved is its balance. It has fast sections, heavy braking zones, technical corners, and real opportunities to overtake. It is punishing if you make a mistake, but rewarding when you nail a lap. That is why drivers from all levels, both real and virtual, call it one of the greatest road courses in the world.
Experience Road America at Grid Lounge
You do not have to drive to Wisconsin to experience Road America. At Grid Lounge, you can race this legendary circuit in GT3, GT4, IndyCar, and more on our professional-grade simulators.
👉 Ready to test yourself at Road America? Book a session at Grid Lounge and see if you can master The Kink.