Page 42 - KCRPCA SeptOct 2022

MEMBER ADVENTURE
ROAD AMERICA
TOURING ONE OF AMERICA’S GREATEST RACE TRACKS
CLUB MEMBER JIM RAND
This adventure intertwines a road trip, a vintage sports car weekend, my 16-year- old grandson, Porsches of course, and more.
The starting point was Christmas Day, 2021. My gift to grandson Bentley was an all expenses paid road trip to Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, the site of the Road America Road course, and the annual Weather Tech International Vintage Challenge with Brian Redman.
Road America is one of the premiere road racing courses in North America, very well liked by drivers and spectators. Nestled in a wooded, park like setting, the track offers a variety of challenges for drivers. High speed Ss, a sweeping carousel, and major changes of elevation are just some of the obstacles. Spectators can immerse themselves into the action
at several locations around the track, as they are only a few feet away from the rocketing race cars.
Racing in Elkhart began in 1950,
right in the center of town. Using
a combination of city streets and adjoining country roads lined
with exposed trees and occasional “protective” hay bales, the course became quite popular. But in 1952, due to several racing mishaps, the temporary circuit was shuttered and a dedicated race track was drawn up. Local racing began at the new facility, today’s track, in 1955.
Moving forward: On a sunlit July morning, Bentley and I departed Blue Springs, Missouri, for Elkhart Lake, some 500 miles northeast. However, Bentley had just recently come into possession of a 2011 Nissan 370Z. Filled with pride in his first car, Bentley insisted on driving.
Off we motored. The Z, although comfortable on lumpy mid-western highways, lacked my Cayman’s punch, and luggage space. But guys only need a change of underwear and a toothbrush. We were good to go.
Our home away from home was Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, just 20
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