PRO TIPS: DRIVING A SUPERCAR AT ROAD AMERICA

Share

Preparing for your driving experience at Road America.

We’re headed back to the legendary Mid-West racetrack, Road America. Located on the east end of Wisconsin, this 600+ acre stretch of land has played host to some of the greatest races in motorsports history. Guess what? It’s YOUR turn! You get to share in that history, by making some of your very own from the driver’s seat of an exotic car.  

Before you do that, this is your chance to better understand the lay of the land at Road America. As this guide will help you understand how to get through your Xtreme Xperience, like a veteran who’s raced at RA since the 50’s.  

 


Wait! You haven’t booked yet? Hurry, there’s still time! 

reserve now

 


How to speed your way from the parking lot through the finish line. 

(click titles for descriptions)

Road America is located at: N7390 State Highway 67, Plymouth, WI 53073

Your reserved time is your Xtreme Xperience Check-In time. Please be at our Check-In tent at the time you reserved, and have your driver’s license and confirmation readily available. We will accept your confirmation via paper form or on your mobile device. Reminder: Road America is in Central Time Zone. 

Be prepared to check in at the main gain upon arrival. For XX Guests, there are no fees to park at Road America. General parking is available on any open grass area and directly East of the Gift Shop/Banquet building.

Any XX branded area after Check-In is considered the “Pit Area” and adults will need a spectator pass. VIP Pit Pass access ($10 per adult) provides closer spectator viewing in the pit area (kids 12 under are FREE but must be with an adult). Tented seating, bleachers, close photo opportunities, and waters are included in the Pit Pass, but cannot be promised for free spectator areas.

Drone usage/ aerial footage is prohibited.

After checking in you will attend a driver’s briefing which lasts around 25 minutes, which will be located under a tented area near check-in.

As our program is always evolving and safety is always strengthening, it is required that every driver (no matter how many times you have enjoyed our program) attend the driver’s briefing. No exceptions.

The classroom will be located in the building to the left of the gift shop.

Drivers must wear closed-toed shoes (no sandals or heels). This event is outdoors (no covered pit). Though we provide tented areas, we ALWAYS encourage that you dress for all weather possibilities (heat, cold, or rain).

The open concessions will be “Concession Stand One”.  XX provides complimentary waters to all guests and we welcome you to bring your own food and drink (non-alcoholic).

Click HERE to see the menu

We are a rain or shine experience so on average, our experiences are not postponed and refunds are not provided due to inclement weather (as long as track conditions remain safe). A day-of reschedule request is a $100 fee, unless we have postponed.

If we postpone an event you will be alerted via Email and text message, and we have up to 12 months to provide a reschedule date at a track location close to you. Please visit our FAQ for more information on postponements or cancellations.

Conquering Road America – like a Pro

Be Advised: Our program will be hosted on the front half of Road America’s course, utilizing the cut-off at Turn 5. 

aerial track map of road america 10 turn configuration - xtreme xperience

10 turn configuration – Track Map of Road America

Road America (RA), one of America’s oldest racetracks, is home to some of the fastest straights in North America. Back in the 50’s, the track originally was built to get racers off of public roads and into a safe environment; since then, RA has hosted events for INDY Car, NASCAR, IMSA, AMA, and more. For our event at this historic track, we will use a shortened version that cuts the track in half at turn 5, giving you just over 2 miles of track, filled with elevation changes and adrenaline pumping straights.

To give you an idea of what this configuration will look like, let’s start with turn 1(T1). This turn is a fast right-hand turn that is a little misleading as you go through it the first time. Getting it right, means you will enter with a decent amount of momentum, aiming for the slightly late apex, as you pick your eyes up for your track out. The track out on this turn can sneak up quickly and the curbing on the outside of the track can easily upset a car. Avoid this by ensuring your eyes are looking where you need to be. As you crest the hill at the exit of T1, you are already going through T2, which you will probably think is just another straight.

This brings us into the braking zone of T3, which will require a hard brake due to it being downhill. The turn-in for T3 flattens out and you regain a little more grip, but once again be wary of how quickly the curbing on your left approaches as you track out. This is where our configuration will differ slightly from the normal layout. As you exit T3, you will have a quick chicane consisting of a right, left, turn back-to-back. From there, get ready to unleash the beast as you power onto the back straight!

The back straight is not really straight at all, and you will want to use some reference points to guide you as you hit speeds north of 100 mph. First, look for the bright yellow bridge ahead of you. This is the Sargento bridge, and you will want to aim for the rear tire of the truck graphic plastered on the side. If this is a lot to remember, just stay slightly right of center track and you will be good. As you pass the bridge, you will find yourself entering the trees. Stay on the right side of the track here and start to look for the brake markers ahead.

This brings you to the downhill braking zone for T5, and the second change in our configuration compared to the normal layout. Instead of taking the very slow, hard left-hand turn, we will continue straight. This cut through road will have a chicane section that will have a right, left, right, left. As you exit this chicane, get far left to set up for the right-hand turn that brings you back to the main track. As you make this transition, you are now approaching T14. This turn is the final turn before getting back onto the massive front straight. Be patient, as you will have to fight the urge to turn in early. For those of you who can do this well, you will be rewarded by reaching the highest exit speed.

Now that you are faced back down the front straight, you will notice the large hill in front of you. In a Miata, this hill is daunting; in a supercar, the power far exceeds the extra resistance, allowing you to climb over the hill with ease. On your first pass, you will be second-guessing what’s on the other side and may want to lift. To lessen the nerves a little, try staying closer to the center of the track. After this, the last challenge is approaching our starting point, T1. It is going to be a hard brake, and not just a brake and release. You will want to brake and hold it, and continue to hold it, as slowing down a supercar from these high speeds is no easy task.

For those of you wanting to get the most out of this track, try going for a ride first. This will help shorten your learning curve once you are behind the wheel. Seeing the track and understanding all these key points will help you maximize your experience. If you would like more info about the track or a walkthrough of the full course or any other course, please feel free to reach out. With the combined experience of our instructors nationwide, we will be sure to get you ready for any of your track day needs.

XX fleet at Road America

XX fleet at Road America


Are you ready to Xperience Road America in a Supercar? 

reserve now

click above