Summer Speed Returns as INDYCAR Heads Back to Road America

If there’s one race weekend that combines high-speed action, beautiful scenery, and a true summer atmosphere, it’s the INDYCAR stop at Road America.

From June 18-21, 2026, the XPEL Grand Prix Presented by AMR will bring some of the world's best open-wheel drivers to the legendary Road America for four days of racing and entertainment. Nestled among the rolling hills near Elkhart Lake, Road America has earned a reputation as one of the most beloved tracks on the INDYCAR schedule, offering fans a chance to experience world-class racing in a setting unlike any other.

The weekend's main attraction is Sunday's NTT INDYCAR SERIES race, where drivers will tackle the challenging 4.048-mile, 14-turn circuit. Known for its long straightaways, fast corners, and dramatic elevation changes, Road America tests every aspect of a driver's skill. Speeds can approach 200 mph, but success here requires more than just horsepower. Precision, patience, and smart strategy often determine who ends up celebrating in Victory Lane.

For race fans, Road America offers something many modern venues can't match: room to roam. Spectators can spend the day exploring different areas of the track, each providing its own unique perspective. One minute you're watching drivers brake hard into Turn 5, and the next you're standing near the Carousel or Canada Corner, taking in some of the most exciting sections of the course.

While the INDYCAR stars grab the headlines, the weekend is packed with racing from morning to evening. Several developmental series will also compete, including INDY NXT, USF Pro 2000 Championship, USF2000 Championship, and Radical Cup North America. These races give fans a chance to watch the sport's future stars before they reach the top level of open-wheel racing.

Adding another layer to the event is Vintage Indy, which brings historic Indy cars back to the track. For longtime fans, it's an opportunity to relive racing history. For younger spectators, it's a chance to see and hear the machines that helped shape generations of American motorsports. The sight and sound of these classic cars on track is often a highlight of the weekend.

Beyond the racing, Road America has become known as a destination event. Families can enjoy camping, food vendors, karting, and a variety of activities throughout the property. The relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to spend an entire weekend at the track, whether you're a dedicated racing enthusiast or simply looking for a unique summer outing.

As the 2026 INDYCAR season continues to take shape, the XPEL Grand Prix Presented by AMR could play an important role in the championship battle. Every point matters, and Road America's challenging layout has a way of rewarding drivers who can stay focused while pushing the limits.

For fans across the Midwest, the event offers the perfect combination of competition, history, and summer fun. With elite drivers, future stars, vintage race cars, and one of the most scenic venues in motorsports, all signs point to another memorable weekend at Road America.

Whether you're a longtime racing fan or attending for the first time, there's a good chance you'll leave with a new appreciation for why Road America remains one of the crown jewels of American motorsports.

Get your tickets here for Road America.

Looking Ahead

The XPEL Grand Prix may be one of the biggest events on Road America's calendar, but it is far from the last major race weekend of the summer.

Fans won't have to wait long for more action, as the Cheese Capital Cup featuring Trans Am and International GT competition is scheduled for June 26-28. The event showcases powerful American muscle cars and sports cars competing on the historic four-mile circuit.

July brings one of Road America's most popular traditions, the WeatherTech Vintage Weekend with Brian Redman, set for July 16-19. The event is expected to feature more than 400 vintage and historic race cars, offering fans a unique look at motorsports history while showcasing classic machines on track.

Sports car racing takes center stage July 30 through Aug. 2 when the Motul SportsCar Endurance Grand Prix featuring IMSA returns to Elkhart Lake. The 2026 event will feature an expanded six-hour endurance race, bringing many of the world's top manufacturers and drivers to Wisconsin for one of the season's premier sports car competitions.

The summer schedule continues Aug. 28-30 with GT World Challenge America, featuring high-performance GT race cars from some of the most recognizable automotive brands in the world.

The Art on Wheels Vintage Weekend with VSCDA (September 18–20, 2026) delivers a full celebration of vintage motorsport. Over 300 historic race cars take to the track, each one showcasing a different era of racing. The event has a relaxed, nostalgic feel, where fans can enjoy on-track action and also spend time up close in the paddock appreciating the craftsmanship and history behind each machine.

The season wraps up with the Sports Car Club of America National Championship Runoffs (October 1–4, 2026), one of the most competitive amateur road racing events in the country. The best drivers from across the U.S. go head-to-head for national titles, making every session high-stakes and intense. It’s a fitting finale to the season, where championships are decided and months of effort come down to a final weekend on track.

With a full slate of racing still ahead, Road America remains one of the Midwest's premier destinations for motorsports fans throughout the summer season.