Elkhart Lake, Wis., August 9, 2010 – Sixty years ago sports cars raced around Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, ushering in a brief era of post-war, open road racing that lead to the creation of Elkhart Lake’s Road America and its closed road-racing track. The historic race circuits used for these races have been recorded on both the Wisconsin and the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of their significant contribution to midwest racing history.

To celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the area’s open road racing era, the Elkhart Lake Historic Race Circuits Preservation Society will stage a multi-event day for sport-cars and historic racecars in Elkhart Lake, Saturday, September 11, 2010.  

Events will include an Old Timers Reunion, a Kettle Call Rally, a Car Show with Concours d’Provenance and an escorted Reenactment Tour of the Historic Race Circuits. The Rally will roll through the beautiful southeastern Wisconsin kettle moraine countryside; the Car Show and Concours will be staged on the lawn at the spectacular Osthoff Resort overlooking Elkhart Lake; and the Reenactment will traverse the original open road circuits. John Fitch, who raced and won on these circuits in 1951 and 1952, will be the guest of honor and the main speaker at the VSCDA celebration banquet on Saturday evening.

Original old-timer participants or Sporty car owners interested in entering any of these events can find information and an entry form at www.HRC60th.com or call 920/558-9808. Spectator admission is free.

A Quick Thought

For the last few years as the Wisconsin countryside starts its spring thaw I’ve found myself in Elkhart Lake driving the original street circuit. On a quiet spring morning you can still hear the echoes of the past rolling through the hills.

Even in a modern streetcar as you pick up the pace the challenges that faced legendary drivers 60 years ago become your personal challenge.  In addition to the twist, turns and elevation changes there is minimal runoff at best.

Pictured on the right are several of the key markers followed by a photo of the described section.