How Elkhart Lake’s Road Race Created Road America — the National Park of Speed

Explore the incredible true story of how a quiet Wisconsin resort town, Elkhart Lake, became the birthplace of American road racing, only to lose it, and then build one of the world's most iconic permanent tracks: Road America. In the early 1950s, world-class racing legends like Jim Kimberly, John Fitch, and a young Carroll Shelby thundered down Elkhart Lake's public streets, past farmhouses and village inns, turning country lanes into a daring, high-speed circuit—America's Monaco. We trace the journey from the elegance of the original resorts like The Osthoff and the lively spirit of Siebkens Inn, through the exhilaration and eventual danger of the street races. Learn how civil engineer Cliff Tufte rallied the local community to create a new, permanent home for the sport, resulting in the four-mile, virtually unchanged masterpiece we know today. We also get a personal look at the enduring culture, from the legendary Stop-Inn Tavern to the annual Concours d'Elegance (a "competition of elegance"), where vintage cars return to the original street course. Join us as we drive the historic track and explore a town where the spirit of speed and elegance still echoes through the woods, seventy years later. Disclaimer: This video utilized AI-generated narration to enhance storytelling and production quality. Any archival imagery, photographs, or clips included are either believed to be in the public domain or used under principles of Fair Use for educational and historical commentary. No copyright infringement is intended. AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS WE LOVE: EZ66 GUIDE For Travelers - 5TH EDITION - https://amzn.to/4lVS4NA Route 66 Adventure Handbook: Full-Throttle Sixth Edition - https://amzn.to/44VNqZ0 Route 66: Return to the Road with Martin Milner - https://amzn.to/40oYMUe Route 66: The Mother Road 75th Anniversary Edition - https://amzn.to/453yuZc