Road American Kohler Int'l Challenge preview

Can-Am Thunder To Rumble at Road America Elkhart Lake, Wis., July 6, 2006

-- Some of the world's most powerful race cars from the incredible Canadian -- American Challenge Cup Series (Can-AM) will rumble at Road America during the Kohler International Challenge with Brian Redman, July 13-16, 2006.

Held annually at Road America, the International Challenge is one of the largest vintage gatherings in the United States with 54 classes of cars in ten race groups. The field varies from Formula Fords to Can-Ams, with many cars valued over 1 million dollars. The Historic Can-Am Association is celebrating the 40th Anniversary of its amazing series this year. A dedicated Can-Am paddock will hold over 70 of these fantastic cars.

Can-Am started in 1966 and ended in 1974 with its last race at Elkhart Lake's Road America. The Can-Am Series was unique in that it had very few limits. The cars could use engines of unlimited displacement, weight and design, tires of any size and, along with other unrestricted technologies, were the era's fastest road course vehicles. Although increased regulations, restrictions and the price of fuel contributed to the end of the Can-Am Series in 1974, their glamour lives on through vintage racing enthusiasts. Vintage Corvette fans will be awed by the Tribute to 50 Years of the Racing Corvette.

In conjunction with the International Challenge, the Kettle Moraine Corvette Club has organized a display of over 20 exquisite racing Corvettes. Past and current Corvette racers, owners, engineers and historians will mingle with spectators in the Corvette Tribute display tent in the lower north paddock. John Fitch, Phil Hill, Bob Bondurant, Allan Barker, Jim Jeffords and Tony De Lorenzo are just some of the special guests who will be in attendance.

A special Corvette Tribute banquet will be held the evening of July 15th at the Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake. It is open to all sportscar enthusiasts. Advance reservations are required by calling 920-946-0395. Another special feature is the Historic Grand Prix (HGP), a group of owner-drivers of authentic vintage Formula One racing cars from the FIA 3-litre Formula that ran from 1966-1983. HGP helps its fans by preparing story boards for every car in the paddock that feature original photographs of them in action, with information about the drivers who drove them, and the results they achieved.

HGP focuses on the historically correct presentation and on-track performance of its cars. Former Formula One drivers include Mario Andretti, Bruce McLaren, Dennis Hulme, Dan Gurney and Giles Villeneuve. The excitement continues off-track during the annual two-night Concours d'Elegance.

Friday evening features race cars and starts with a 6:00 p.m. parade from the track to downtown Elkhart Lake. The cars then line the streets for judging and spectator viewing until 8:00 p.m. Sports cars are featured on Saturday, without a parade, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Over 100 cars are featured each night with judging and awards. The Concours d'Elegance is sponsored by Road and Track magazine and is free for spectators. Road America offers diverse racing venues, amazing viewing opportunities, fantastic concessions and high- speed excitement to thousands of spectators each year. Located midway between Milwaukee and Green Bay in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, it offers 628 grassy, rolling acres which include the 4.048 circuit and the .94 mile purpose-built paved and dirt supermoto/karting track.

Daily ticket prices are $10 Thursday, $20 Friday, $40 Saturday, and $40 on Sunday. Parking and paddock access are free with ticket purchase. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by a paid adult. Tickets may be purchased at the gate or ordered online at www.roadamerica.com

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