Guide to Auto Racing in the Milwaukee Area

The roar of engines, the smell of burning rubber, and the thrill of wheel-to-wheel competition – auto racing offers an electrifying family experience that creates memories lasting far beyond the checkered flag. For North Shore families looking to add some high-octane excitement to their weekend plans, the Milwaukee area serves up world-class racing venues that cater to every age and interest level.

From legendary tracks steeped in motorsports history to family-friendly events that welcome newcomers, here's your complete guide to experiencing the best auto racing adventures the region has to offer.

The Crown Jewel: Road America in Elkhart Lake

Just an hour north of Milwaukee, Road America stands as one of the world's premier racing facilities and Wisconsin's crown jewel of motorsports. As the motorsports world eagerly anticipates the dawn of the 2025 racing season, enthusiasts have reason to rejoice. Road America, the hallowed ground of high-speed competition nestled near the picturesque village of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, has unveiled its tentative 2025 schedule, marking its 70th Anniversary.

Why Families Love Road America

Road America offers something truly special – a natural amphitheater where spectators can see multiple sections of the 4-mile track from various vantage points. Kids can watch cars disappear into the forest and emerge seconds later at Turn 5, creating an almost magical viewing experience. The facility welcomes families with open arms, offering:

• Free parking and reasonably priced admission

• Multiple viewing areas including grassy hills perfect for picnics

• Paddock access where kids can see the race cars up close

• Food vendors offering everything from bratwurst to funnel cakes

• Camping options for multi-day events

2025 Racing Calendar Highlights

WeatherTech Vintage Weekend (July 17-20, 2025) A mid-summer tradition, the WeatherTech® Vintage Weekend with Brian Redman at Road America, taking place July 17-20, 2025, is one of the largest vintage racing events in the United States. The WeatherTech® Vintage Weekend road race features over 400 vintage and historic racecars competing across several days. This event is particularly magical for families, as kids can see automotive history come alive with classic cars from the 1950s through 1980s.

GT World Challenge America (August 15-17, 2025) The GT World Challenge America headlines an all-sportscar weekend at Road America August 15-17, 2025, featuring elite sportscars that look like they drove straight out of a video game.

IMSA SportsCar Championship IMSA races feature elite sportscars from nearly 20 different manufacturers, including Mercedes, Ferrari, Chevrolet, and Aston Martin. The skill of the drivers, paired with advanced automotive technology, creates a high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled race weekend you do not want to miss.

Pro Tips for First-Time Families

• Arrive early to explore the paddock area before racing begins

• Bring ear protection for younger children – the cars are loud!

• Pack a picnic and claim a spot on the hill overlooking the track

• Download the Road America app for real-time race updates and track maps

Historic Racing Returns: Milwaukee Mile

The legendary Milwaukee Mile at Wisconsin State Fair Park holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating speedway in the world, and it's experiencing a renaissance that's perfect for introducing families to oval track racing.

2025 IndyCar Returns

With the successful return of INDYCAR to Milwaukee in 2024, momentum is already starting to build for this year's Snap-on Milwaukee Mile 250 Weekend, scheduled for August 23-24, 2025. This represents a historic opportunity for families to witness world-class open-wheel racing at one of America's most storied venues.

The Milwaukee Mile offers a completely different racing experience from Road America. The one-mile oval allows spectators to see the entire track from any seat, and the close-quarters racing creates non-stop action that keeps kids engaged throughout the event.

What Makes the Milwaukee Mile Special for Families

• Compact venue means shorter walks for little legs

• Clear sightlines from every seat

• Rich history that spans over a century of racing

• Affordable ticket options including family packages

• Easy access from anywhere in the Milwaukee metro area

Beyond the Big Venues: Hidden Gems for Racing Families

Local Go-Kart Tracks

While not technically auto racing venues, several excellent go-kart facilities in the Milwaukee area provide hands-on racing experiences for families:

• K1 Speed locations offer electric kart racing for ages 4 and up

• Fast Lap Indoor Karting in Appleton provides year-round racing

• Badger Kart Club hosts family-friendly events throughout the season

Autocross Events

The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) hosts autocross events throughout the region where families can watch (and even participate in) grassroots motorsports. These events feature regular cars navigating timed courses marked by orange cones, making them perfect introductions to competitive driving.

Making the Most of Your Racing Adventure

Pre-Race Preparation

Educate Before You Go Spend time before your first race explaining the basics: what the different flags mean, how races are scored, and what to look for during competition. Many kids become much more engaged when they understand what's happening on track.

Set Expectations Racing events can last several hours, so prepare younger family members for the commitment. Bring activities for between-session downtime, and don't feel obligated to stay for entire events if attention spans wane.

During the Event

Move Around Don't feel tied to your seats. Most racing venues encourage spectators to explore different viewing areas throughout the day. Each vantage point offers unique perspectives on the action.

Engage with Other Fans Racing communities are incredibly welcoming to newcomers. Don't hesitate to ask questions – veteran fans love sharing their knowledge and passion with interested families.

Take Advantage of Support Activities Many racing weekends feature additional entertainment beyond the main races: car shows, vendor displays, driver meet-and-greets, and educational exhibits.

Planning Your 2025-2026 Racing Season

Spring (March-May)

• Start with indoor karting experiences to build interest

• Attend smaller local autocross events

• Begin planning summer race weekend trips

Summer (June-August)

• Road America's big events: WeatherTech Vintage Weekend and GT World Challenge America

• Milwaukee Mile: IndyCar weekend in August

• Camping trips combining racing with other family activities

Fall (September-November)

• Road America's season finale events

• Vintage racing events with milder weather

• Planning and reflection time for next season's adventures

Winter (December-February)

• Indoor karting and simulator experiences

• Racing-themed birthday parties

• Watching racing documentaries and building anticipation for the coming season

Budget-Friendly Racing Adventures

Racing doesn't have to break the family budget. Here are strategies for affordable motorsports adventures:

General Admission Options Most tracks offer general admission tickets that provide access to multiple viewing areas at fraction of reserved seating costs.

Family Packages Many venues offer special family pricing, especially for events specifically marketed to newcomers.

Season Passes For families planning multiple visits, season passes often provide significant savings.

Camping Options Road America and other venues offer on-site camping that can turn racing weekends into affordable family vacations.

Safety and Comfort Considerations

What to Bring

• Hearing protection (especially important for children)

• Sunscreen and hats for outdoor events

• Comfortable shoes for walking on varied terrain

• Cash as some vendors don't accept cards

• Folding chairs for general admission areas

Weather Preparedness

Wisconsin weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers and rain gear. Many racing events continue in light rain, and the experience can be even more thrilling in challenging conditions.

Building Lifelong Memories

Auto racing offers families unique opportunities to share excitement, learn about technology and competition, and create stories that get retold for years. Whether your family falls in love with the precision of road racing at Road America, the intensity of oval track competition at Milwaukee Mile, or discovers a passion for hands-on karting experiences, the Milwaukee area's rich motorsports scene provides adventures for every interest and comfort level.

The 2025-2026 racing seasons promise exceptional opportunities for North Shore families to dive into the exciting world of motorsports. From Road America's 70th anniversary celebrations to the continued growth of IndyCar at Milwaukee Mile, there's never been a better time to discover what makes racing such a passionate pursuit for millions of fans worldwide.

Start planning your family's racing adventures today – the green flag is about to drop on what could be your new favorite family tradition.

For the most current race schedules and ticket information, visit Road America's website at roadamerica.com and the Milwaukee Mile's page at wistatefair.com. Racing schedules are subject to change, so always verify event details before making travel plans.