Drivers React to “Tricky” New Road America Track Surface

Photo: Rick Dole/IMSA

Several IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship drivers are predicting a “tricky” race this weekend at Road America, with the new track surface set to play a key role in the outcome of Sunday’s two-hour and 40-minute contest.

The legendary four-mile circuit underwent resurfacing late last year, which saw more than 17,000 tons of asphalt ripped up and replaced through 7,000 geometric control points to maintain the track’s composure.

It has resulted in a dramatically different feel for drivers on the still-fresh pavement, despite multiple other series having already run earlier this summer.

“It’s just a very different from the Road America from what we knew,” said Chip Ganassi Racing driver Sebastien Bourdais. “I think it will get better after time.

“On the IndyCar weekend it must have been really exciting because basically nothing had run before, and even now after IndyCar, after NASCAR and testing it’s still surprising when you go down the inside.

“I think it’s going to be tricky in traffic.

“There is a high amount of grip on the line and on the inside and in the braking zones it’s low. We’ll sort it out.”

Bourdais credited his and co-driver Renger van der Zande’s recent test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for helping “figure out a few things” on their No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R that has transitioned to the repaved Road America.

What’s more, lap times have been significantly faster than last year, with GTP class machinery some three seconds ahead of the previous DPi track qualifying record.

The No. 31 Action Express Racing Cadillac of Pipo Derani topped the time charts on Friday with a 1:47.986 lap time.

“The new tarmac is definitely something to keep an eye out for,” said Derani.

“It’s slippery in sections so that will be tricky for the race in overtaking GTs and not go over the limit.

“The limit is quite early with the outside line, so that’s going to be interesting in the race.

“And though we tested here we’re dialing in the car for the new conditions. It’s a new car with a new racing surface, so there’s lots to learn.”

Friday’s action saw a number of accidents, with a total of eight red flags over the course of the running.

It included crashes from both TDS Racing Oreca 07 Gibsons, Misha Goikhberg’s Forte Racing by US RaceTronics Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2 and the Mike Skeen-driven No. 32 Team Korthoff Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo.

The No. 11 TDS Oreca and No. 78 Forte Lamborghini have both gone to backup chassis as a result of the accidents.

“The track is tricky in a way,” Corvette Racing’s Antonio Garcia said. “There is definitely way more grip overall.

“In years before, the racing line was way wider so you had room to find your way or choose your line. Here it is a tiny bit different.

“You need to really stick to the line, otherwise the drop-off in grip is quite fast.

“That’s why I think there were so many mistakes and offs and crashes. It’s going to be tricky in the race when you get passed or need to pass.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John