Road America: A mid-summer vintage racing classic returns to Road America

Contact: John Ewert

Communications Director

O: (920) 893-4206

jewert@roadamerica.com

– The HAWK with Brian Redman Recalls a Sensational Era of Racing –

ELKHART LAKE, Wis., July 10, 2013 – Vintage racing enthusiasts are already beginning their journey back to Road America to celebrate the beauty and performance of some of the world’s greatest racecars during The HAWK vintage event with Brian Redman, July 18-21.

For those unaware, The HAWK with Brian Redman is one of the largest vintage racing gatherings in the United States. With over 50 different classes of vintage cars competing in several groups throughout the weekend, and with over 400 cars expected to participate there will be no shortage of terrific racing. This year’s featured marque will be the Chevrolet Corvette in celebration of Corvette’s 60th anniversary. Also celebrating its 47th anniversary that weekend will be the famed CAN-AM race which will showcase a Historic CAN-AM group featuring cars from 1965-1974. Other races running that weekend include an F-5000 race, historic Formula 1 race, and a historic production race, along with many others.

The original CAN-AM race series (1966-1974) had very few restrictions allowing the use of engines of unlimited displacement, weight and design, along with tires of any kind. These open guidelines allowed the evolution of some of the fastest, most sensational and innovative sports racers ever seen. Everything from cult favorites to priceless limited production model racecars are expected in this year’s CAN-AM race. A special all-Corvette race finale for Sunday is also included on the schedule, making this year’s HAWK with Brian Redman a can’t miss opportunity.

“We are very excited to have The HAWK with Brian Redman here again because this event has become an annual tradition for hundreds of racers and thousands of fans each year,” said George Bruggenthies, president and general manager of Road America. “Road America is also proud to usher in the diamond jubilee celebration for the Corvette with a racer’s reunion, races for club and pro series-vintage, historic and contemporary racers plus the Nationwide Insurance Concours d’Elegance with expert and people’s choice awards, track touring, parade laps and a vendor marketplace making the 2013 HAWK with Brian Redman an event that everyone of all ages can enjoy.”

Chevrolet’s Corvette serving as the featured marque for the 2013 event is a fitting tribute as Corvettes have raced at the famed four-mile track since 1956, just one year after the track’s inaugural season. Since then, Corvette drivers have taken on the competitive challenges of the challenging road course through professional racing series’, SCCA club racing, and various vintage racing series’. Many notable champions have made their mark on the legendary circuit including Tony DeLorenzo, Jim Jeffords, Dr. Dick Thompson, Jerry Hanson, John Greenwood, Jerry Thompson, John Heinricy and Ron Fellows.

The weekend’s festivities kick off on Thursday with gates opening at 7 a.m. Test sessions begin at 8 a.m., and run throughout the entire day. On Friday, racing resumes with practice sessions in the morning and qualifying sessions in the afternoon. Friday evening, the tiny village of Elkhart Lake will spring to life with a blend of art-on-wheels as over 100 racecars will parade from the track to downtown Elkhart Lake for judging and spectator viewing beginning at 6 p.m., as part of the Nationwide Insurance Concours d’Elegance. Fans will have the opportunity to register to win a fully restored 1961 Ford Thunderbird at the concours as part of the News Radio 620 WTMJ / Valenti Classics Free Ride Sweepstakes. The car will be on display at the Osthoff resort on the front lawn near the gazebo from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

On Saturday, qualifying resumes in the morning for all groups. Then in the afternoon racing gets underway with qualifying races for each group. Over 100 sports cars will then gather again on Saturday evening in downtown Elkhart Lake from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the second night of the Nationwide Insurance Concours d’Elegance.

On Sunday, the featured racing begins at 11:00 a.m. with vintage production cars. Races are held until 12:15 p.m., when the Nationwide Insurance Concours d’Elegance awards for Best Street and Racecar; Best of Show and the People’s Choice award are announced. The rest of the day is filled with exciting feature races for each group. Other fan attractions include autograph sessions, an automotive art and vendor fair, on-track touring presented by Associated Bank, and public go-karting at the Blain’s Farm & Fleet Motorplex.

Tickets are available online or during the event at the gate. Additional information is available at www.roadamerica.com or by calling 800-365-RACE (7223). Races run rain or shine and kids 12 and under are free with an adult. Parking and paddock access is also free.

About Road America: Established in 1955 as the first permanent road racing course in the United States, Road America is located midway between Milwaukee and Green Bay in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The world’s best racers have competed at this legendary four-mile, 14-turn road circuit for over 55 years. The 640-acre, park-like grounds offer amazing viewing opportunities, fantastic concessions and high-speed excitement to hundreds of thousands of spectators each year. In addition to public race weekends, Road America offers a variety of group event programs, the Blain’s Farm & Fleet Motorplex for karting and supermoto, and the Road America Motorcycle and Advanced Driving Schools. For more information, visit www.roadamerica.com Follow Road America on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RoadAmerica and on Twitter: @roadamerica or call 800-365 7223.

# # #