With only nine races to go until the 2022 playoffs begin, the NASCAR Cup Series heads to the rolling hills of Wisconsin for the Kwik Trip 250 at Road America. Sometimes called the "Spa-Francorchamps" of North America, this bustling four-mile road course is placed into the natural landscaping of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. With high-speed straights that lead into hard braking zones to multiple corners with various apex speeds, the Kwik Trip 250 will be a fantastic way for NASCAR fans to celebrate Independence Day weekend.
Track Facts: Road America has been in continued operation since September of 1955. Since then, it has become one of the most popular destinations in racing throughout the United States. The first event in track history was set in 1955, when the Sports Car Club of America took to the track in 1955. Since then, Road America has been a regular host to IMSA and the NTT IndyCar Series. Road America is the longest circuit the NASCAR Cup Series will be going to all year at 4.04 miles in length with 14 corners. Passing can be abundant at Road America with four corners at the track being classified as hard braking zones (1,5,8, and 12). The most important corner is Turn 14, which most drivers will aim for a late apex to carry as much speed down the long main straight before heading off into turn one.
Event History: The NASCAR race was held in 1956 when then named NASCAR Grand National Series (NASCAR Cup Series) made its first trip to Road America when Tim Flock took his 1956 Mercury to victory lane. It wasn't until 2021 that the Cup Series made its return to the track as a pair of new road courses were introduced to the schedule last year. William Byron won the pole in qualifying and went on to win the first stage. Tyler Reddick picked up the win in stage two. Austin Cindric started from the lead in stage three but unfortunately suffered a transmission issue during the stage. Chase Elliott eventually took the lead from Matt DiBenedetto in the later stages of the race and held off a charging Christopher Bell to win the 2021 Jockey Made in America 250.
Playoff Standings: Nine races to go before NASCAR playoffs
Locked In: Chase Elliott, Ross Chastain, Joey Logano, William Byron, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, Kyle Larson, Alex Bowman, Kurt Busch, Austin Cindric, Chase Briscoe, and Daniel Suarez.
In on points: Ryan Blaney (+122), Martin Truex Jr (+73), Christopher Bell (+37), Kevin Harvick (+9)
Outside looking in: Aric Almirola (-9), Tyler Reddick (-52), Austin Dillon (-53), Erik Jones (-58)
Weather: It is looking like it is going to be an amazing weekend in Elkhart Lake with clear skies and temperatures across the three-day weekend in the low to mid 80's with only a 20% chance of rain on Sunday.
Weekend Schedule: (all time eastern)
Friday, July 1st at 5:30 P.M.: NASCAR Xfinity Series Practice (USA)
Friday, July 1st at 6:30 P.M.: NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying (USA)
Saturday, July 2nd at 11:30 A.M.: NASCAR Cup Series Practice (No T.V.)
Saturday, July 2nd at 12:20 P.M.: NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying (USA)
Saturday, July 2nd at 2:30 P.M.: NASCAR Xfinity Series - Henry 180 at Road America (USA)
Sunday, July 3rd at 3:00 P.M.: NASCAR Cup Series - Kwik Trip 250 at Road America (USA)