Road America Shooting Locations

I will be going to Road America for the rolex sports car series on June 25th and wondered if there are any good spots to shoot without a press pass. Longest lens I have is a 300 and I also have a 1.4TC to help if needed. I was hoping to get some shots of a car that someone in my company runs. I also have just had the itch to shoot some motorsports again.

Thanks in advance. Pictures from spots are appreciated.

I like the outside of turn 6. T12 also is a nice place. Just be prepared for alot of walking.

YamahaRob wrote in post #12474483
I like the outside of turn 6. T12 also is a nice place. Just be prepared for alot of walking.

Thanks Rob.

Any other options?

I'll also be there. My purpose is for the Nationwide race, particularly to watch Villeneuve. In other words bump for more shooting location suggestions please. I'm shooting with a 70-200 mostly. At least that's the longest I have.

ions wrote in post #12544821
I'll also be there. My purpose is for the Nationwide race, particularly to watch Villeneuve. In other words bump for more shooting location suggestions please. I'm shooting with a 70-200 mostly. At least that's the longest I have.

Outside of T6 is about the closest you'll get to the track without a media pass. Inside of T6 you can get some good shots without fence worries.

T9 is OK. T7/8 you are a bit higher than the track surface but doable. Carousel (T10) is a bit harder and off in a back trail (sometimes they block it off from my experience) and you'll need long lenses since its a ways back. T5 sucks since theres huge fences. You probably could get near T14. Never shot there before and no idea how close you can get. T3 has some good vantage points.

Was just there sunday. Just had a 80-200. Left the TC home since it acted up last time I used it.

Not to hijack silvrr's thread any further but.... I've never been to this track. When I bought tickets I was not assigned seats, are there seats? Is the whole place general admission?

Also, they're also being a bit of a pain with camping. Anyone know of a decent camping spot that can be found post race? I'm leaving Toronto Friday evening to get to the track before noon - I will get to sleep in the car a bit on the way - and would rather not be driving all over post race for a safe spot to camp.

Theres no assigned seating. Theres metal bleachers in a number of areas, wood planks on brincks in others. Now paddock access varies with whats racing. Some dont charge extra, some do.

As for camping. The track generally only allows camping from people who bought the weekend pass and done it online. Theres a couple campgrounds in Plymouth (just south of RA) that are nice.
I would google "campgrounds near Elkhart Lake, WI" to get the list. Theres about 8-9 of them within 20 mile radius (35km radius). I cant say which is better since the only times I've camped there was at the track when I was racing or across the street at the "Zoo" for AMA superbike (county closed it down a few years ago).

Thanks for the tips Rob! Really looking forward to this event. I don't see any pit pass ticket options on the Road America site, I'm assuming there will be an extra charge.

Canada corner (turn 12) is by far the best place to take pictures without a press pass, in my opinion. You also can get decent shots from the grandstands between turns 5 and 6..and if you are on the outside of turn 6 you can get decent shots. Outside of turn 7 is also decent.

Those are the places that come to mind.

Thanks all.

I go to Road America every year for ALMS and Vintage in July. Outside of turn 5 at the bottom of hte hill is good, especially since they added a few more bleachers. You can get them coming out of turn 5, and/or a profile panning coming up the hill. 300mm on my 7D cropper is about all you'll need from that location, and no fence in the way. The press area is directly in front though, so you might have to shoot around them.

As a bonus, it's a popular passing zone, so you can actually watch some good racing from there along with get good shots.

Shot at or near 9 of the 14 turns at Road America today. I have to say that Road America is one of the most photog/spectator friendly venues I have been to. Backgrounds could be better sometimes but access is awesome.