Camping at Road America
by Jake &Ann Snyder
It is unlikely that any current club members were among the hundred spectators who witnessed the first Elkhart Lake road race fifty years ago in 1950. But it is very possible a hundred members will be there for the BRIC, or Merrill Lynch/Brian Redman International Challenge July 20 through July 23 this year. Some will drive up for the day, some will stay at the hotels in Elkhart Lake, including a lucky few at Siebken’s, much revered in Burt Levy’s first book, The Last Open Road. And a fair number, perhaps more than thirty, will stay at the Plymouth Rock Campground, just across Route 67 and up the hill a little from Gate 2.
This year, as in the past several years, club members have gotten together and reserved an eight-tent site at Plymouth Rock early in February. Unfortunately, management policy will not permit us to reserve a site under the club name; individual names, addresses and deposits are required. But each site will accommodate four adults, and last year our area was completely filled with 32 adults. All of us get to the campground on the Thursday or Friday before the BRIC and camp and sit around a fire at night. Friday night we have gone to supper in Plymouth before going into Elkhart Lake to wander around. Saturday will be filled with watching racing, including club members’ MGBs, and long excursions though the paddock in which the race cars are prepared and displayed. Imagine turning a corner to find an Allard or McLauren under a tent. There are countless items of autobilia for sale, and this would be a good chance to get an autographed copy of Burt Levy’s second book, Montezuma’s Ferarri. After the races, we may spend time at the campground lake while waiting for the cooking fires burn down. After a shared supper, we will head to Elkhart Lake again to examine the Ferraris, Jaguars, Maseratis and such at the concours d’elegance held on the streets. Sunday will be much the same (it is difficult to improve on perfection) with the Can-Am races the prime event.
Camping at Plymouth Rock requires a tent and such, and costs about $30 per night for two persons. If the club site is filled, there are overflow sites at Plymouth Rock (come to the campfires and supper, of course). The Plymouth Rock Camping Resort office number is 920-892-4252. Be patient – they are very busy.
There is also camping on the Road America track, for the first time this year. The fee is $75 for the event, and the tent site is on the infield side of Turns 9 and 10, which form the nearly circular turn known as the Carousel. Phone Road America directly to make reservations for camping at the track at 1-800-365-7223.
And you will need tickets, of course. There will be brochures available at the next several club meetings, or phone 1-800-365-7223. Prices are $25 for Saturday, $35 for Sunday or $60 for the event. You have until July 12 to make the advance ticket purchases.
Get more information about Road America, including a lap around the track, at www.roadamerica.com. Phone Ann or Jake at 847-295-2753 (email -snyder@chicagolandmgclub.com) to inquire about camping with the club at Plymouth Rock.
 
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