Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Road America announced late Tuesday that construction on an addition to its 14-turn, four-mile road course has begun and may be finished in time to be used for the AMA Superbike weekend June 5-8.

“Grading has already begun. Depending on the weather, it could be (ready for the AMA Superbike event),” said Road America Communications Manager Cheryl Barnes. “If it’s ready and the AMA wants to use it, it will be up to them or any other sanctioning body as to which track they use.”

The existing section of track between the exit of the Carousel, turns 9-10, and the entrance to the Kink, turn 11, will remain unchanged and available for use, but a new section of track is being added to rider’s left between the exit of the Carousel and the entrance to the Kink. The Bend (turn 10A), as the new, off-camber right-hander is being tentatively called, will slow the speed of vehicles and change the angle of entry to the high-speed Kink.

Road America’s Kink is one of the most dangerous turns in all of motorcycle road racing as a permanent wall sits just a few feet off the outside edge of the high-speed right-hand corner. Superbikes go through the Kink at approximately 120 mph. CART cars rip through the Kink at speeds approaching 140 mph.