What Is 2025 XPEL Grand Prix at Road America

Overview

The 2025 XPEL Grand Prix at Road America is a premier event on the NTT IndyCar Series calendar, set to take place from June 13 to 15, 2025. Held at the historic Road America circuit in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, the race draws top open-wheel drivers and tens of thousands of fans annually.

As one of the longest and most challenging road courses in the series, Road America offers high-speed straights and technical turns that test driver skill and car performance. The event features practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and the main 55-lap race on Sunday, June 15.

• Event Dates: The 2025 XPEL Grand Prix runs from Friday, June 13 to Sunday, June 15, with the main race on Sunday.
• Track Length: The Road America circuit spans 4.048 miles, making it one of the longest tracks on the IndyCar schedule.
• Race Format: The event consists of 55 laps, totaling approximately 222.6 miles of racing.
• Title Sponsor:XPEL, a leader in automotive protection films, has held naming rights since 2023, continuing a sponsorship deal that began with the 2023 race.
• Historic Venue: Road America has hosted IndyCar events since 1982 and returned to the series in 2016 after a 12-year absence.

How It Works

The XPEL Grand Prix follows a structured race weekend format that includes practice, qualifying, and the main event, all governed by IndyCar Series regulations and safety protocols.

• Practice Sessions:Two 90-minute practice sessions on Friday allow teams to fine-tune car setups for the demanding 14-turn circuit.
• Qualifying: Held on Saturday, the session uses a three-group, two-round knockout format to determine the starting grid.
• Race Start: The main race begins at 3:00 PM Eastern Time on Sunday, June 15, 2025, broadcast nationally on FOX.
• Points System: Drivers earn championship points based on finishing position, with bonus points for pole position and leading laps.
• Safety Measures: IndyCar enforces strict safety car protocols and uses the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) for real-time monitoring.
• Pit Stops: Teams typically make 2–3 pit stops for fuel and tire changes, depending on weather and strategy.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the XPEL Grand Prix with other major IndyCar events in terms of track length, race distance, and average speeds.

While Road America is not the longest race by distance, its combination of high-speed straights and elevation changes makes it one of the most physically demanding for drivers. The track’s layout allows for some of the highest average speeds in the series outside of oval tracks.

Why It Matters

The 2025 XPEL Grand Prix plays a crucial role in the IndyCar Series championship battle, often serving as a turning point due to its mid-season timing and challenging conditions.

• Championship Impact: Finishing positions at Road America can significantly alter title contender standings with seven races remaining.
• Manufacturer Competition: Automakers like Chevrolet and Honda use the race to showcase engine performance and reliability.
• Fan Engagement: The event attracts over 100,000 spectators annually, boosting local tourism and economy.
• Driver Endurance: The 55-lap race tests driver stamina due to constant steering input and high G-forces on the long circuit.
• Technical Challenge: Teams must balance aerodynamics and mechanical grip to succeed on the 14-turn, elevation-heavy layout.
• Media Exposure: Broadcast on FOX and streaming platforms, the race reaches millions of viewers globally, enhancing sponsor visibility.

As one of the most respected events in American motorsport, the XPEL Grand Prix at Road America combines tradition, speed, and strategy, making it a highlight of the 2025 IndyCar season.