Road America MakeoverRoad America, the road-racing circuit in Elkhart Lake, Wis., that will host round five of 2016 MotoAmerica, has been a part of mid-west motorsports culture since the 50s. But now, some parts of the venue will receive a makeover. Road America President and General Manager George Bruggenthies has unveiled plans to construct an all-new retail and visitor center inside the paddock area at Road America.Artist renditions of the additions have been made public. Included is a new main gate area, near state highway 67, as well as a winner’s circle in the paddock. Construction has already begun for all of the positive additions, which a part of an overall plan to improve the fan experience.
For those of you who frequent the track or are familiar with the current layout, the new construction will be integrated into existing structures with the help of McMAHON and Associates and Quasius.The new retail center will be located in the heart of the paddock, which aims to be a meeting point for all visitors and learn about the facilities lengthy history. Scheduled to open these new additions to the public in spring 2016, the Road America facilities have plenty of events that will make use of new entertainment locations.Bruggenthies shared some thoughts on the new project, “We are very excited about the new retail and visitors’ center that will enable customers to experience Road America in a whole new way. The center will feature several retail items, including multimedia areas for fan engagement, and special displays telling the Road America story as one of the world’s greatest racing venues.“The new main gate will feature impressive stonework and information screens while allowing fans easy access to the facility. The new winner’s circle will allow fans to get the rare opportunity to experience the all the victory festivities near a structure that honors the old Pagoda of earlier years. All of the exterior design elements of the new retail center, main gate and winner’s circle follow suit with Road America’s rural branding as it is applied elsewhere on the property. Our hope is to attract individuals and families from across the nation and enhance their visit, because as we like to say at Road America, come for the experience and stay for the race.”Road America will play host to round five of the AMA/FIM MotoAmerica series. All the more reason to get out there and support facilities that hold events for the leading U.S. motorcycle road racing league.Road America says 2016 event tickets are on sale now. To purchase season passes, tickets or learn more about upcoming events at Road America, please visit Road America or call 800-365-RACE (7223). New for 2016, any fans 16 years old and under get in free with a paying adult.
Our first segment introduces you to the new Arch 1s. This latest, slightly more sporting American V-twin, adds to the original KRGT1 coming from the boutique manufacturer based in Hawthorne, Southern California. Senior Editor Nic de Sena rode through Malibu with Gard Hollinger, who co-founded Arch Motorcycle with his friend, Keanu Reeves. The 1s is a unique ride for sure, and Nic explains what makes the bike really stand out.
For the entertaining story behind Arch Motorcycle from Gard Hollinger himself, you must listen to his podcast episode on Motos & Friends HERE
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The guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—visit your local dealer or suzukicycles.com to learn more.
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In our second segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with multiple Emmy award-winning writer, Producer, Director, and actor, Thom Beers. the former Chairman & CEO of Fremantle Media North America, responsible for American Idol and America’s Got Talent.
Thom’s fertile imagination led to most of the really big reality TV shows such as ‘Deadliest Catch’ (now in its 17th season!), and many others. Of course for us in the motorcycle world, you’ll be interested to hear the genesis and story of how he started the first real fabrication reality show ‘Monster Garage’, that showcased Jesse James, and then how that led to ‘Biker Build Off’ and the ‘Zombie Choppers’ movie.
You’d imagine that most of Thom’s time is spent sitting behind a desk and on his phone. Not so. His intense stories of capturing much of the content for these shows make for some hair-raising listening.
