5 Exciting Wisconsin Race Tracks

Wisconsin isn’t just filled with an abundance of sparkling lakes and beautiful state parks. If roaring engines, speeding vehicles and hairpin turns are what you’re looking for, then this list of five exciting Wisconsin race tracks is for you. Different tracks offer different racing experiences, so be sure to check out the track type to determine which Wisconsin race track to add to your next road trip or family vacation. With about 50 local tracks in the state, the options are almost endless!

La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway – West Salem

Track Type: Asphalt oval

One of Wisconsin's only weekly racing NASCAR-sanctioned asphalt tracks, the La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway is home to two different race tracks -- a ¼ mile paved asphalt oval and a 5/8 mile paved asphalt oval (as well as a dragstrip for Friday night street drags). It features a race season of weekly Saturday night racing from April to September.

However, the real magic at the La Crosse Speedway happens Oktoberfest weekend during the 4-day racing festival. Starting in 1970, the Oktoberfest Race Weekend is one of the oldest and largest racing events in the Midwest. Check out Oktoberfest weekend here, and consider staying at the on-site campground for the most authentic experience.

Road America – Elkhart Lake

Track Type: Asphalt road course

For over 70 years, Road America has been home to high-speed excitement in a lush, park-like setting. Featuring 14 turns over four miles of track, your group can also enjoy the Family Fun Zone, top-notch concessions, go-karting and even disc golf. The track is NASCAR-sanctioned, but there’s something for everybody at the more than 400 events held there annually.

Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Plymouth

Track Type: Dirt

If you find the well-controlled nature of asphalt racing to be too predictable, then head to Plymouth and check out this ¼-mile dirt track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds. The race schedule features an event most Saturday nights, but if you head to the track during the Sheboygan County Fair be sure to check out the demolition derby. 

Great Lakes Dragaway – Union Grove

Track Type: Asphalt Drag Strip

To explore beyond lap-style racing, head to the Great Lakes Dragaway. The oldest continuously operating dragstrip in the world, this track features a ¼-mile asphalt drag strip, tricked-out vehicles and street-style drag racing. Yet, the Great Lakes Dragaway’s most interesting feature is also its simplest. 

The track is open to the public, so if you have a car, you can race here. There is a variety of drag racing almost every night of the week during the race season, so be sure to check out their schedule of events. If you have an explosive experience in mind, then the Nitrous Street Car Brawl can’t be beat.

Sugar River Raceway – Brodhead

Type: Asphalt go-kart track

Does reading about all of these excellent Wisconsin race tracks really give you an itch to get behind the wheel yourself? Then why not start out where Danica Patrick got her start, at the Sugar River Raceway go-kart track. Here, you can rent everything you need to participate in a few hours of real go kart racing. And don’t confuse this track with the go-karts you find at an amusement park. The Sugar River Raceway has go karts that can reach speeds of up to 70 mph.

Still feeling the need for speed? Start planning your winter adventures to these thrilling Wisconsin snowmobile races and runs.