Nelson Ledges Road Course facts for kids

Nelson Ledges Road Course is a special place in Garrettsville, Ohio. It is a paved track where cars and motorcycles race! It is also used for driving lessons to help people learn how to control their cars safely. The track is about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) long and has seven main turns. It has a long and exciting history of racing. The track and its buildings have been made much better recently under new management.

The track has had two different shapes. The course you see today was created when a section from turn four to turn eleven was added. This part is known as the "carousel." The original course turned right at turn four, going straight to turn eleven.

History

Exciting Races and Famous Drivers

Nelson Ledges Road Course has hosted many thrilling races over the years. On June 7, 2018, the ChampCar Endurance Series came to Nelson Ledges. This was a big race that lasted a very long time! The track was repaved, meaning it got a new smooth surface. The pit lane, where cars stop for fuel and tires, was also improved for this race. Two famous drivers raced there: Tommy Byrne, who was an F1 driver in the 1980s, and actor Michael Fassbender.

One of the most famous events at Nelson Ledges Road Course was the Longest Day of Nelson. This was a 24-hour car race! A team of two or more drivers would race continuously, day and night. The cars ranged from regular "Showroom Stock" cars to special racing prototypes. This yearly race stopped in the late 1990s, but it came back in 2007. The #86 Boxing Cat Motorsports Porsche 911 team won the 2007 event. The well-known actor, Paul Newman, also raced at this track with his son in the 1970s.

The track also hosted The 24 Hours of Nelson Motorcycle Race. This exciting motorcycle race took place every year from 1969 to 1993.