Danica Patrick drives the #7 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet during the NASCAR Nationwide Series Sargento 200 at Road America on June 23, 2012
Photo – Tyler Barrick/Getty Images

They’ll turn left, then right, and then right again on Saturday afternoon when the Nationwide Series rolls into Elkhart Lake, WI for their first of three road course races this season. In years past, races at Road America never seem to be lacking excitement. Wild restarts and hot tempers have highlighted past races which always categorize this race as one of the best of season. Turning right might not be these drivers’ forte, but they’ll have to this weekend as they try and claim victory at Road America.

The Johnsonville Sausage 200 will go green on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 5:17 PM EST. The race will consist of 50 Laps and 202.4 miles around the four-mile circuit. Rain tires will be available for the race on Saturday, so rain or shine, the race will go on. They might not be needed anyway since there’s only a 30% chance of rain with isolated thunder-storms. Fans can catch the race on ESPN or listen to it on MRN.

Last year when the Nationwide cars hit the track, it was Nelson Piquet Jr. celebrating in victory lane after his first career Nationwide Series win. Piquet Jr. wasn’t a regular last season, but he is this season, so he hopes the experience in the car will help him take the victory for the second straight year. Road course ringers ruled this race last year with Ron Fellows, Jacques Villeneuve, and Max Papis all getting out front throughout the event.

A good performance last weekend was key for Michigan race winner and points leader Regan Smith. He isn’t known for his road racing skill, so to have a large point cushion heading into this weekend is essential.

Wild things have happened in this race before, so being prepared is very important. Smith will have to deal with a few different drivers in the race this weekend including Johnny O’Connell who will be driving the No.5 for JR Motorsports. Other notable drivers include Billy Johnson (#16 for Roush-Fenway Racing), Michael McDowell (#18 for JGR), Brendan Gaughan (#21 for RCR), A.J Allmendinger (#22 for Penske Racing), and Max Papis (#33 for RCR).

Road racing is never a favorite of some of the oval drivers in the Nationwide Series and this weekend will surely be a challenge. Kyle Larson, Brian Vickers, Regan Smith, Travis Pastrana, Parker Kligerman, and Alex Bowman are among some of the Nationwide regulars who have never competed at Road America. To maintain their championship runs, they’ll need to learn this track and learn it fast.

If there’s one Nationwide Race all season that is a must-see, it is this one. The action never falls below par during the race and a wild finish is usually in-store.

Novice road course racers may struggle this weekend and that could open the door for some not-much-talked-about drivers to break through and possibly steal the win. It’ll be twisted and the sheet-metal will be bent, but this race is a gem in the Nationwide Series. Fans won’t want to miss the excitement this weekend and surely, there will be some fireworks erupting at the conclusion of this event.

Event Schedule

11:30 AM-1:00 PM CT (12:30-2:00 PM EST) Nationwide Series Practice, not televised

1:30-2:55 PM CT (2:30-3:55 PM EST) Nationwide Series Final Practice, not televised

11:05 AM CT (12:05 PM EST) Nationwide Series Qualifying, televised on ESPN2

4:00 PM CT (5:00 PM EST) Nationwide Series’ Race, the Johnsonville Sausage 200, televised on ESPN

Next Race– Feed the Children 300 at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Kentucky

Entry List via Jayski.com