Ron Pace Will Become New Chairman of Board of Directors for Road America

The Board of Directors of Elkhart Lake’s Road America Inc., have announced that in connection with the planned and ongoing succession process, Chairman of the Board, Jonathan Laun, will retire his position at the end of 2019. During a regularly scheduled meeting, the directors expressed their gratitude to Mr. Laun for his many contributions to Road America and subsequently unanimously appointed Ron Pace, as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of Elkhart Lake’s Road America Inc., while appointing Laun as Treasurer. Pace will serve as Chairman Elect until January 1, 2020.

“I want to thank the board members for this appointment, which I accept with great enthusiasm,” Pace said. “As a board member, I was able to see the significant work done by our Board of Directors and the entire Road America team to stimulate the growth of the facility through a number of strategic improvements and value-added initiatives. I would also like to thank Jonathan, whose dedication and expertise have helped strengthen Road America’s position as the premiere motor sports destination in North America. I am honored to succeed him and delighted to continue with our mission,” Pace added.

Pace who has served on the Board of Directors for Road America since 2005, previously served as President of Plumbing, President of Kitchens & Baths Americas, President of Decorative Products, and Group President of Interiors at Kohler Company since joining in 1995.

An avid sports car enthusiast, Pace is a Road America shareholder and a member of the Sports Car Club of America. He has been a member of the Porsche Club of America for over 20 years and previously served as President of the Milwaukee region.

With over thirty years of career growth at Fortune 100 companies, Pace possesses a diversified background in both industrial and consumer markets with assignments in general management, operations, marketing and finance. Pace holds an MBA in Finance/Marketing and a BA in Economics/Chemistry, both from the University of Connecticut and served as an Adjunct Professor for Marquette University. Pace previously served on the Board of Directors at Appleton Papers and Ariens. Pace currently serves on the Board of Directors for AZEK Building Products, ORP Management LLC, and as a consultant for the Kohler Company.

Jonathan Laun, an area businessman, has been involved with Road America for most of his life. He started by working summers for Road America founder, Clif Tufte, as a college student in the 1960’s. He became a Road America director in 1978. During his time on the board, he’s held numerous offices, including Treasurer and Vice President. In 1990, he became Chairman of the Board and has held that position for the last 30 years. Under his stewardship the track has seen many strategic changes in staff and massive infrastructure improvements, with many new buildings and features, including several track and safety improvements. The track’s profits have consistently been reinvested, and every year fans can see many visible major improvements. As such, the track continues to prosper as America’s National Park of Speed.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the shareholders of Elkhart Lake’s Road America Inc., for allowing me to serve as Chairman of the Board,” said Laun. “I would also like to thank the members of the Board of Directors for their confidence and the entire Road America team, for their tireless commitment towards establishing Road America in the hearts and minds of fans, enthusiasts and racers alike as America’s National Park of Speed. My experience was very rewarding and allowed me to see firsthand the numerous and tangible impacts of what this wonderful organization is capable of during my tenure. I wish continued success to the team, the board members, and the new Chairman of the Board, Ron Pace. While my tenure as Chairman has concluded I look forward to continuing on the Board of Directors as Treasurer.” Laun concluded.

“On behalf of the entire Road America staff we want to extend our appreciation to Jonathan for his many years of guidance and direction,” said Mike Kertscher, President and General Manager of Road America. “Road America is a family, and we will continue to prosper as a family based on the vison, perspective and work ethic that Jonathan has instilled in all of us. Additionally, we are excited to have Ron Pace as Chairman of the Board and ready for the what the future holds under his leadership.”