ELKHART, Wis. — A Road America staff member has worked at the track for over 30 years.
He loved the place so much that he decided to make it his literal home.
Bryan Walthers saw his first race at Road America when he was 9-years-old. He was immediately hooked and now lives in a 37-foot-long motorhome at the track. Rain or shine, he is busy making sure everything runs smoothly in what is now his backyard.
“It’s kind of neat,” said Walthers. “Living right here gives me the opportunity to be involved with anything and everything that’s going on. So being close is nice.”
The Sheboygan native said early in his career he worked the gates, which meant he did not get to see much of the races. Now, when a big race comes to town, he has a special spot where he can sit and feel like a kid again.
“At the beginning of the race, I will be at the first turn,” said Walthers. “That’s one of my favorite spots to watch early in the race, because when they’re all coming together. It’s kind of exciting.”
Walthers said his job at the track has him wearing many hats. He said that includes helping train employees, such as Roxie Kempfert.
“He just knows everything because he’s been out here that long,” said Kempfert. “So, he knows everything. He knows a lot of different people. He knows different events that are going on. And he’s just an all-around great guy.”
At 78 years old, Walthers has worked with many different generations during his time at Road America.
He said the people are his favorite part of the job and he has no plans to retire soon.
“I’m going to do it as long as I can,” said Walthers. “And I’m going to do it as long as it’s fun, not work. And I think that’s a good way to look at any job. If you’re having a good time doing it, do it forever.”
Walthers said he is living his dream at the Road America track, with neighbors who are also race fans.