The Milwaukee Mile is a paved oval racetrack located at the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds in West Allis, a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. It is recognized as the longest continuously operating motor speedway in the world, having hosted open‑wheel, stock car, and motorcycle racing events since its inaugural race in 1903.
History
- Origins (1903–1910): The track originated as a horse‑racing venue when the state fairgrounds opened in 1901. The first automobile race was held on August 16 1903, making the mile one of the earliest sites for motor competition in the United States.
- Early automobile era (1910s–1930s): Throughout the 1910s and 1920s, the Milwaukee Mile hosted a mixture of board‑track events, road‑racing exhibitions, and the early iterations of the AAA Championship Car series. In 1935, the American Automobile Association (AAA) sanctioned its first major championship race at the venue.
- Post‑war period (1940s–1970s): After World War II, the track became a regular stop on the AAA, and later USAC, Championship Car schedule. Notable drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, and Al Unser claimed victories. The venue also welcomed NASCAR Grand National (now Cup Series) races in 1958 and 1965.
- Modern era (1980s–2020s): The Milwaukee Mile was incorporated into the CART/IndyCar Series schedule beginning in 1981, with intermittent appearances through 2015. It also served as a venue for the NASCAR Xfinity Series (formerly Busch Series) from 1988 to 2009 and the ARCA Menards Series.
Track specifications
- Length: 1.00 mile (1.609 km) oval.
- Surface: Asphalt, originally a dirt surface until it was paved in 1954.
- Banking: Turns are banked at 9 degrees; the front stretch is banked at 3 degrees, and the back stretch is essentially flat.
- Facilities: The venue includes a grandstand with a capacity of approximately 30,000 spectators, pit road, and associated fairgrounds amenities.
Major events
- IndyCar Series: The "Milwaukee Indy 225" was held most years between 1981 and 2015, typically scheduled in June or July.
- NASCAR Xfinity Series: Races were contested from 1988 to 2009, featuring 250‑lap events on the oval.
- ARCA Menards Series: The series has visited the track regularly since the 1990s, with events often serving as support races for IndyCar weekends.
- Historical races: The track has also hosted USAC Silver Crown, USAC National Sprint Car, and USAC National Midget series events, as well as occasional motorcycle road‑racing exhibitions.
Significance
The Milwaukee Mile’s continuous operation for over a century makes it a historic landmark in North American motorsport. Its role in the development of early open‑wheel racing, its inclusion in the championship calendars of multiple sanctioning bodies, and its consistent presence on the Midwest racing circuit contribute to its cultural and sporting importance.
Recent developments
- Event hiatus: After the 2015 IndyCar race, the track lost its premier open‑wheel event due to scheduling and financial considerations. NASCAR ceased its Xfinity Series visits after 2009.
- Revitalization attempts: In 2021, the Wisconsin State Fair Park Authority announced plans to renovate the venue, including resurfacing the track and upgrading safety barriers, with the goal of attracting future regional and national series. As of 2024, the Milwaukee Mile remains operational for club, historic, and regional racing events, though it has not hosted a top‑level national series race since 2015.
Ownership and management
The racetrack is owned by the Wisconsin State Fair Park Authority, a state‑appointed agency that manages the fairgrounds facilities. Day‑to‑day operations are contracted to specialized motorsport promoters and event organizers.
Legacy
The Milwaukee Mile is frequently cited in motorsport literature as a symbol of the sport’s early 20th‑century roots in the United States. Its longevity and adaptability across multiple racing disciplines underscore its status as an iconic venue in American racing history.
