Michigan International Speedway
Michigan International Speedway (MIS) is a prestigious 2-mile (3.22 km) D-shaped oval superspeedway located near Brooklyn, Michigan. Known for its high speeds and wide, sweeping corners, MIS is a cornerstone of American motorsports, primarily hosting NASCAR events and other major racing series. The speedway is celebrated for its fast, competitive racing environment and is one of the fastest tracks on the NASCAR circuit, with corner entry speeds often exceeding 200 mph.
History
The concept of MIS originated in the 1960s when Lawrence H. LoPatin, owner of Windsor Raceway in Canada, sought to expand his racing ventures by constructing a major auto racing facility in Michigan. Groundbreaking took place on September 27, 1967. The track was designed by Charles Moneypenny—also the architect of Daytona International Speedway—with consultancy from famed British driver Stirling Moss, who helped design the infield road course layouts.
After a construction budget estimated between $4 and $6 million, the speedway officially opened on October 13, 1968. The inaugural event was a 250-mile IndyCar race won by Ronnie Bucknum in front of over 55,000 fans. NASCAR debuted at MIS the following year, with the first NASCAR Cup Series race held on June 15, 1969, won by Cale Yarborough in a dramatic duel with LeeRoy Yarbrough.
In the early 1970s, MIS faced financial difficulties and went through ownership changes until motorsports entrepreneur Roger Penske acquired it in 1973, rescuing the track and initiating a series of improvements. Under Penske’s leadership, the facility expanded significantly, adding seating and amenities that increased capacity to more than 125,000 by the mid-1990s. Major renovations also included repaving and safety upgrades.
In 1999, the track was sold to the France family’s International Speedway Corporation (ISC). Later, when NASCAR merged with ISC in 2019, track ownership consolidated under NASCAR. Downsizing efforts in the 2010s aligned the seating capacity closer to 56,000 to modernize the venue and optimize the fan experience.
Most Famous Races Held
Michigan International Speedway is best known for hosting two annual NASCAR Cup Series races: the FireKeepers Casino 400 in June and the Consumers Energy 400 in August. Both races are characterized by high speeds and dramatic competition, often influencing the championship fight. The track has also held significant events for the NASCAR Xfinity and Camping World Truck Series, as well as past IndyCar and CART races.
Notable moments at MIS include qualifying speeds record-breaking runs and iconic battles among NASCAR legends like Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and more recently, drivers like Jeff Gordon and Kyle Busch. The track’s reputation for fast, strategic racing makes it a favorite among competitors and fans alike.
Track Information
MIS features a 2-mile (3.22 km) asphalt surface with 18 degrees of banking in the turns, 12 degrees on the front stretch, and 5 degrees on the backstretch. This design allows for multiple racing grooves and exceptionally high cornering speeds. The wide racing surface and sweeping curves facilitate competitive side-by-side racing uncommon on many other tracks.
The facility sits on more than 1,400 acres in the Irish Hills area of southeastern Michigan. Its complex includes varied road course configurations designed by Stirling Moss, which utilize sections of the oval and infield for versatile racing formats. The venue offers modern fan amenities, parking, and grandstand seating, which was downsized and refined in recent years for an improved spectator experience.
