The Milwaukee Mile

History 

The Milwaukee Mile, nestled within the Wisconsin State Fair Park, is a historic and iconic racetrack that has stood the test of time, earning the title of the oldest operating motor speedway in the world. The track broke ground on September 29, 1899, and officially opened on September 11, 1903, marking the beginning of a legacy that has spanned well over a century. Originally named the Wisconsin State Fair Speedway, it has undergone various name changes throughout its history, reflecting its evolving role in the motorsport world. Despite these changes, the track has remained a central fixture in American auto racing, hosting at least one race every year from its inception until 2023, with the only interruptions occurring during the United States’ involvement in World War II.

The Milwaukee Mile’s early years were marked by the feats of legendary drivers who helped solidify the track’s reputation. One such figure was Barney Oldfield, whose success at the Mile made him a household name in the early 20th century. Oldfield set a track record in 1905 and, five years later, raised his speed to an impressive 70.159 mph in his “Blitzen Benz,” a remarkable achievement for the time. These early races not only showcased the speed and skill of the drivers but also contributed to the track’s growing fame as a premier racing venue in the United States.

As the years passed, the Milwaukee Mile continued to attract major racing events and sanctioning bodies, further cementing its status as a key player in the motorsports industry. The track has hosted events sanctioned by prominent organizations such as the American Automobile Association (AAA), the United States Auto Club (USAC), NASCAR, the Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART), and the IndyCar Series. These events brought together some of the best drivers in the world, who competed on the storied oval, adding to its rich racing heritage.

The track underwent significant improvements in the mid-1990s, including a resurfacing after the 1995 season, which helped to modernize the facility and maintain its appeal to racing teams and fans alike. In 2003, temporary Musco lighting was introduced for a Champ Car World Series event, allowing for night racing at the Mile. This addition of temporary lights was repeated for NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and Busch Series events in 2005 and 2006, showcasing the track’s adaptability and willingness to innovate while preserving its storied legacy.

About The Track 

The Milwaukee Mile, a track with a rich history, is currently configured as a 1.015-mile (1.633 km) oval, featuring four turns with 9.25° of banking in the corners and 2.5° on the straights. The track, with its asphalt surface, has been in this oval configuration since 1954 and has hosted a wide array of racing events, drawing some of the best drivers from various disciplines. The Mile’s layout and surface have challenged drivers for decades, contributing to its reputation as a technical and demanding course.

Interestingly, the track length at the Milwaukee Mile has been a point of contention among the major racing series that have competed there. NASCAR, known for its precision in timing and scoring, traditionally used a length of 1.00 mile (1.61 km) for its events, reflecting a rounded figure commonly used in stock car racing. However, when the Indy Racing League (IRL) held races at the track, their timing and scoring records utilized a slightly longer length of 1.015 miles (1.633 km). On the other hand, the Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) measured the track at 1.032 miles (1.661 km) during their tenure at the venue from 1997 to 2006.

The Milwaukee Mile also features an infield road course, which has been part of the track’s configuration since 1954. This 1.8-mile (2.9 km) asphalt course includes 10 turns and has provided a different challenge compared to the oval.

One of the most remarkable achievements on the Milwaukee Mile’s oval came in 1998 when American driver Scott Pruett set the race lap record.