Michigan International Speedway

Michigan International Speedway stands as one of the premier motorsports facilities in the United States. The track sits in Cambridge Township, Michigan, near the village of Brooklyn, in the scenic Irish Hills region. The facility opened on October 13, 1968, and has since delivered high-speed racing and competitive action to motorsports fans. The speedway spans more than 1,400 acres of Michigan countryside, providing space for the track, grandstands, and extensive camping areas. NASCAR owns the facility following its 2019 acquisition of International Speedway Corporation, with Joe Fowler serving as track president.

Track Design and Specifications

The speedway features a 2-mile (3.219 km) D-shaped oval configuration designed by Charles Moneypenny, who also created Daytona International Speedway. The racing surface delivers 18 degrees of banking in the turns, 12 degrees on the frontstretch, and 5 degrees on the backstretch. The frontstretch extends 3,600 feet, while the backstretch measures 2,242 feet. The track width varies significantly, with turns measuring 73 feet wide plus a 10-foot apron, and straightaways spanning 45 feet with a 12-foot apron. This generous width enables three- and four-wide racing, giving drivers multiple racing lines for passing and strategic positioning.

Racing Performance and Speed

Michigan International Speedway ranks among the fastest oval courses in America. The track underwent complete repaving in 2012, which increased its speed potential significantly. Qualifying speeds regularly exceed 200 mph (320 km/h), with Jeff Gordon setting a qualifying record of 206.558 mph in 2014. Corner entry speeds reach 215 to 220 mph (346 to 354 km/h) following the 2012 repaving. The wide racing surface and sweeping turns promote aggressive, side-by-side competition.

Racing History and Events

The inaugural race at Michigan International Speedway took place on October 13, 1968, featuring an IndyCar-style 250-mile contest won by Ronnie Bucknum. NASCAR arrived on June 15, 1969, when Cale Yarborough captured victory in the first Cup Series race. The track has hosted NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, IndyCar, CART, and IMSA GT Championship events. For the 2025 season, the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 moves from August to June 7-8, 2025, serving as the first of three races to set seeding for NASCAR's new in-season tournament. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series returns to MIS in 2025 for the first time since 2020.

Road Courses and Additional Facilities

Beyond the main oval, the facility includes three road course layouts designed by British racing driver Stirling Moss. These road courses use parts of the oval, sections within the infield, and areas outside the track. The interior road course has seen limited use for law enforcement vehicle testing since its last race in 1984. The exterior road course last hosted a race in 1973. The speedway's current grandstand capacity stands at 56,000 as of 2021.

Recent Improvements

Michigan International Speedway has implemented facility upgrades to enhance the fan experience. The track updated traffic patterns and redesigned parking lot access with a color-coded map system. Additional ticket gates reduce congestion and wait times. The facility operates a cashless policy across merchandise, concessions, and the box office, with no ATMs available on-site. Frontstretch seating areas are smoke-free, including electronic cigarettes and vapes, with designated smoking areas marked elsewhere on the property.