The Milwaukee Mile

The Milwaukee Mile stands as the oldest operating motor speedway in the world, dating back to 1903 for auto racing and 1876 for horse racing. Located in West Allis, Wisconsin on the Wisconsin State Fair Park grounds, this historic circuit has hosted auto races continuously for over a century, pausing only during World War II. The track has witnessed the evolution of American motorsport from its earliest days to the modern era, making it a living museum of racing heritage. After an absence from major professional racing between 2016 and 2020, the venue has experienced a significant resurgence with multiple series returning to competition.

Historical Development

The circuit began as a horse racing track in the 19th century before hosting its first automobile race in 1903, when William Jones won a 5-lap speed contest. Early races faced challenges due to the track's original design for horses. The dirt oval was paved with asphalt in 1954, marking a significant modernization. Further improvements came in 1967 with the construction of a dedicated pit road. The Wisconsin State Building Commission has approved several phases of track safety improvements since December 2022. The track has maintained its basic configuration throughout its history while receiving periodic updates to meet changing safety standards and racing needs. A "Save the Mile" campaign group, formed in 2008, continues to advocate for the preservation of racing at this historic venue.

Track Specifications

The Milwaukee Mile features a simple yet challenging oval layout measuring 1.015 miles (1.633 km) in length. The track maintains 9.25-degree banking in all four turns, with gentler 2.5-degree banking on both the front and back straightaways. This configuration creates a distinctive racing experience where drivers cannot run flat out, which rewards precise driving and setup while creating overtaking opportunities. Inside the main oval sits a 1.8-mile (2.9 km) asphalt road course. The facility accommodates approximately 37,000 spectators in its grandstands and bleachers. Different racing series have reported the track length inconsistently over the years, but NASCAR utilized the 1.015-mile measurement for its 2023 Truck Series race, aligning with previous IRL designation.

Racing Legacy

The Milwaukee Mile has hosted races sanctioned by virtually every major American racing organization. AAA and USAC stock car events began in 1950, with Don White securing 14 victories at the track. Championship car racing started in the 1930s and continued under various sanctioning bodies including CART and IndyCar. NASCAR arrived in 1984 with the Busch Late Model Sportsman Series (now Xfinity Series) and expanded its presence from 1993 to 2009. The track also served as home to the NFL's Green Bay Packers for several games each season from 1934 to 1951, including the 1939 NFL Championship Game.

Notable Drivers and Moments

Racing legends have left their mark on the Milwaukee Mile throughout its history. Barney Oldfield set track records in both 1905 and 1910. A.J. Foyt demonstrated his exceptional talent in 1965 when he earned pole position using a backup dirt car hastily prepared for pavement racing. The illustrious roster of winners includes Ralph DePalma, Jim Clark, the Unser and Andretti families, Darrell Waltrip, Rusty Wallace, Jeff Gordon, Scott Dixon, and Hélio Castroneves.

Current Racing Schedule

The NTT IndyCar Series returned to the track in 2024 after a nine-year absence. The series will hold a doubleheader weekend in August 2026, titled the "Snap-on INDYCAR Weekend." The INDY NXT by Firestone series, which develops future IndyCar drivers, also returned in 2024 and has races scheduled for 2025 and 2026. The ARCA Menards Series came back in 2021 and continues to host events including the Milwaukee 150. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series made a return in 2023 but is not scheduled to race at the Milwaukee Mile in 2025. As racing returns to this historic venue, a new chapter begins in the story of America's oldest speedway.