Snap-on Makers and Fixers 250

The Snap-on Makers and Fixers 250 brings NTT IndyCar Series racing to the Milwaukee Mile in West Allis, Wisconsin. This race is part of a doubleheader weekend, the only such format on the IndyCar calendar. The historic oval track hosts two full points-paying races, with the Snap-on Makers and Fixers 250 taking place on Saturday. Snap-on, founded in Milwaukee, serves as the title sponsor for both races at this legendary circuit.

The Milwaukee Mile Circuit

The Milwaukee Mile stands as the oldest operating motor speedway in the world. Located at Wisconsin State Fair Park, the track held its first automobile race in 1903. The facility has hosted at least one auto race every year since then, except during World War II.

The oval measures 1.015 miles in length. Four turns shape the circuit, each banked at 9.25 degrees. The straights carry a banking of 2.5 degrees. This shallow banking creates a technical challenge that demands precise car setup and skilled driving. The grandstands hold approximately 37,000 spectators. The track transitioned from dirt to pavement in 1954.

Race Format

Each race covers 250 laps around the one-mile oval, totaling approximately 250 miles. The doubleheader weekend features practice sessions followed by two complete championship races. Both events award full points in the NTT IndyCar Series standings. FOX will broadcast both races to viewers.

Expected Participants

The NTT IndyCar Series typically fields 25-27 full-time entries. Top teams include Team Penske, Chip Ganassi Racing, Arrow McLaren, Andretti Global, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, and Meyer Shank Racing. A test session held before the race weekend saw 25 drivers from 10 teams participate at Milwaukee Mile.

Leading drivers expected to compete include Alex Palou, Scott Dixon, Josef Newgarden, Pato O'Ward, Colton Herta, and Christian Rasmussen. Other notable drivers include Scott McLaughlin, Christian Lundgaard, Santino Ferrucci, Graham Rahal, and Felix Rosenqvist.

Technical Specifications

Chassis and Safety

Teams use the Dallara IR-18 chassis. The car features the Aeroscreen, a polycarbonate windscreen with a titanium frame that protects drivers from debris. A specific short oval aerodynamic package suits tracks like the Milwaukee Mile.

Power and Propulsion

IndyCar engines are 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 units. Two manufacturers supply these powerplants: Chevrolet and Honda. The hybrid power unit includes a Motor Generator Unit and an Energy Storage System using supercapacitors. Both components sit in the bellhousing between the engine and gearbox. The hybrid system provides additional horsepower and strategic push-to-pass options for overtaking.

Fuel and Tires

The series uses 100% renewable race fuel, specifically E85. Firestone supplies all tires for IndyCar competition.

Racing Heritage

Championship auto racing has been a staple at Milwaukee Mile since 1933. Various sanctioning bodies have overseen races here, including AAA, USAC, CART, and IndyCar. Many celebrated drivers have won at this track, including Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, and Scott Dixon. The track originally served as a horse racing facility starting in 1876.

The Milwaukee Mile has hosted multiple forms of motorsports beyond open-wheel racing, including NASCAR and ARCA events. The facility has undergone safety improvements and renovations to meet modern racing standards.

What Makes This Event Special

The Snap-on Makers and Fixers 250 at Milwaukee Mile offers several unique elements. The doubleheader format stands alone on the IndyCar schedule, giving fans two championship races in one weekend. The shallow banking creates close racing and tests driver skill more than heavily banked speedways.

Snap-on's connection to Milwaukee adds local significance to the event. The company started in the city and its Makers and Fixers initiative celebrates skilled professionals, which aligns with the precision required in IndyCar racing.

The track's age and history provide a link to motorsports heritage. Racing at Milwaukee Mile connects modern IndyCar competition to over a century of automobile racing tradition. The one-mile oval rewards drivers who master the balance between speed and control on its flat corners.

This doubleheader weekend at Milwaukee Mile promises competitive racing on a challenging circuit. The combination of a historic track, talented drivers, and advanced race cars creates compelling championship action in West Allis, Wisconsin.