Indy NXT - Milwaukee Mile

The Milwaukee Mile hosts an INDY NXT by Firestone race as part of the Snap-on INDYCAR Weekend. This event represents Round 15 of the championship season and brings INDYCAR's premier developmental series to one of motorsports' most storied venues. The INDY NXT race joins the NTT INDYCAR SERIES doubleheader and USF Pro 2000 competition for a weekend filled with open-wheel racing action at this historic oval.

The Circuit

The Milwaukee Mile is a 1.015-mile oval race track located within the Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis, a suburb west of Milwaukee. The track holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating motor speedway in the world. The circuit features 9-degree banking in its corners, which creates a unique challenge for drivers compared to modern high-banked speedways. The grandstand and bleachers provide seating for approximately 37,000 spectators. While the facility includes a 1.8-mile infield road course, the INDY NXT race uses the traditional oval layout.

INDY NXT Series Overview

INDY NXT by Firestone, formerly known as Indy Lights, serves as the final step on the Road to Indy ladder system. The series prepares drivers for careers in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The season features 17 races and represents the largest grid since 2009. A rule change limits teams to a maximum of four cars, which has allowed new teams to enter the championship. The series champion receives a scholarship that includes two IndyCar tests and entry into two NTT INDYCAR SERIES races, including the Indianapolis 500.

Teams and Drivers

Several teams have committed to the season. Andretti Global fields four cars with drivers Lochie Hughes (#26), Sebastian Murray (#27), Max Taylor (#28), and Josh Pierson (#29). Cape Motorsport Powered by ECR runs Matteo Nannini (#20) and Nikita Johnson (#21). HMD Motorsports enters Salvador de Alba (#17) and Jack Beeton (#45) through a technical partnership structure. Juncos Hollinger Racing competes with Ricardo Escotto and Alexander Koreiba. The complete entry list for the Milwaukee Mile race will be confirmed closer to the event.

Technical Specifications

Chassis and Safety

All INDY NXT cars use the Dallara IL-15 chassis, which has been the spec chassis since 2015. The chassis received a halo cockpit protection device update in 2021 for enhanced driver safety. Additional safety features include headrests, seats, a secondary pedal bulkhead, and zylon panels that meet FIA specifications and INDYCAR standards. The cars use the same aerodynamic package for both oval and road course events.

Engine and Performance

The spec Advanced Engine Research (AER) INDY NXT 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine powers all cars in the series. The engine produces 450 horsepower, with an additional 50 horsepower available through the Push-to-Pass system on road and street courses. An Xtrac 6-speed sequential gearbox with electronic shift actuation handles power delivery. All cars run on Firestone tires specifically developed for the championship, which helps drivers gain familiarity with the same tire manufacturer used in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The Dallara IL-15 can reach speeds exceeding 186 mph.

Race Format

Qualifying for INDY NXT races on ovals at The Milwaukee Mile follows a specific format. Each car completes two consecutive timed laps. The aggregate time from both laps determines the official qualifying time and pole position. This format tests driver consistency and car setup across multiple laps.

Historical Significance

The Milwaukee Mile hosted its first automobile race on September 11, 1903. The track began as a private horse-racing facility in 1876. The Agricultural Society of the State of Wisconsin purchased the property in 1891 to establish a permanent site for the Wisconsin State Fair. The track converted from a dirt surface to a paved oval in 1954.

Throughout its history, The Milwaukee Mile has hosted races sanctioned by AAA, USAC, NASCAR, CART/CCWS, and the IndyCar Series. Legendary drivers including Barney Oldfield, Rex Mays, A.J. Foyt, Al Unser, and Mario Andretti have competed at this circuit. Indy Lights races were regular features of the Milwaukee IndyFest events at the Mile until 2015.

Many current INDYCAR stars developed their skills in the INDY NXT series, including Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan, Josef Newgarden, Pato O'Ward, and Colton Herta. The series continues to serve as a proven pathway to professional open-wheel racing careers.

Notable Track Features

The Milwaukee Mile's relatively flat banking creates a different racing dynamic compared to modern speedways. The 9-degree banking in the corners requires precise car control and driver skill. This characteristic makes The Milwaukee Mile a demanding test for young drivers advancing their careers.

Before focusing exclusively on motorsports, the Milwaukee Mile infield served as a home venue for the NFL's Green Bay Packers from 1934 to 1951. The Packers played several games each season at the facility, and the track even hosted the NFL Championship Game in 1939.

The combination of a historic venue, competitive INDY NXT racing, and the broader weekend of open-wheel action creates an appealing event for racing fans. The Milwaukee Mile race offers drivers a chance to demonstrate their abilities on a traditional oval circuit that has challenged competitors for over a century.