While the Milwaukee Mile sat silent last season, the venerable racetrack remained on the minds of Indy Car Series drivers.
Milwaukee was a long time fixture on the circuit, for years holding the first race after the Indianapolis 500. No track has hosted more IndyCar races than the Mile, where 115 races were run prior to 2010.
An inability to reach an agreement with a track promoter led to the Mile, the nation's oldest operating race track, to go without a major race and leading many to wonder about it's long-term future.
"It was weird," says veteran driver Ryan Briscoe. "A bit sad, really."
Big-time racing is back this season, if only for one weekend, as the IZOD IndyCar Series stops in town Sunday for the Milwaukee 225. The race marks the return of open-wheel racing to one of the sport's best-known venues.
"It's such an iconic track," Briscoe says. "It's the perfect short-oval track for Indy cars. It's very challenging, difficult track. It makes for amazing racing."
Drivers love the Mile not only for its history but also for the technical challenges the oval presents. The flat corners make the track more like a road course and finding the right balance of speed and handling is essential to running a good race.
The track also lends itself to multiple racing lines and drivers often need to change their approach as the race goes on.
"That's what makes the racing so great here," Briscoe says.
Briscoe won the 2008 race and taking the pole and finishing second in '09. His team, Penske Racing, has a long history on the track, winning seven races, 11 poles and finishing in the top five 45 times since 1972.
One of "us": Danica Patrick may be the only Wisconsin-born driver in the field but local fans might find themselves wanting to root for Briscoe who openly admits that he's become a Cheesehead over the years.
His wife, Nicole, is from Roscoe, Ill. and over the years, he's become a die-hard Packers fan, going so far as wearing a cheesehead this year during the playoffs. He attended the Packers-Giants game the day after Christmas and was in Chicago for the NFC Championship Game and Dallas for the Super Bowl.
Tickets: There are a number of ticket deals available, but the big one is buy one, get one free on just about any ticket. If you bought your tickets prior to 5 p.m. Thursday, you can still take advantage of the deal. Bring a friend along and show your ticket, you'll both get in. (Though you might not be able to sit together).
Fans can get $15 off any reserved seat by presenting a ticket stub from any Milwaukee professional sporting event or festival from the previous 90 days, or a ticket to an upcoming game.
The two deals cannot be combined. Check milwaukeemile2011.com for restrictions or to order tickets.
Family fun: Outside the track, fans will find plenty to do. On Friday, a practice and testing day, admission is just $5. Fans are asked to bring three non-perishable food items to benefit Hunger Task Force.
The southern portion of Wisconsin State Fair Park will also be open during race weekend, with food, beverage and merchandise vendors as well as interactive activities.
Meet the drivers: Three-time series champion Dario Franchitti will sign autographs and discuss the dangers of distracted driving from 3-5 p.m. Friday at the T-Mobile Store in Glendale (436 W. Silver Spring Dr.).
Current points leader Will Power will visit the Waukesha Verizon Wireless store, 1200 W. Sunset Dr., from 7-8 p.m.
All series drivers will participate in a pre-race autograph session Sunday from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Wisconsin Exposition Center.
Saturday
7 a.m. – Gates open
8 a.m. – USF2000 practice
8:45 a.m. – Firestone Indy Lights practice
9:45 a.m. – IZOD IndyCar Series practice
11 a.m. – Star Mazda Championship practice
11:55 a.m. – Firestone Indy Lights practice
2:10 p.m. – USF2000 qualifying
3 p.m. – Star Mazda Championship qualifying
3:50 p.m – Firestone Indy Lights qualifying
4:45 p.m. – IZOD IndyCar Series qualifying
6:30 p.m. – USAC Midget Race
7:30 p.m. – USAC Silver Crown Race (100 laps)
Sunday
7 a.m. – Gates open
8 a.m. – Tunnel opens for infield parking
9 a.m. – USF2000 race
10 a.m. – Star Mazda Championship race
11:30 a.m. – Driver autograph session
12:30 p.m. – Firestone Indy Lights race (100 laps)
2:30 p.m. – Milwaukee 225 (225 laps)
At-a-glance:
Race: Milwaukee 225 (7th of 17 IndyCar Series races)
When: Sunday, 2:30 p.m.
Where: The Milwaukee Mile (One-mile oval)
Laps: 225
Distance: 225 miles
Broadcast: TV – ABC (12) with Marty Reid, Scott Goodyear, Eddie Cheever; Radio – IMS Radio Network (WAUK-AM) / SIRIUS XM Satellite.
