IndyCar to make return to Milwaukee Mile in 2024

By: Jenna Wells Facebook | Twitter

Posted: Sep 25, 2023 9:51 AM CST

NOW: IndyCar to make return to Milwaukee Mile in 2024

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The IndyCar series is coming back to the Milwaukee Mile at Wisconsin State Fair Park, after an eight-year hiatus.

IndyCar reps made the announcement Monday morning, alongside Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, State Fair Park CEO Shari Black, and Roger Penske, who took over IndyCar in 2020.

"The history of this organization and this track is why we're here today," Evers said.

"As we looked the way we could really change the look of our series by having more oval events, Milwaukee was certainly in our eye," Penske said.

It will be the Milwaukee Mile's first ever double-header, with races Saturday, Aug. 31 and Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024.

For the first time ever, Wisconsin State Fair Park will be the event promoter.

"It will leave a huge economic footprint, I am certain. We are going to be able to have a great amount of people coming in using hotels, using local restaurants," said Shari Black, executive director/CEO for Wisconsin State Fair Park.

IndyCar's return comes as the track is receiving $3 million worth of upgrades, with more construction scheduled next month.

"There's going to be some work on the pit lane, some work on the track, there's still some safety barriers and walls that have to be completed," Penske said.

The Milwaukee Mile will be rounds 15 and 16 of the 17-race season.

The 120-year-old oval track brings special intensity to drivers, like six-time champion Scott Dixon.

"A double header right before the last race of the season in Nashville has huge implications on the championship," Dixon said.

The race will also show off the series' rising stars.

"Drivers that can run on ovals like this then understand what it's like to compete on a track like Indy," Penske said.

Despite low attendance at the mile in previous years, promoters are hoping to see a nearly full 30,000 seat grandstand next year.

"I think if you come here and you're sitting in these stands, you're going to be on the edge of your seats the whole time," Dixon said.

Tickets for next year's race weekend are expected to go on sale in January.

The season begins March 10 on the downtown streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, and ends Sept. 15 on Nashville's downtown streets.

IndyCar next year will have two races streamed only: Toronto and the first race at Milwaukee. All practices and qualifying sessions will be streamed on Peacock.

2024 INDYCAR SCHEDULE

Sunday, March 10 Streets of St. Petersburg, NBC, Peacock

Sunday, March 24 The Thermal Club $1 Million Challenge, NBC, Peacock

Sunday, April 21 Streets of Long Beach, USA Network, Peacock

Sunday, April 28 Barber Motorsports Park, NBC, Peacock

Saturday, May 11 Indianapolis Motor Speedway (road course), NBC, Peacock

Saturday, May 18 Indianapolis 500 Qualifying Day 1, NBC, Peacock

Sunday, May 19 Indianapolis 500 Qualifying Day 2, NBC, Peacock

Sunday, May 26 Indianapolis Motor Speedway (oval), NBC, Peacock

Sunday, June 2 Streets of Detroit, USA Network, Peacock

Sunday, June 9 Road America, NBC, Peacock

Sunday, June 23 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, USA Network, Peacock