Milwaukee IndyFest
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| Venue | Milwaukee Mile |
|---|---|
| Corporate sponsor | ABC Supply |
| First race | 1937 |
| First IndyCar race | 2004 |
| Last race | 2015 |
| Distance | 253.750 mi (408.371 km) |
| Laps | 250 |
| Most wins (driver) | Rodger Ward (7) |
| Most wins (manufacturer) | Chassis: Lola (16) Engine: Offenhauser (50) |
The ABC Supply Wisconsin 250 at Milwaukee IndyFest Presented by the Metro Milwaukee Honda Dealers is an IndyCar Series race held at the Milwaukee Mile in West Allis, Wisconsin.
Open wheel racing at the track dates back to 1937. AAA sanctioned races in 1937–1939, 1941, and 1946–1955. The track was paved in 1954.
USAC sanctioned Championship car races from 1956–1979. In 1980, the race switched to a CART/Champ Car race, and continued through 2006. IndyCar started holding races at the track in 2004, and thus for a brief time from 2004-2006, the track hosted both a Champ Car race (June) and an IndyCar race (August).
Starting in 2007, IndyCar became the lone event. The race was put on hiatus for 2010, stemming from management difficulties regarding payment of sanctioning fees. In 2011, the race returned and continues to be held.
For most years starting in 1949, Milwaukee traditionally hosted the first race following the Indianapolis 500. From 1947 to 1982, Milwaukee generally hosted two races, the first race right after Indy in June, and the second in August or September. The latter sometimes in the days surrounding the Wisconsin State Fair.
After 1982, the second race was dropped. With only one race annually going forward, the track decided to keep the traditional June "right after Indy" date.
In 1986, the race was scheduled for Sunday June 1. However, due to rain on May 25–26, the Indianapolis 500 was postponed to Saturday May 31. After discussions with track, television, and series leaders, the Milwaukee race was pushed back one week to make the accommodation.
From 2004-2006, when both Champ Car and IndyCar were holding races at the track, Champ Car still utilized the June date, while IndyCar chose to hold their race in late July. In 2007, when IndyCar became the lone open wheel race at the track, there was a renewed interest in placing the event on its traditional June date immediately after Indy. This arrangement lasted only three years (2007-2009), as the race was put on hiatus for 2010.
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