Today in history On September 11, 1903 – The first race at the Milwaukee Mile in West Allis, Wisconsin is held. The oldest major speedway in the world.

 

The Milwaukee Mile in West Allis, Wisconsin, earned its place in history on September 11, 1903, when it hosted its very first automobile race. Originally a horse-racing track dating back to the 1870s, the oval dirt circuit transitioned into a stage for the new and thrilling sport of auto racing, drawing crowds eager to witness the speed and daring of early motorcars. 

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That inaugural race marked the beginning of over a century of continuous motorsport tradition, and it gave Wisconsin a claim to the oldest operating major speedway in the world. At a time when automobiles themselves were still a novelty, the race at the Milwaukee Mile symbolized the rapid cultural and technological changes sweeping across America in the early 20th century.

Over the decades, the Milwaukee Mile grew into one of the most respected venues in racing, hosting a wide range of events including AAA, USAC, IndyCar, NASCAR, and even legendary drivers like Barney Oldfield, A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, and Dale Earnhardt. Its flat one-mile oval posed unique challenges compared to steeper, faster tracks, demanding precision and endurance from drivers.

Unlike many historic circuits that fell into disuse, the Milwaukee Mile remained in operation through wars, economic downturns, and the shifting landscape of motorsports, cementing its reputation as a living monument to racing history. Today, it stands as both a museum of speed and a functioning arena where past and present collide, reminding fans of how far motorsport has come since that groundbreaking 1903 race.

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