Sign Online Petition

Tom Laeser December 13, 2010 | Naples, Fl

I attended my first race there in the late 40s. I also saw the Packers play there. I saw Jim Hurtibise flame, Les Snow driving with his arm out the window and Frank Burany. Bill Shoulders, Jim Rathman, Marshall Teague and Norm Nelson. Jim Clark with his left front 10 inches off the ground. Tony Bettenhausen was my favorite. Quarter miler Fuzzy Fasbender. I saw Ed Elisian die in front of me on the south turn. The fire scorched my skin. Last year while visiting Milwaukee I walked the track, it was desolate. So glad they're running there again. I will try to make the race.

Yuri Rentfro September 20, 2010 | Illinois

I have watched so many great races take place at this legendary track. I don't want to loose the place where so many of my heroes raced. I'd love for it to be around for my kids and grand children to enjoy.

Annie Hermsen September 10, 2010 | Milwaukee,WI

Please bring the IRL and Nascar back to America's oldest oval!! My dad and I have been going to races at The Mile since I was 7 years old. This summer it broke my heart to see the track empty.
Lots of great racing happened here, and I hope to see many more years of it at The Mile.

Chris McGrath September 02, 2010 | Indianapolis

IndyCar racing should return to The Milwaukee Mile--it would be a great benefit for the community, fans, as well as for the sport.

john August 15, 2010 | Wi

Bring back racing at the mile. Love to see ARCA come back too.

race fan July 28, 2010 | michigan

It would be great to see the facility continue to open up to hold events like the Govoners Cup and ASA Late Model races. Bring back the USAC Midgets and Sprint Cars. Six or eight events with the above type cars would be better than once a year having nascar there.

scott Mc Andrew July 16, 2010 | wheeling il

save the mile

Khristian Gillespie June 28, 2010 | chicago,IL

I love the Milwaukee mile,I wacth open wheel racing car, and stock cars on the milwaukee mile for over 15 years, and i in my 12 year of highshcool, but, I 'm real that the milwaukee mile is my fovrite short track on plant earth, And even got plan for my race seris, which I'm really, wirting rules for my racing seris to have a even plantforom of four class, from lowspeed-low-tech cars to, high-speed high-tech expensive cars. And my vision and guts say this milwaukee mile steal have life in it, and i well host an racing event in the milwaukee mile; know as the Milwaukee mile 3000mile race that start in daylight and end at night time. That my plan for the milwaukee mile, and save the milwaukee mile.

David Rauls June 01, 2010 | madison, wi

this must be saved!!

tim telkes May 31, 2010 | chicago

first time in 15 yrs. i will not be driving north for the indy race. i was watching the 500 and had a tear in my beer knowing i would not see these cars the next week. save the mile!

Al Knystautas May 28, 2010 | Hartland

Have only been in Wisconsin for six years, but have gone to races here every year, prior to this mess. Prior to moving here, lived twenty minutes from Dover Speedway. Seems very sad and strange, that someone can't be found to run this historic track in a fashion that can turn a profit and draw national race series events. Maybe there's a lack of general public racing interest in this area? Seems like politics intervention in private ventures is not a good thing? Got my fingers crossed, and ready to buy tickets when events return.

Mark Drana May 21, 2010 | Milwaukee, Wi

The first race I attended at The Mile was the Tony Bettenhausen 200 in 1970. I have been an indy car fan ever since. Watching these cars through the 1970's inspired me to take the Skip Barber Racing School course and pursue a career with them. I attended all the IRL/IndyCar Series races at the mile and I am sad that we have no major league racing for the foreseeable future.

Tom Burow March 10, 2010 | PatchGroveWi.

For 50 years Ive been going to this track.What ashame to be going down this road. This racetrack is not a blackhole for the communties that surround it. maybe the politicians should just move over and let some who truly knows how to turn a profit manage this track

Dan Wall March 08, 2010 | Milwaukee

Keep this track going. I have been going to the Mile so long and have nearly gotten divorced over the tradition.

dennis unglesbee March 03, 2010 | westminster, md

Please don't let this icon of racing history go the route of so many other famous tracks. Once it's gone it's always gone!!!!!!!!!!

Mary March 01, 2010 | Gurnee IL

Don't get rid of it!

John Hagen February 28, 2010 | Saint Francis, WIS

The Milwaukee Mile is a time honored tradition. Losing itg would not only be a magor loss for racing but also for the city of Milwaukee and the entire state of Wisconsin.

Evan February 28, 2010 | Chicago

Last year, I attended my first race at the Mile: the IndyCar ABC Supply/A.J Foyt 225. I had the time of my life, and told my Mother "I cant wait till next year!" then I saw there will be no next year, and my heart simply sank. SAVE THE MILWAUKEE MILE!

Doug Bork February 18, 2010 | Algoquin,Illinois

It would be a shame to let such an historic place go by the wayside. I've enjoyed going to races there in the past, and I've been willing to travel interstate to be there.

Carl February 13, 2010 | Sheboygan WI

How can closing the track even be an option? Some of the most memorable moments of my life have been at that track. Why dont the track officials meet with representatives from Nacar & Indy Car as well as the rest of the Racing Organizations and find out what it would to to make the operation of this track viable and gain some commitment from the motorsports agencies? The days of "Build it and they will come" are over....

Tony Urbanik February 10, 2010 | Kenosha, WI

Holy Cow this track has alot of history. If saving the Pabts brewery from demolition was important, I would imagine that keeping America's oldest raceway running should carry some clout. Get it out of the hands of the DNR.

Jim Keats December 23, 2009 | IL/WI Border

My grandfather took my father and my father took me. Its upsetting that I may have to stop taking my son.

Ryan Smith December 22, 2009 | Racine

The loss of The Milwaukee Mile would be a devistating loss for the entire racing community. The history alone should be enough to keep it running at any cost. Do you think Indy or Daytona would shut down if profits were down? NO! They would get a board who KNOWS THE RACING BUISSNESS AND PROMOTE THE DAMN THING AND MAKE A PROFIT! Susan Crane and the Mile Board are just puppets of Gov. Doyle. The potetial is there just stop changing contracts when the deal is already made!

Ronald Spannraft December 22, 2009 | Grayslake, IL

One must wonder about the true intentions of the Wisconsin State Fair Board. What better way to justify the closing of the track than have political appointees with no race promotion experience controlling the fate of the track. Let's hope the governor wakes up and smells the beer no longer brewed in Milwaukee before the Mile is nothing but another racing memory.

Ryan Balts December 22, 2009 | Eau Claire

Save the Racing History in WI.

Don Nelson December 20, 2009 | Milwaukee WI

Been going to the mile for years! My dad would take me to qualifying when I was younger (Saw Mears get the pole, saw Rahal break 92 record, Bosel 95 record), went to first race in 96, and since then have been going to every indycar (Cart also) race. Occassionally a Nationwide race, and even the monster truck event about 5 years back.

I refuse to see this track die, and think it should be sold to private investors and away from the Fair Park board.

Too much history and great racing still left in it.

Ralph Hibbard December 19, 2009 | Mukwonago

I love the mile have had the best of times there.

Anthony C December 19, 2009 | Brookfield

I have been to the mile every year since like 1992 when they started racing BGN cars there, for indy cars, arca cars, BGN and Truck series races. I now have a 3 year old that loves racecars and I want to be able to take him to the races as my father took me. DONT CLOSE THE MILE!!!

Michael Michalik December 18, 2009 | Southern California

The historical significance of the Mile cannot be overstated. The venue can, and should, be kept open whatever the costs. Having been in business for more than 30 years, I can say without equivocation that the economic impact in the area from national sanctioning groups is significant.

Politics over policy is a natural result of political appointments. Members of the Board should be selected on their ability to make things prosper! NOT as a POWER GRAB!!!

Steve Hertz December 17, 2009 | Ingleside, IL

My children and I have really enjoyed watching NASCAR and the IRL races at the Milwaukee Mile. It would be shame to see it's rich heritage end in such a poor way.

Gregory Kluck December 17, 2009 | Muskego Wisconsin

We need this track to stay operational.

tony bieszk December 17, 2009 | milwaukee

this track is historical and needs to stay in service for us gear heads to get our fix

Carol Langhoff December 05, 2009 | Greenfield, WI

It's a shame seeing the Milwaukee Mile just sit there.We need to keep the track open and not lose all the history involved with the track. Races at the track are good for the economy, good for the local businesses and good for the race fans who can't afford to travel to see a race.I really hope someone will step forward & save The Milwaukee MIle.

Kevin Vancina December 02, 2009 | Manhattan, IL.

Camping at the Mile has been a highlight of my summer for the past five years. Always a great time to spend with my son father, and friends.

Don't let the history of the Mile end!

Michael Hamm December 02, 2009 | United States

HAD tickets for years will miss the racing alot

Chuck Krummel November 26, 2009

The Mile is a great time and a real good value. Plus it's close to home for many fans that can't afford to see a Cup race in Chicago. Save the mile, PLEASE!

MIKE ALLEN November 06, 2009 | MILWAUKEE

This track needs to stay open. Milwaukee and the area needs to know how special this place is to all race fans, and how lucky we are that it's here.

Pam Martin September 26, 2009 | Redgranite, WI

We need to keep the Milwaukee Mile. Wisconsin has a rich racing tradition. Going to the Mile is like home. Spending a race weekend without a 6 plus hour drive and $200 per night hotels, HEAVEN!!!!

Rochelle Stratman September 12, 2009 | Racine WI

Auto Racing is such an adrenaline sport. Now they have a popular female racer and indycar is just growing. Having a track in our little piece of the midwest is not just a national treasure, but international! People from around the world appreciate our indy racing (and scratch their head at what US calls Football). It's just a crying shame to let this piece of history fade. There is so much more that could be done to use it to help the community.

Mark Boguszewski September 12, 2009 | Greenfield, WI

I have been to every Indy Car race at The Mile since June 1960 and I would hate to see this fine race track go the way of Trenton or Riverside Raceways.

Brad Nutter August 12, 2009 | Vernon Hill, VA

To lose a piece of history that goes back to the beginning of the automobile would be an incredible loss...and it's completely avoidable. Like others have said, why isn't the Milwaukee Mile a National Historic Landmark? Once it's gone, you can never get it back. Save the Milwaukee Mile!!

Randy Riley August 12, 2009 | America

Save the Mile! Indy cars suck enough as it is without destroying one the few great ovals in the series. And putting the place on the National Register is an excellent idea. Wake the hell up, Milwaukee!

GARY SZYMKOWSKI August 04, 2009 | MILWAUKEE

I HAVE TICKETS TO THE INDY RACE SINCE 1997. I AM DUMB FOUNDED THAT STATE FAIR BOARD AND OUR GOVERNING BODY SHOW NO CONCERN INTO SOLVING THE PROBLEM!!! THE TRACK NEEDS TO BE SOLD TO SOMEONE, LET THEM RUN IT AND CONTROL IT INSTEAD OF THE STUPID STATE FAIR BOARD. HOW TO THEY EXPECT ANYONE TO GET INVOLVED WHEN YOU NEED TO PAY PAST DEBT AND THE GRANDSTAND RENOVATION. ONLY IN WISCONSIN

Will C August 03, 2009 | Milwaukee

The governor needs to go...He is distroying the sport that we love. How hard is it...Let John Menard save the track already!!!!!

William Janke July 28, 2009 | Milwaukee, WI.

My first time at the Milwaukee Mile was in 1970. It was an indy car event which my dad was to meet my mother and me after work. I can remember that day as if it was yesterday. I was caught up in all the excitement, smell of gasoline and rubber the Milwaukee Mile had to offer. Nothing makes me happier then to bring my father, WWII veteran and 86 years young, to the races. All our heroes come alive again when we meet new race fans and share our favorite memories at this great speedway.

Ohh how I long to wake up on raceday once more and here the roar of the sport we love so much.

Norman and Bill Janke

John Harbeck July 27, 2009 | Palmyra, Wisconsin

We can not lose the oldest track IN THE WORLD. How is it even a close call. you need to PROMOTE this asset and not run it into the ground.

Tim Cahill July 26, 2009 | Delafield, WI

Why isn't the mile at least a state historical site if not a national landmark? Wouldn't that protect the Mile?

Jeff House July 21, 2009 | Illinois

I worked on the fire safetey team this year for free no money. WHY you might ask, because to be a part of history at a historic place. Wether your a fan of racing or not the shear feeling of being at the track standing and working in a place with rich history cant be described. Wisconsin should look hard and see what they would lose with the track closing, familys, dads taking there sons to watch loud cars, cool paint jobs, and the smell of racing fuel, history, tradition, place where legends were made. Ya thell lose money but youll lose so much more. Save the Mile.

ron brewer July 20, 2009 | rockford ill

the mile needs to be saved it is way to important to let it go the money spent in town by people like myself in taxes on the things we buy should make a big impact to local tax base

Michael Emshoff July 16, 2009 | Wauwatosa

I have been going to the Mile for at least 10 years. It has givem me great enjoyment. Watching Tony Stewart and others there. I have seen evry Sprint cup driver there and most of the most memorable is Kyle petty in the car his boy Adam drove. This was 8 weeks to the day after Adam lost his life in a violent accident. This track has given me many memories andI know it has given some children some too. Please mr. Doyle let John menard save the history of Milwaukee.

Danni O'Laisip July 15, 2009

Save the Mile!

Mark Marchello July 13, 2009 | Fond du Lac, WI

Brief message: Do what ever you have to save business in Wisconsin, specifically The Mile.

JUSTYN July 11, 2009 | Germantown WI

Losing the Mile would be a travesty.
Just because people don't know how to market it or realize what a gem they have here isn't a reason to let it die off.

Heck the State and City governments should get behind the track and market it as a tourist attraction. Much like Indianapolis is a tourist attraction 365 a year. Sure it would take some investment but it would pay off in the long run.
Not only for the track, but the city and state as well.

Would they let Churchill Downs or Indianapolis or Daytona die off????
Give me a break. The Mile must be saved.

It a historical Monument as well.
Heck Didn't even the Packers used to play there????

Thomas Russ July 03, 2009 | Waukesha

I have been to several IRL races over the last 5 years. I would love to see the community get behind the mile like we did for Miller Park. I remember days when the Nascar races were linked to Western Days. Save the mile!!!

Thomas Brezgel July 02, 2009 | Milwaukee, WI

Save the Mile!

Arleen Kenny May 29, 2009 | Menomonee Falls WI

Please keep racing in Milwaukee - we are so lucky to have a national sport that brings us recognition and revenue dollars. I hope the negativity generated by Sue Jeskewitz will be squashed with positive support from the state of Wisconsin for the 2009 season and into the future.

Jim Bartholomew April 25, 2009 | Cedar Falls, IA 50613

Love this track do not let anyhting happen to this great facility!!!

John Norton February 20, 2009 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin

To lose the Mile would be a huge loss to the Milwaukee Area. It's a oldest tack in North America. It SHOULD be a landmark. NOT a redevelopment site.

JAMES ZACHER February 07, 2009 | MILWAUKEE

THIS WAR NEEDS TO STOP RACING HAS BEEN HERE FOR YEARS AND NOW WE ARE LOOSING IT CAUSE PEOPLE WANT THEIR POCKETS FATTER AND DONT WANT TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE. LWTS JUST GET OVER IT AND SAVE RACING IN MILWAUKEE

Timothy Osterbeck July 14, 2008 | Milwaukee, WI

Besides being a racing landmark, the Milwaukee Mile is an important fixture in the Milwaukee/Wisconsin community and cannot be lost.

Terry November 30, -0001 | Texas

I grew up in Milwaukee. Lived there for 30+ years. Milwaukee will always be home, and I am proud of it. Even the Pabst Blue Ribbon beer cans in China mention that Pabst was founded in Milwaukee. There are some things that define a city. Indianapolis is known worldwide for one single annual event. While the Milwaukee Mile does not define Milwaukee, it is one of those things that makes Milwaukee a major league city. Losing the GMO was a hit to civic pride; it was another event that had the eyes of the nation on our fair city. Milwaukee exists in the shadow of Chicago. Let's keep the lights on a little longer by keeping the Milwaukee Mile.

Jerry November 30, -0001 | Madison, WI

Always have a great time here, this track needs to stay on the Indycar schedule and get more support from the state and community!

Steve Cox November 30, -0001 | Evansville, IN

It's a great track, in a great location that produces great Indycar racing. It needs to be perserved and continue to operate.

Billy hibbard November 30, -0001 | Mukwonago

Home to my childhood...lets keep it alive milers!

Eric Thompson November 30, -0001 | Galesville, WI

A truly great track with an important history - save the Mile!

Michael Palmer November 30, -0001 | Chicago

Help keep the oldest continuously active track in the world going!

Mike November 30, -0001 | Indy

Been to Milwaukee many times, it's one of the best venues to watch an IndyCar race on the schedule.

Steve Casper November 30, -0001 | Dubuque, IA

I've loved the Mile since the 70's as a teenager. Please don't let this great racetrack slip away like so many others before. I certainly plan on attending more IndyCar races in the future.