WEST ALLIS, Wis. — The IndyCar Series, which spans two days, is back at the Milwaukee Mile after a nine-year hiatus. But the Milwaukee Mile is certainly no stranger to racing, hosting its first automible race back in 1903, and several major racing events throughout its history, such as the American Automobile Association, United States Auto Club, NASCAR, CART, Champ Car World Series and the IndyCar Series.

Fans from around the country traveled near and far to see what the Wisconsin race had to offer.


What You Need To Know

  • The IndyCar Series is back at the Milwaukee Mile after a nine-year hiatus

  • Fans from around the country traveled near and far to see what the Wisconsin race had to offer.

  • The race will return Aug. 24 2025

Cody Oakwood had open heart surgery as a baby. His parents rewarded his toughness by taking him to the Indianapolis Motor Speed Way Museum. That’s where he found his love for racing, and it's been a family tradition ever since.

“We try to make about every race in the Midwest,” Oakwood said. “We had not seen IndyCar here at the Mile, since they hadn’t been here for a number of years. So, we wanted to make sure we had the opportunity to come up and see them at a historic racetrack that's been here for so long.” 

(Spectrum News 1/Geno Perez)

Oakwood attends NASCAR, dirt track and many other kinds of races across the Midwest. He said this is his first time being at the Milwaukee Mile and it’s been a unique experience.

“The racing was incredible, but I think the racing tied with the state park atmosphere is just amazing with so many different choices of food, so many things to see,” Oakwood said. “It's a great pairing, honestly.”

Oakwood said this time with his children means the world because he gets to share what he loves with those he loves. 

“Hopefully, maybe when they raise their children, it'll inspire them to spend time with their kids, to expose their kids to the things that they love as well, and be good parents,” Oakwood said.

(Spectrum News 1/Geno Perez)

Another Indiana resident made the trip for the race. Randy Buckrop won a ride in one of the IndyCars. He said it's hard to describe what it meant to him. 

“It means everything,” Buckrop said. “Spending time with my wife here at the racetrack, it's something that we both cherish and it's just we're big fans. Every IndyCar weekend, rain or shine, we always have a good time.”