Firestone requested the test to ensure it brings the best tire compound to the event next year. Photo: Kevin Dejewski
On Wednesday, IndyCar took to the Milwaukee Mile speedway for the first time in eight years for a tire test ahead of the series’ return next year.
Will Power and Linus Lundqvist turned laps around the historic oval, helping Firestone’s engineers determine the best compound to bring to the low-banked track.
IndyCar has a very long history with the Milwaukee Mile, which stretches back the CART and USAC days. But the series has not visited since the 2015 season.
Even though multiple changes have been made to the cars’ downforce package in that time, the track drove very similarly to how it did eight years ago.
“The track has not changed very much,” said Power, who has won one race at the track in 2014. “Felt very similar to when we last raced here almost 10 years ago.
“It’s a really cool oval because it’s low banking, which is good for our cars and really good for racing. Excited to be coming back.
“It felt exactly the same, of what I can remember. It’s a long time ago. It’s good. This series is so tough and competitive now, tougher than it was when we last raced here. I think the fans will be in for a real treat.
“Never know who’s going to win the races. It’ll be coming down to the wire of the championship as well, so it’ll be a big part of the championship, these two races.”
The Milwaukee Mile features long straights and corners with low banking, with the corners topping out at just 9.25 degrees, almost identical to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The double-header race event will come on the penultimate racing weekend for the 2024 season, placing a high priority on good performances at the venue.
With the track feel being so similar to how it was years ago, the veterans of the series may have an advantage over the younger drivers.
The two races will be held on August 31 and September 1, with race length and start times yet to be determined.
Keyword: Milwaukee Mile feels ‘exactly the same’ as when IndyCar last visited in 2015