INDYCAR: Andretti Saves Milwaukee Mile Event

IndyCar

INDYCAR: Andretti Saves Milwaukee Mile Event

Michael Andretti has always had a love affair with the Milwaukee Mile and the former Indy car star is making sure it stays on the IZOD IndyCar schedule for 2012.

Robin Miller | Posted February 10, 2012

Michael Andretti, left, was hard to catch at Milwaukee as a driver, and now that he's getting back into the race promotions game, has raced to save one of his favorite events. (LAT)

Michael Andretti has always had a love affair with the Milwaukee Mile and the former Indy car star is making sure the storied oval stays on the IZOD IndyCar schedule for 2012.

Andretti, five times a winner during his CART career at Milwaukee, will be the promoter of the June 16th race – a Saturday show – which gives INDYCAR its 16th race, its fifth oval and keeps the tradition of its oldest venue alive.

After having no race in 2010, INDYCAR returned to State Fair Park last Father’s Day but had a dismal turnout and the new promoter lost his behind so it appeared the racy oval the drivers love was gone forever.

But Michael began negotiating with the city, state and fair board three months ago and a massive press conference was planned for later this month before the announcement was posted Friday on the Milwaukee Mile website.

INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard was hoping to make it public for the first time at Monday’s State of the Series address in Indianapolis.

Initially, Andretti wanted to hold practice, qualifying and the race all on June 16 but ABC needed an early afternoon time slot so practice and qualifying will be held on Friday, June 15th.

And the hope is that the day before Father’s Day is more appealing to fans.

Adding Milwaukee gives INDYCAR five consecutive races beginning with the Indianapolis 500 on May 27, Detroit on June 3, Texas on June 9, Milwaukee on the 16th and Newton, Iowa on June 24.

Robin Miller brings 40 years of experience to his role as SPEED.com's senior open-wheel reporter, and serves as a frequent contributor to SPEED Center and Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain.

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