After a one-year hiatus, the Milwaukee Mile will once again host open-wheel racing.
IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard announced Friday that the circuit will stage a race next year at the track, which had been without major motorsports events during the 2010 season.
"This track has so much history, and I've heard from the purists and the traditionalists and the die-hard fans out there, and they wanted the Milwaukee Mile back on," Bernard said. "We're happy that we were able to deliver."
The yet-to-be-named race will be held on June 19, two weeks after the Indianapolis 500 and will be promoted by AB Promotions, LLC, a joint venture of Avacado, LLC and BMG Event Promotions.
Avacado is led by Chris McGrath, a Marquette University graduate whose father, Richard, served as track manager at the Mile in the '80s.
He said discussions about the Mile began internally in the spring and the relationship came about over the last few months.
"We did our due diligence and we’re aware of the problems of the past and think that we have a good way of doing business," McGrath said.
The agreement between IndyCar, the Mile and AB Promotions is currently only for next year's race and included no government subsidies.
State Fair Park Director Rick Frenette said that the park won't be putting up any money for the event, but will provide what he calls "sweat equity."
"They'll have access to our marketing and public relations staffs," Frenette said. "We'll help in any way we can."
McGrath said his group has access to some data from previous promoters, but will try to accomodate those former season ticket holders who wish to purchase their old seats.
"Call us," McGrath said. "We'll see what we can do."
A name and race length have yet to be determined.
