The Milwaukee Mile (Steve Zautke)

This episode of The Logbook, our History of Motorsports series, supported by the International Motor Racing Research Center, features a comprehensive talk by Steve Zautke. Steve provides an in-depth look at the rich history of the Milwaukee Mile, America's oldest continuously operating racetrack, starting from its inception in the early 1900s. He touches on its evolution, notable races, famous drivers, and its impact on motorsports culture. Highlights include the early days of the Milwaukee Mile, intriguing stories about legendary racing figures like Barney Oldfield and AJ Foyt, the transition from dirt to paved tracks, and the rise of midget car racing post-WWII. Steve further discusses the track's unique events such as the Rex Mays Classic, and the shift in motorsport dynamics with the entrance of rear-engine cars and stock car racing. The session concludes with reflections on the Milwaukee Mile's legacy and its intertwined history with other iconic racetracks. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Milwaukee Mile: The Oldest Racetrack 04:00 Early Races and Tragic Beginnings 06:51 The Golden Era of Racing 11:15 Midget Car Racing and Post-War Popularity 13:31 Iconic Drivers and Memorable Moments 20:10 AJ Foyt's Pole Position and Race Highlights 21:18 The Marchese Brothers and Their Promotion Legacy 22:28 Ed '20 Grand' Steinbach: The Voice of Midwest Racing 23:08 Wisconsin Speedways Dinner and Racing Legends 24:13 The Rise of Stock Car Racing at Milwaukee Mile 25:22 Corporate Sponsorship and the Miller 200 27:00 USAC vs. NASCAR: The Evolution of Stock Car Racing 27:46 ASA's Challenge and Dick Trickle's Victory 28:20 NASCAR's Arrival and Departure from Milwaukee 28:49 The Quarter Mile Dirt Track and Local Heroes 29:25 USAC's Missed Opportunity with Marlboro Sponsorship 30:18 Memorable Moments and Racing Legends at Milwaukee 32:10 Rick Mears' First Win and Penske's Domination 34:53 The Decline and Revival of Milwaukee Mile 35:23 The Harry Miller Club and Vintage IndyCars 36:02 Milwaukee Mile Videos and Personal Stories 37:13 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements ==================== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: Visit Our Website Become a VIP at: Patreon Online Magazine: Gran Touring Follow us on Social: Instagram This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family - and was recorded in front of a live studio audience.