WEST ALLIS – The Craftsman Truck Series of NASCAR will not return to the Milwaukee Mile in 2025, according to the chairman of the State Fair Park board, John Yingling. This decision comes after a two-year stint for NASCAR at the venue.
IndyCar is scheduled to race at the Mile on August 24, which is the same date that aligned with the NASCAR events in 2023 and 2024. This date has been moved a week earlier than previously scheduled due to new television commitments, Yingling explained.
Track Enterprises, which has been promoting stock car events at the track since 2019, was unable to secure a new date with NASCAR that would not conflict with State Fair events and setup. “It’s a matter of scheduling and Indy changing television networks,” Yingling said before the LiUNA! 175 race. He noted that the shift of IndyCar from NBC to Fox impacted NASCAR, as Fox is a major NFL broadcaster, which complicates scheduling due to the NFL season’s commencement after Labor Day.
The Craftsman Truck Series races air on FS1. Bob Sargent of Track Enterprises had previously expressed his expectation of continuing NASCAR events at the Mile based on a multiyear agreement, marking last year’s return as the first NASCAR race at the venue since 2009. “They own the facility… they just bumped us,” Sargent remarked regarding the scheduling change.
IndyCar had made a comeback announcement for the Mile last year after an eight-year absence, planning a doubleheader over Labor Day weekend. The recently revealed 2025 schedule, however, includes only a single race at Milwaukee. Yingling mentioned that over $8 million has already been invested to upgrade the facility to meet IndyCar standards.
As questions arose about the return of the Truck Series, Sargent appeared increasingly uncertain about securing another date. An announcement regarding the NASCAR schedule is anticipated soon.
This marks the third consecutive year without a NASCAR national series event in Wisconsin, following the end of the Cup Series at Road America in 2021-2022 and the Xfinity Series’ departure in 2023 after a 14-year engagement there.
Ty Majeski, a native of Seymour and pole sitter for the LiUNA! 175, expressed disappointment, stating that NASCAR would miss a significant opportunity by not racing in Wisconsin. He reflected on the successful crowds seen at Road America and emphasized the local demand for racing events. “It’s a huge missed opportunity if NASCAR doesn’t come to Wisconsin at some point next year,” he added.
Sargent mentioned that he explored at least ten alternative dates but encountered conflicts with either NASCAR or Fair Park events for each of them. Despite the current situation, Yingling remains hopeful for NASCAR’s return to the Milwaukee Mile in 2026, citing strong relationships with Track Enterprises and Sargent. “We continue to have great relationships… Bob and I have had many conversations about getting other races,” Yingling said.