Race Track Drainage System Improves Safety at the Historic Milwaukee Mile

By: Contech Engineered Solutions

A Racing Legacy Strengthened by Smart Infrastructure

The Milwaukee Mile Speedway isn’t just another track—it’s a cornerstone of American motorsports. Originally built for horse racing in 1876 and converted to auto racing by 1903, it’s now the world’s oldest continuously operating auto racing facility. Known for its long flat straights and tight 9-degree turns, The Mile has seen generations of racing legends. In 2025, the track earned national recognition as the NCSPA Aluminized Project of the Year thanks to a major safety enhancement. This upgrade brought together history, innovation, and some smart infrastructure choices. One of these is a high-performance race track drainage system made from aluminized steel pipe.

Why Drainage Matters When Every Second Counts

Water on the track has always been one of racing’s biggest wildcards. Even the most advanced tires and skilled drivers can’t fight a slick surface caused by poor drainage. At The Mile, outdated curbs and catch basins were no longer cutting it. The team overseeing improvements recognized the need for a modern race track drainage system. It needed to handle rain events more efficiently and keep the driving surface safer.

The new system replaces scattered inlets with a continuous design that manages sheet flow more effectively. Water now drains along the edge of the track in a controlled, consistent way, keeping the racing line drier. This gives drivers more confidence in all conditions. It also reduces the risk of standing water near the shoulders. This improves the chances of vehicle recovery after an off-line moment.

Strength You Can Count On—Rain or Shine

Performance was only part of the equation—durability was just as important. The Midwest is no stranger to harsh weather and freeze-thaw cycles. Thus, any new infrastructure needed to last. The race track drainage system installed at The Mile was built using strong, corrosion-resistant steel components. These are designed to stand up to years of hard use.

This material choice offers excellent longevity while reducing the time and money needed for maintenance. With fewer interruptions and less worry about repairs, crews can focus on prepping the track for race day. They won’t need to spend time patching drainage failures.

Keeping the Past Alive While Planning for the Future

Wisconsin State Fair Park, which manages the facility, has spent two decades steadily modernizing The Mile. They have achieved this without losing the heart of what makes it special. A new center grandstand, updated concessions, and other fan-friendly improvements have been made. These have helped breathe new life into the venue. This latest safety-focused project, featuring a new race track drainage system designed and supplied by Contech Engineered Solutions, continues that momentum. The project upgrades behind-the-scenes infrastructure that directly impacts how the track functions.

It’s a reminder that innovation doesn’t always have to be flashy. Sometimes, the most important improvements are the ones you barely notice—until they save the day. With this project complete, the Milwaukee Mile is even better prepared to host the next generation of racers. This is achieved while protecting a legacy that’s been going strong for over a century.