Milwaukee Mile: A Technical Overview Ahead of the NTT IndyCar Series Doubleheader
Date: Wisconsin’s historic Milwaukee Mile prepares for the much-anticipated doubleheader, showcasing its unique flat oval configuration. Established in 1903, it’s the world’s oldest operating racetrack and continues to challenge top drivers in the IndyCar Series.
Previous Results:
- Race 1 Winner: Pato O’Ward, Arrow McLaren Chevrolet
- Race 2 Winner: Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske Chevrolet
- 2024 Pole Times:
- Race 1: Scott McLaughlin – 22.5082s (162.341 mph)
- Race 2: Josef Newgarden – 22.6980s (160.983 mph)
Technical Insights:
Scott Dixon, a six-time series champion with victories at Milwaukee in both Indy Lights and IndyCar, provided crucial insights into racing dynamics at this venue.
Dixon summarizes the track’s characteristics, stating, “We describe Milwaukee Mile as a flat oval… Honestly, Turn 1 feels off camber, maybe because it feels slightly downhill.” This unique geometry influences driving techniques, particularly regarding the balance between tire degradation and racing lines.
Key Observations:
- Driving Techniques: Tire management is critical. Historically, success at Milwaukee required minimizing tire degradation, emphasizing a balance of traction on corner exits to facilitate overtaking on straights. Dixon notes, "Now you can run in alternate lanes… there was quite a change in how you could tackle the turns."
- Qualifying Dynamics: Quick adjustments can determine qualifying outcomes, as Dixon details the impact of ride height and wing settings on understeer and oversteer. “In qualifying, you’ll be running a lower ride height… Milwaukee is quite bumpy,” highlighting the technical challenges posed by the surface.
- Race Strategy: The inherent tire wear can significantly influence pit strategies rather than fuel conservation, with caution flags and tire condition dictating stop timing. Dixon recalls, “We’d experienced a pretty crappy Race 1… we had a strong car for Race 2.”
Event Scheduling:
Saturday, August 23
- 9:45 a.m.: Installation laps
- 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.: First practice (FS1)
- 1:05 p.m.: Qualifying (two laps, single car, FS1)
- 3:45 p.m.-4:15 p.m.: Group session (FS2)
- 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.: Final practice (FS2)
Sunday, August 24
- 1:15 p.m.: "Drivers, start your engines"
- 1:20 p.m.: Snap-on Milwaukee Mile 250 (250 laps/253.75 miles, FOX Live)
Hybrid Energy Deployment:
Teams will operate under unlimited activation parameters, with a maximum deployment of 150 kilojoules (kJ) per lap, making energy management a crucial aspect of performance.
Tire Allotment:
Competitors will have ten sets of Firestone tires for the event weekend, with an additional set available for Saturday’s group session.
As the Milwaukee Mile continues its legacy, technical nuances and driver adaptability will be pivotal as teams seek victory through strategy and skill.
