Michigan International Speedway: A Legacy of Speed and Innovation

A track with rich history and built for speed

Nestled in the small town of Brooklyn, Michigan, just west of Detroit, Michigan International Speedway (MIS) stands as one of the premier racing venues in the United States. Known for its high speeds, wide racing surface, and rich motorsports history, MIS has been a cornerstone of American auto racing for more than five decades.

A Track Built for Speed

Michigan International Speedway is a 2-mile, D-shaped oval superspeedway designed to accommodate some of the fastest racing in the world. The track features 18-degree banking in the turns, a 12-degree incline on the frontstretch, and a more moderate 5-degree banking on the backstretch making it one of the most exciting circuits on the NASCAR schedule.

The Stirling Moss Influence

When Michigan International Speedway was originally conceived in the late 1960s, it was intended to be more than just an oval track. British racing driver and Formula One legend Stirling Moss played a pivotal role in designing a road course layout within the complex. Though the track is now best known for its high-speed oval configuration, the original plans incorporated a unique road course, used extensively in the early years for various open-wheel and sports car racing events.

A Venue for Multiple Racing Disciplines

Over the years, Michigan International Speedway has hosted a wide array of premier racing events, solidifying its reputation as one of the most versatile tracks in North America. The facility has welcomed competitions from multiple major racing series, including:

• NASCAR: The track is a staple of the NASCAR Cup Series, hosting two annual races that draw massive crowds.
• CART and IndyCar: Open-wheel racing has long been part of the MIS legacy, with IndyCar and CART events thrilling fans with their blistering speeds and strategic racing.
• IMSA: Endurance sports car racing found a home at Michigan, with the track’s road course layout offering a technical challenge for teams.
• Trans-Am: The iconic Trans-Am Series has also made appearances at MIS, showcasing high-performance muscle cars battling for supremacy.

A Legacy That Endures

Michigan International Speedway continues to be a key fixture in the motorsports world, not only as a host of top-tier racing events but also as a venue that has evolved with the sport. Whether through its high-speed oval action or the historic road course configurations, MIS remains a track that both drivers and fans respect and admire.

From its Stirling Moss-designed origins to its place as one of NASCAR’s fastest venues, Michigan International Speedway exemplifies speed, innovation, and racing heritage. As motorsports continue to evolve, MIS will undoubtedly remain an integral part of the racing landscape for generations to come.