No Promoter Means No Racing at The Milwaukee Mile in 2010

Wednesday's news that the Milwaukee Mile will not be holding any national races in 2010 comes as no surprise, and it's a decision that I figured was coming sooner than later.

The announcement not only affects NASCAR in two of its series, but also the Indy Racing League.

We've know since July that the track's previous promoter, Wisconsin Motorsports, ran into financial trouble and had its race promoter agreement terminated by the board, with NASCAR being owed $1.8 million in licensing fees.

Why wouldn't they have just taken the track off of the schedule and replaced with an alternative date?

The historic track is operated by the Wisconsin State Fair Park Board, who has been trying for six months to find a new race promoter for the financially troubled track.

But with the new race promoter also having to pick up the $1.8 million owed to NASCAR for licensing two races in 2009, along with the 2010 fee, it has proved to be too big of a hurdle for the track and the board to overcome in these tough economic times.

So for the second time in a month, NASCAR finds themselves making race changes to the 2010 schedules for its Nationwide Series and the Camping World Truck Series.

It's just sad to see the facility, which is the oldest continually operating motor speedway in the country, to be in these dire straits.

It's a shame that the track isn't even really profitable to run a race at, and it's doubtful we'll see it back on the NASCAR schedule in 2011.

I've always liked the truck races at the historic mile. They are always good and competitive, and even the Nationwide races were the exciting.

Maybe this blogger says it best:

"Look at Iowa: it's out in the boonies, it's successful, but Milwaukee, with its rich history, one fans like, and it's run into the ground by a political board. When it should be one of the most solvent tracks on the circuit."

The track will still be remain open for car clubs, driving schools, some tire and car testing, and also hopes to run some regional races.

Photo Credit: zimbio.com