HISTORY OF THE MICHIGAN INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

Michigan International Speedway is a 2-mile D-shaped oval located in Brooklyn, Michigan, about 70 miles west of Detroit. Opened in 1968, it quickly became one of the premier superspeedways in American motorsport. The track was later acquired by the International Speedway Corporation (ISC) and has hosted countless historic moments across NASCAR, IndyCar, ARCA, and IMSA events, making it one of the most iconic and versatile racing venues in the United States.

The NASCAR Cup Series first visited Michigan on June 15, 1969, with Cale Yarborough taking the inaugural victory. Over the years, the track has been a favourite for both teams and fans, known for its wide racing surface, high speeds, and opportunities for side-by-side battles. While it formerly hosted two Cup races per year, Michigan now holds a single annual NASCAR weekend, typically in August, which remains one of the highlights of the summer racing calendar.

Michigan’s layout–featuring 18 degrees of banking in the turns, a long frontstretch, and multiple racing grooves–encourages close competition and drafting duels similar to those seen at Daytona and Talladega. The circuit’s long straights allow for some of the highest speeds on the NASCAR schedule, often exceeding 200 mph in qualifying.

Beyond the Cup Series, Michigan has long welcomed the Xfinity Series, Craftsman Truck Series, and ARCA Menards Series, helping develop the careers of many current NASCAR stars. The venue also serves as a key testing ground for manufacturers, thanks to its proximity to Detroit’s automotive hub.

Recent NASCAR Cup Series winners at Michigan International Speedway