Madison International Speedway

Oh the memories…
I first attended MIS in 1991, as the member of a «pit crew» — I use quotes, because it was quite literally my best friend and me. We had built a «super stock» race car from a 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass and somehow shoe-​stringed it together enough to be track worthy. We loaded it onto a 1948 International flatbed tow truck (with dodgy lights, brakes, and no seat belts) and made the trek to MIS.
Little did I know what I was committing to… fast-​forward 10-​years, and I had spent nearly every single summer weekend at MIS (and Slinger, and the Dells) as a pit crew member and eventually a crew chief for my best friend (who had graduated to Super Late models, won rookie of the year in each of his divisions, and continued to escalate up through the ranks and series). Along the way, I also helped the likes of Jason Schuler and Matt Kenseth (pre-​NASCAR fame).
I share all of this only because as a member of a racing team I never fully appreciated the fan experience. Race teams generally arrive to the track many hours before the gates open, perform last minute tweaks, purchase new tires, adjust set-​ups for qualifying, heats, and features, make repairs, clean-​up, and then repeat the entire process the next night at a different track. Rarely do you get the chance to «enjoy» the races.
I visited MIS with friends this past weekend (8÷14÷15) and really enjoyed it. The facility has been well-​maintained and appears to be holding-​up well.
+ Easy access from Hwy 138
+ Tons of parking (most of it on grass = less dust)
+ Easy ticketing/​entry
+ Plenty of seating
— All bleachers, so bring a seat back/​cushion
+ Super reasonably-​priced concessions and drinks
— Very limited beer selection
+ Good lighting and PA system
+ Organizers keep things moving along quickly and efficiently
+ Announcer did a great job of sharing info/​details
I’d return again any time. A solid example of a local half-​mile paved track.

Great track with affordable family pricing! The racing is great! Concession stand is awesome too! Great place to bring the family!

Great racing facility! Entertainment for the whole family. Fun-​filled night with 5 racing divisions and a coin drop for the kids was amazing. MIS is one of Dane county’s best kept secrets.

If you want a fun night out with the kids, or if you are into auto racing, the Madison International Speedway is the place for you. It is a high banked ½ mile track that continues to improve as time goes on. The racing has always been great, the track had hit some low spots in the past with different owners. Now the last few have improved the facilities greatly. The racing is still great. They offer a number of different classes and normally put on a good show. Many of the Wisconsin drivers that raced here early in their career have gone on to the national series.

This is the fastest ½ mile oval track in the state of Wisconsin. Some of the greatest race car drivers have made their way around this speedway. names like Mark Martin, Darrell Waltrip, Bobby Allison, Rusty Wallace, Matt Kenseth, Tony Stewart and several others. Some of the best racing in the Midwest can be seen here Friday nights between May and September. Beer prices are a bit too high compared to other local race tracks. The food is about average too. It will cost you and your date about the same price as going out to see a movie. A typical Friday night is certainly a family oriented event… they even have a jumping castle for the kids.