Possible race promoter for Milwaukee Mile
Historic Mile LLC was chosen last Thursday evening by the Wisconsin State Fair Board during a special session. The following morning, Fair Board Chair Susan Crane and Interim Executive Director Craig Barkelar executed a Letter of Intent for a License Agreement with Historic Mile LLC principals Tony Machi, Jim Beaudoin and Steve Jones, area gentlemen passionate about motorsports and keeping the legend alive at The Milwaukee Mile. Jones most recently was General Manager & COO of The Milwaukee Mile in 2009.
What is in place for the next 55-plus days is a Letter of Intent, which is not a promoter agreement, but does allow Historic Mile LLC to move forward exclusively to demonstrate it has sufficient financial resources available to fund operations at The Milwaukee Mile including sanction fees, license fees and overhead expenses.
Key to the ongoing process for Historic Mile LLC is securing NASCAR and Indy Racing League (IRL) events at The Milwaukee Mile.
“The Fair Park Board would like to see NASCAR and IRL at The Milwaukee Mile next season and well into the future," stated Wisconsin State Fair Park Board Chair Susan Crane. “Having just signed the Letter of Intent on Friday, the Fair Park Board and the public must allow Historic Mile LLC time to progress with these key sanctioning bodies. While we would all be overjoyed to see a deal signed today, we must also be patient. Everyone involved is working diligently to keep things moving."
The group is excited and challenged by the opportunity to continue auto racing traditions at The Milwaukee Mile, which dates back to 1903.
Machi retired after 30 years as a Judicial Court Commissioner for Milwaukee County and actively competes in road racing events. He’s been on the Milwaukee Region SCCA Board since 1975. He also has served as a board member and State Chapter Chairmen for March of Dimes -Wisconsin Chapter.
“We are honored the Wisconsin State Fair Board has chosen Historic Mile LLC to build on the rich heritage of The Mile. It’s been a very intriguing process, beginning with assembling a group of individuals that are passionate about preserving the history of our beloved speedway," said Machi. “It will continue to be challenging and rewarding in shaping the historic Mile’s future."
Beaudoin’s involvement in racing began when his father Jim, Sr. began road
racing in the 1960’s, then actively competed himself in the SCCA. Beaudoin
Racing ran a successful IndyCar Series team in the early 1980’s.
“Like every other race fan in Wisconsin, continuing the tradition of racing at The Mile is a cause near and dear to me," said Beaudoin. “Our agreement with the State Fair Board is a pledge to work in partnership with the local community, sanctioning bodies, and others who share our commitment to keep racing in Milwaukee at the Historic Mile, a premiere motorsports venue."
Under Jones’ direction operationally, The Milwaukee Mile in 2009 produced NASCAR and IRL events that were run with precision that saw an increase in attendance over the previous year.
“There is tremendous room for growth at this track if we are given the opportunity," said Jones. “In addition to traditional events, we are already heavy into discussions with two major spectator events that will be new to fans at The Mile."
Historic Mile LLC intends to employ key members of the staff of the former promoter who have the contacts and experience within the motorsports industry.
The process of securing race dates and sanction agreements is ongoing. More will be made known as they are finalized.