Milwaukee IndyFest Draws Fans From England

West Allis, WI (June 14, 2013) – The Milwaukee Mile has been welcoming visitors from around the world for a long time. Not surprisingly since Scotsman Jim Clark conquered the Mile in the 1963 Tony Bettenhausen 200 in his British green Lotus, visitors from the United Kingdom are not unusual. Drivers such as World Champion Nigel Mansell, Mark Blundell, Darren Manning, Dan Wheldon along with Dario Franchitti and Justin Wilson from today are just some of the drivers from the UK to race the IZOD IndyCar Series at the Milwaukee Mile.

Visitors also include those in the stands. Two visitors from Brighton, UK made their holiday destination North America. Simon Tipple and Chris Almond are avid race fans. Loving their open wheel racing they set a destination of Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix. After spending a few days in the Big Apple (New York) they flew to Montreal to see the Canadian Grand Prix. However which IndyCar race would they see?
IndyCar fans Simon Tipple and Chris Almond pose in front of the IndyFest trophies in the media center at the Milwaukee Mile. – Steve Zautke photo

IndyCar fans Simon Tipple and Chris Almond pose in front of the IndyFest trophies in the media center at the Milwaukee Mile. – Steve Zautke photo

Simon mentioned “it’s our first time at an oval, we were thinking of possibly seeing the race at Detroit but thought the oval would be a better choice.” So far both are happy with their decision. “Great on track action, the speed is very impressive as is the closeness of the cars and how tight they race each other.” They were impressed at the view from the grandstands and really like the openness of the paddock and access to the drivers. Their favorite drivers naturally are Justin Wilson and Dario Franchitti and were able to get a photo of themselves with Wilson and are hoping the same later with Franchitti.

So far they are impressed with the track and the festivities at Milwaukee IndyFest and with any luck will be able to get back again soon.

Race Notes (Courtesy of IndyCar Media):

• The Milwaukee IndyFest will be the ninth IZOD IndyCar Series event at The Milwaukee Mile. Past winners Ryan Hunter-Reay (2004 Champ Car and 2012) , Dario Franchitti (2011 and 2004 INDYCAR), Scott Dixon (2009), Tony Kanaan (2006-07) and Sebastien Bourdais (2006 Champ Car) are entered in the event.

• Andretti Autosport has won four of the eight previous IZOD IndyCar Series races at Milwaukee.

• Team Penske has seven Indy car wins at Milwaukee. Andretti Autosport has four wins. Target Chip Ganassi Racing has three wins.

• Helio Castroneves has won three poles at Milwaukee (1999, 2006 and 2007).

• Marco Andretti has four top-five starts in six races at Milwaukee.

• Dario Franchitti has finished no lower than sixth in six of his last seven starts (2004-2007, 2009, 2011).

• Tony Kanaan has finished in the top 10 in eight of his last 10 starts at Milwaukee.

• Ryan Hunter-Reay and Dario Franchitti are the only drivers to win at The Milwaukee Mile and win the IZOD IndyCar Series championship in the same season. Hunter-Reay accomplished the feat in 2012 and Franchitti accomplished the feat in 2011.

• Since the first Indy car race at Milwaukee in 1939, 18 drivers have won at Milwaukee in their Indy car championship-winning seasons: Ryan Hunter-Reay (2012), Dario Franchitti (2011), Sebastien Bourdais (2006), Al Unser Jr. (1994 and 1990), Nigel Mansell (1993), Michael Andretti (1991), Johnny Rutherford (1980), A.J. Foyt (1975 and 1964), Joe Leonard (1972), Al Unser (1970), Mario Andretti (1966), Rodger Ward (1962 and 1959), Jimmy Bryan (1956), Chuck Stevenson (1952), Tony Bettenhausen (1951), Johnnie Parsons (1949), Ted Horn (1947), Rex Mays (1941).

• Since 1993, a driver has won the ninth race of the season and the championship eight times. Ryan Hunter-Reay won at Iowa in 2012, Dario Franchitti won Richmond in 2007. Sebastien Bourdais won at Denver in 2004 and 2005 and San Jose in 2006 Juan Pablo Montoya won at Cleveland in 1999, Kenny Brack won at Atlanta in 1998 and Alex Zanardi won at Portland in 1998.

• Since 1993, three drivers scored their first win at Milwaukee: Ryan Briscoe 2008, Michel Jourdain 2003 and Greg Moore 1997.

Steve Zautke

Steve Zautke, a Milwaukee, WI native, was raised in the sport of auto racing. His father, Bill, was a movie photographer that shot racing footage at tracks such as the Milwaukee Mile and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the 1960’s and 1970’s Steve’s first professional job in racing was as an Emergency Medical Technician at tracks such as Angell Park and Hales Corners Speedway (1988-1991). Steve has also worked for the Milwaukee Mile as videographer, in media relations and historian (1993-2011). Steve also has worked as a reporter for Racing Information Systems (RIS) and has written features for ‘Vintage Oval Racing’ and ‘Victory Lane’ magazines. Most recently, Steve has written a book on Road America for Arcadia Publishing. ( http://www.amazon.com/Road-America-Nascar-Library-Collection/dp/1467111457 ) Steve co-hosts “Sparky’s Final Inspection” a motorsports-based radio show with hosts, Steve “Sparky” Fifer and “NASCAR Girl” Summer Santana on Sports Radio 1250AM in Milwaukee and is also available on the internet at www.Sportradio1250.com. A member of the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame Induction Committee, Steve follows all types of racing from the dirt tracks to Formula One.

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