Michigan International Speedway

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00

Michigan International Speedway 12626 US-12 Brooklyn, MI 49230

Michigan International Speedway website

Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 56,000

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Speedin' in Michigan

Situated in the Irish Hills region of Michigan, Michigan International Speedway in located about 70 miles west of Detroit. The track, which opened in 1968 plays host to the FireKeepers 400, an annual race on the NASCAR Cup schedule and the main event annually at the track. The track also hosts the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event. The 2-mile oval track has hosted numerous other events over the years including the NASCAR Xfinity Series, IRL/IndyCar events, CART, USAC, and others.

Food & Beverage 3

The raceway is cashless, so plan accordingly. A nice feature of many tracks including Michigan International Speedway is that you can bring in your own food and drinks, which can save a lot of money and time in line. Of course, if you choose to forgo having to carry in your own food, there are many options available at the track.

At the permanent stands, you have your choice of burgers, chicken strips, and ham sandwiches along with fries, cookies, and random other items. Quite a few food trucks are also in for the race which open far more options. One food truck has an awesome Italian sausage sandwich. If that is not your thing, there are various other fried options along with gyros, BBQ sandwiches, various types of nachos and more.

Soda, water, energy drinks, and lemonade are available along with typical beer, wine, and mixed drink options. All prices run about what is expected at sporting venues in 2025.

Atmosphere 3

This was a tough one to score for me. I liked the track. I liked some of the fan engagement options. However, there were a few glaring issues we experienced. Our tickets were located lower down the seating area (but not the first few rows…a reasonable way up). There are suites located above pit road, and as a result, you will not be able to see anything going on down the backstretch as the view is blocked. I assume this issue can be avoided simply by getting tickets near the top of the seating area.

For those of you that are tall, seating can be an issue and I highly suggest getting a seat on the end of the row. There was very little leg room where we sat. In fact, in order for us to get out of our row, everyone else had to exit the row first or literally stand on their seats. I have visited numerous NASCAR tracks and have not seen lack of legroom an issue like it is here. I am told there are some seats that are a bit better, so if you have not visited before, I would highly recommend calling the track to order tickets and ask about legroom.

Many tracks offer track access prior to the race and Michigan is no different. We purchased the track access and given the experience, I would recommend not. Other tracks I have visited allowed fans to walk up and down pit road (outside the wall) and see all the cars. The access here was relegated to a tiny area for the pre-race concert and driver introductions. I am unclear whether too many tickets were sold this year, but the area was crammed and it was very difficult to get around without a major effort.

There are plenty of things to do outside the seating area prior to the race. All the drivers have their merchandise trucks and NASCAR has many quality displays that will keep fans busy until the green flag drops.

Once the flag drops, it’s your typical NASCAR race atmosphere, which means a lot of noise and a lot of fun.

Neighborhood 2

The speedway is located in Brooklyn, Michigan. The drive to the track is a pleasant drive, but there is nothing immediately around the track other than residential areas. There is nowhere to walk to immediately after the race to have a drink or a bite to eat while the traffic clears out. Your best bet to find a restaurant/bar choice is about 3 miles north of the track. Our choice on this day was BC Pizza of Brooklyn. The pizza was quite good.

Among the other choices in the area are Big Boy (did not know those still existed), Shady’s Tap Room, and PB&J’s BBQ. In the same area as the restaurants, you will find the only hotel in the area, a Super 8. Given the large crowds at the track, I assume this sells out quick, so your best bet otherwise would probably be Jackson or Ann Arbor.

Fans 5

It is hard to beat the passion shown by NASCAR fans. They are not shy about cheering for their favorite driver(s) or showing complete disdain for the drivers they do not like. It amounts to an engaged and loud crowd throughout the race.

Access 3

Given the location, there are few ways in, and few ways out. As such, I’d suggest trying to get there early because the lines will get longer and longer as the race grows closer. Parking is ample although you will have a longer walk the closer it is to race time. Once inside, the foot traffic flows decently out in the concession/merchandise area. There are a good number of restrooms although you can expect to wait in line near the end of the first and second stages.

Return on Investment 3

Buying tickets early can save you a few bucks and is worth the effort. Depending on where you want to sit (noting the atmosphere section), you can expect to pay around $67 to $130 for a seat. This is about the going rate at most tracks. With free parking and average concession prices, you get a decent return for what you pay.

Extras 2

An extra point goes to the ability for fans to bring in their own food and drinks. Allowing this shows goodwill on behalf of the track staff and that can go a long way on a hot day.

Another extra point goes to all the merchandise available. Whether you want something of your favorite driver, NASCAR itself, or some speedway swag, it is all available.

Final Thoughts

If you are a racing fan, there are a lot of good reasons to visit Michigan International Speedway. The 57-year-old track needs some upgrades including more legroom for sure. But, once you are settled in to your seat, the track hosts a wonderful race every year is worth a visit.

Final note…the author’s phone died prior to the race starting, so photos are unfortunately minimal.

Follow all of James' stadium journeys on X @stadiumjwriter. Email: james.hilchen@stadiumjourney.com