American open wheel racing debuted at the track in 1933. AAA sanctioned races from 1933, 1937-1939, 1941, 1946-1955. USAC sanctioned Championship car races from 1956-1979. In 1980, the race switched to a CART champ car race, and continued through 2003. For most years starting in 1949, Milwaukee hosted the first race following the Indianapolis 500. From 1947-1982, Milwaukee generally hosted two races, one in June, and the other in August or September. Starting in 1983, the second race was dropped.
In 1986, the race was scheduled for Sunday June 1. However, due to rain on May 25-26, the Indianapolis 500 was rescheduled to Saturday May 31. After discussions with track, television, and series leaders, the Milwaukee was pushed back one week to make the accommodation.
Starting in 2004, the track began hosting two separate open wheel races, a Champ Car race, and an Indy Racing League event. The Champ Car event remained on the traditional weekend after Indianapolis, and the IRL event was held in July. Champ Car dropped the Milwaukee Mile from the schedule beginning in 2007. The IRL moved their race back to its traditional date, the weekend after the Indy 500. It will be held on that date through at least 2009.
| Season | Date | Winning Driver | Chassis | Engine | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | July 25 | Dario Franchitti | Dallara | Honda | Andretti Green Racing |
| 2005 | July 24 | Sam Hornish, Jr. | Dallara | Toyota | Team Penske |
| 2006 | July 23 | Tony Kanaan | Dallara | Honda | Andretti Green Racing |
| 2007 | June 3 | Tony Kanaan | Dallara | Honda | Andretti Green Racing |
| 2008 | June 1 | Ryan Briscoe | Dallara | Honda | Team Penske |