History
The Michigan Bicycling Federation built the one-fifth-mile, 45-degree banked concrete track for about $50,000, mostly with volunteer labor, on land donated by the City of Detroit. It opened in late July 1969, ahead of the National Bicycle Racing Championships.
Races and training classes ran there until 1989, after which the track deteriorated. The city held a hearing on a replacement in 1993, and rebuilding was estimated at $700,000 in 1997; the velodrome remains abandoned.
Timeline
The site today
| Physical status | Standing, unused |
|---|---|
| Current use | Abandoned outdoor velodrome |
| Mapped location | Former venue site |
Street View near the former site · Satellite view (external, current imagery)
Venue facts
| Location | Detroit, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Venue type | Velodrome |
| Sports | Cycling |
| Level | Amateur |
| Opened | July 1969[1] |
| Last used for sports | c. 1989[1] |
| Physical status | Standing, unused |
| Construction cost | $50,000[1] |
| Surface | Concrete[1] |
| Owner / operator | Built by the Michigan Bicycling Federation on city-donated land |
| Closure | The concrete track deteriorated until it was no longer suitable for racing. |
Documented details
- The track was a one-fifth-mile (325 m) concrete oval banked at 45 degrees, built largely with volunteer labor.[1]
- Races and training classes ran from 1969 to 1989, typically organized by the Wolverine Sports Club and the Detroit Recreation Department.[1]
- In 1997 rebuilding was estimated at $700,000.[1]
Sources
- Dorais Velodrome, Wikipedia. Accessed 2026-10-19Supports: closed, construction cost, coordinates, events, opened, surface
Research confidence
Some facts on this page rely on a single source or are still being corroborated. Treat specific dates and figures with care. Last reviewed 2026-10-19.
See something wrong or missing? Suggest a correction or submit a source.