Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
Encyclopedia
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is a road course auto racing
facility located in Troy Township
, Morrow County
, Ohio
, United States
, just outside of the village of Lexington
. (Mid-Ohio has also colloquially become a term for the entire north-central region of the state, from south of Sandusky
to north of Columbus.
)
The track opened as a 15-turn, 2.4 mile (3.86 km) road circuit run clockwise
. The back portion of the track allows speeds approaching 180 mi/h. A separate starting line is located on the backstretch to allow for safer rolling starts. The regular start/finish line is located on the pit straight. In 1990, the track underwent a refurbishment. A new retaining wall was built, the entire track was resurfaced, widened, and concrete
was paved in the apexes of the turns to prevent asphalt deterioration. In addition, a straightaway was paved through the chicane, allowing for two different track layouts, the original 2.4 miles (3.9 km) circuit, and a new 13-turn, 2.258 mile (3.634 km) circuit. In 1990, the CART
series began utilizing the 2.258 miles (3.6 km) layout. In 2006, a second major refurbishment saw several improvements. The entire circuit was repaved, and the concrete patches in the turn apexes were removed. A new motorcycle "short course" was created by connecting turn one with the backstretch, and another motocross oval was created by connecting the chicane straight with the backstretch. The additional layouts allow simultaneous use of the multiple course, for instructional and competitive uses. The improvements also included a motocross facility, that has since been closed. There is grandstand seating for 10,000 spectators, and three observation mounds alongside the track raise the capacity to over 75,000.
, a renowned road racer and the founder of Red Roof Inns. Trueman added permanent grandstands, amphitheater-style seating, garages with spectator balconies, a five-story media and hospitality center, underground tunnels and an updated paddock area. In 1990, the track underwent a refurbishment. A new retaining wall was built, the entire track was resurfaced, widened, and concrete
was paved in the apexes of the turns to prevent asphalt deterioration. In addition, a straightaway was paved through the chicane, allowing for two different track layouts, the original 2.4 miles (3.9 km) circuit, and a new 13-turn, 2.258 mile (3.634 km) circuit. In 2006, the track again underwent extensive renovation. The track and pit lane were completely resurfaced and connectors were added to the track's famed Keyhole section to allow for three separate road course configurations. Also completed was the removal of concrete patches from the track, the relocation of the wall and guardrail at Turn 1, the expansion of gravel traps at the exits of Turn 1 and the keyhole, the replacement of all remaining old-style catch fencing, and the standardization of curbing throughout the circuit. These changes have resulted in a faster, safer, more competitive and attractive facility for drivers, riders and race fans.
The sports car course operates from April through November each year. During this time, the facility is host for a number of nationally sanctioned race weekends, all of which are open to the public. Mid-Ohio has hosted "closed course" events for kart racing events since the late 1960's sanctioned by I.K.F. & W.K.A. and run by the Dart kart Club with up to 400 entries attending. Karts use the full track with the chicane. Additionally, on site motor home and tent camping spaces are available. The 2011 season marks the 50th in the track's storied history of racing. On March 2, 2011, it was announced that the track had been purchased from Truesports by Green Savoree Racing Promotions, which currently promotes several IndyCar
street course races, ending Truesports' 29 years of ownership.
Since its inception, The Mid-Ohio School has graduated 41,000 students, including 12,500 teens and 7,500 motorcyclists become better drivers and riders. It has also earned an endorsement and accreditation from SCCA, National Auto Sport Association and the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association.
In 2006, The Mid-Ohio School expanded even further, launching four motorcycle riding programs. The courses offered in 2009 are offered to riders all skill levels, from novice to advanced and allow riders to get their bikes on track at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The addition of this discipline makes The Mid-Ohio School the first and only school in the nation that caters to both driving and motorcycling enthusiasts.
Auto racing
Auto racing is a motorsport involving the racing of cars for competition. It is one of the world's most watched televised sports.-The beginning of racing:...
facility located in Troy Township
Troy Township, Morrow County, Ohio
Troy Township is one of the sixteen townships of Morrow County, Ohio, United States. The 2000 census found 1,190 people in the township.-Geography:Located in the northeastern corner of the county, it borders the following townships:...
, Morrow County
Morrow County, Ohio
Morrow County is a county located in the state of Ohio, United States. Shawnee people used the area for hunting purposes before white settlers arrived in the early 19th century. Morrow County was organized in 1848 from parts of four neighboring counties and named for Jeremiah Morrow, Governor of...
, Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, just outside of the village of Lexington
Lexington, Ohio
Lexington is a village in Richland County in the U.S. state of Ohio. It is part of the Mansfield, Ohio Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 4,822 at the 2010 census, an increase from 4,165 in 2000....
. (Mid-Ohio has also colloquially become a term for the entire north-central region of the state, from south of Sandusky
Sandusky, Ohio
Sandusky is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Erie County. It is located in northern Ohio and is situated on the shores of Lake Erie, almost exactly half-way between Toledo to the west and Cleveland to the east....
to north of Columbus.
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is the capital of and the largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio. The broader metropolitan area encompasses several counties and is the third largest in Ohio behind those of Cleveland and Cincinnati. Columbus is the third largest city in the American Midwest, and the fifteenth largest city...
)
The Track
Clockwise
Circular motion can occur in two possible directions. A clockwise motion is one that proceeds in the same direction as a clock's hands: from the top to the right, then down and then to the left, and back to the top...
. The back portion of the track allows speeds approaching 180 mi/h. A separate starting line is located on the backstretch to allow for safer rolling starts. The regular start/finish line is located on the pit straight. In 1990, the track underwent a refurbishment. A new retaining wall was built, the entire track was resurfaced, widened, and concrete
Concrete
Concrete is a composite construction material, composed of cement and other cementitious materials such as fly ash and slag cement, aggregate , water and chemical admixtures.The word concrete comes from the Latin word...
was paved in the apexes of the turns to prevent asphalt deterioration. In addition, a straightaway was paved through the chicane, allowing for two different track layouts, the original 2.4 miles (3.9 km) circuit, and a new 13-turn, 2.258 mile (3.634 km) circuit. In 1990, the CART
Champ Car
Champ Car was the name for a class and specification of open wheel cars used in American Championship Car Racing for many decades, primarily for use in the Indianapolis 500 auto race...
series began utilizing the 2.258 miles (3.6 km) layout. In 2006, a second major refurbishment saw several improvements. The entire circuit was repaved, and the concrete patches in the turn apexes were removed. A new motorcycle "short course" was created by connecting turn one with the backstretch, and another motocross oval was created by connecting the chicane straight with the backstretch. The additional layouts allow simultaneous use of the multiple course, for instructional and competitive uses. The improvements also included a motocross facility, that has since been closed. There is grandstand seating for 10,000 spectators, and three observation mounds alongside the track raise the capacity to over 75,000.
History
The track was opened in 1962 by Les Griebling and several Mansfield-area businessmen as a location for weekend sports car racing. In 1982, Mid-Ohio was purchased by Jim TruemanJim Trueman
James R. Trueman was an American businessperson and automobile racing team owner. His most successful business ventures were Red Roof Inn motels and the Truesports racing team. Bobby Rahal won the 1986 Indianapolis 500 for the team...
, a renowned road racer and the founder of Red Roof Inns. Trueman added permanent grandstands, amphitheater-style seating, garages with spectator balconies, a five-story media and hospitality center, underground tunnels and an updated paddock area. In 1990, the track underwent a refurbishment. A new retaining wall was built, the entire track was resurfaced, widened, and concrete
Concrete
Concrete is a composite construction material, composed of cement and other cementitious materials such as fly ash and slag cement, aggregate , water and chemical admixtures.The word concrete comes from the Latin word...
was paved in the apexes of the turns to prevent asphalt deterioration. In addition, a straightaway was paved through the chicane, allowing for two different track layouts, the original 2.4 miles (3.9 km) circuit, and a new 13-turn, 2.258 mile (3.634 km) circuit. In 2006, the track again underwent extensive renovation. The track and pit lane were completely resurfaced and connectors were added to the track's famed Keyhole section to allow for three separate road course configurations. Also completed was the removal of concrete patches from the track, the relocation of the wall and guardrail at Turn 1, the expansion of gravel traps at the exits of Turn 1 and the keyhole, the replacement of all remaining old-style catch fencing, and the standardization of curbing throughout the circuit. These changes have resulted in a faster, safer, more competitive and attractive facility for drivers, riders and race fans.
The sports car course operates from April through November each year. During this time, the facility is host for a number of nationally sanctioned race weekends, all of which are open to the public. Mid-Ohio has hosted "closed course" events for kart racing events since the late 1960's sanctioned by I.K.F. & W.K.A. and run by the Dart kart Club with up to 400 entries attending. Karts use the full track with the chicane. Additionally, on site motor home and tent camping spaces are available. The 2011 season marks the 50th in the track's storied history of racing. On March 2, 2011, it was announced that the track had been purchased from Truesports by Green Savoree Racing Promotions, which currently promotes several IndyCar
IndyCar
IndyCar is the trade name of an American-based open-wheel auto racing sanctioning body. IndyCar sanctions three racing series, the premier IZOD IndyCar Series with its centerpiece Indianapolis 500, and developmental series Firestone Indy Lights and the U.S...
street course races, ending Truesports' 29 years of ownership.
2011 spectator schedule
- Vintage Grand Prix of Mid Ohio (Sportscar Vintage Racing AssociationSportscar Vintage Racing AssociationThe Sportscar Vintage Racing Association, or SVRA was founded over 20 years ago with the vision of keeping vintage race cars on race tracks where they belong, and can delight fans just as they did in their heyday.-Racetracks:...
) June 24–26 - Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire (AMA Pro Racing) July 8–10
- AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days (American Motorcyclist AssociationAmerican Motorcyclist AssociationThe American Motorcyclist Association is an American not-for-profit organization of more than 300,000 motorcyclists that organizes numerous motorcycling activities and campaigns for motorcyclists' legal rights...
) July 22–24 - Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge and The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio (American Le Mans SeriesAmerican Le Mans SeriesThe American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón is a sports car racing series based in the United States and Canada. It consists of a series of endurance and sprint races, and was created in the spirit of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Teams compete in one of five classes: LMP1, LMP2 and LMPC...
and IZOD IndyCar Series) August 5–7 - NASA Championships (National Auto Sport AssociationNational Auto Sport AssociationThe National Auto Sport Association is an American motorsports organization promoting road racing and high-performance driver education....
) - EMCO Gears Classic presented by Key Bank (GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car SeriesRolex Sports Car SeriesThe Rolex Sports Car Series is the premier series run by the Grand American Road Racing Association. It is a North American-based sports car series that was founded in 2000 under the name Grand American Road Racing Championship to replace the failed United States Road Racing Championship...
) September 16–18
The Mid-Ohio School
Since 1993, TrueSports, Inc., the parent company of The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course has owned and operated The Mid-Ohio School. The schools offers licensed drives and motorcycle riders programs in defensive driving, high performance driving and performance track riding programs. Students in each course enjoy classroom and private instruction and group drills. Participants test their newly-refined skills in the controlled environment of the facility's Vehicle Dynamics Center and, in some cases, lap the same track that challenges the world's top racers. The Mid-Ohio School boasts a team of instructors made up of professional, winning drivers that is unmatched by any other school.Since its inception, The Mid-Ohio School has graduated 41,000 students, including 12,500 teens and 7,500 motorcyclists become better drivers and riders. It has also earned an endorsement and accreditation from SCCA, National Auto Sport Association and the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association.
In 2006, The Mid-Ohio School expanded even further, launching four motorcycle riding programs. The courses offered in 2009 are offered to riders all skill levels, from novice to advanced and allow riders to get their bikes on track at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The addition of this discipline makes The Mid-Ohio School the first and only school in the nation that caters to both driving and motorcycling enthusiasts.
External links
- Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course – official site of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
- The Mid-Ohio School – official site of The Mid-Ohio School
- 1tail Resource Database: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course