Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is a road course auto racing facility located in Troy Township, Morrow County, Ohio, United States, just outside the village of Lexington. It hosts a number of racing series such as IndyCar, IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship, and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, along with other club events such has SCCA and National Auto Sport Association.
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Location | Troy Township, Morrow County, at 7721 Steam Corners Road, Lexington, Ohio |
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Time zone | UTC-5 (UTC-4 DST) |
Coordinates | 40°41′21.46″N 82°38′10.94″W / 40.6892944°N 82.6363722°W |
Capacity | Bleachers: 12,000 Open seating: 75,000 |
FIA Grade | 2[a] |
Owner | Green Savoree Racing Promotions (March 2011–present) |
Operator | Green Savoree Racing Promotions (March 2011–present) |
Opened | 1962 |
Major events | Current: TCR World Tour (2024) IndyCar Series Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio (2007–present) ARCA Menards Series Zinsser SmartCoat 150 (1965, 2021–present) Trans-Am Series (1967–1972, 1982–1983, 1985–1994, 1997–1999, 2001–2002, 2009, 2012–present) MotoAmerica (1983–2014, 2024) Former: IMSA SportsCar Championship Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio (1963–1968, 1972–1979, 1981–1993, 2001–2002, 2004–2012, 2018–2022) NASCAR Xfinity Series B&L Transport 170 (2013–2019, 2021) NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series O'Reilly Auto Parts 150 at Mid-Ohio (2022–2023) Pirelli World Challenge (1994, 1997–1999, 2002–2017) SCCA Runoffs (1994–2005, 2016) Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series (2000–2001, 2003–2013) CART Champ Car Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio (1980, 1983–2003) |
Website | http://www.midohio.com/ |
Second Road Course (1990–present) | |
Length | 2.258 miles (3.634 km) |
Turns | 13 |
Race lap record | 1:05.2600 (![]() |
Original Road Course (1963–present) | |
Length | 2.400 miles (3.862 km) |
Turns | 15 |
Race lap record | 1:19.984 (![]() |
There is grandstand seating for 12,000 spectators and three observation mounds alongside the track raise the capacity to over 75,000. Mid-Ohio is classified as an FIA Grade Two circuit.[1]
The track
editThe track opened in 1962 as a 16-turn road course run clockwise. After only one year, the "Oak Tree Bend" series of turns (in the northeast corner) was removed due to being too slow. It was replaced by the "Thunder Valley" downhill straight, which remains to the present day. For 1963 and beyond, a 15-turn, 2.40 mi (3.86 km) layout was established. The back portion of the track allows speeds approaching 200 mph (320 km/h). A separate starting line and flagstand is situated on the backstretch to allow for safer and more competitive 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 segment was paved through the chicane, allowing for two different track layouts, the original 2.40 mi (3.86 km) circuit and a new 13-turn, 2.258 mi (3.634 km) circuit which bypasses the chicane. Major series including CART/Champ Car, IndyCar, IMSA, and NASCAR have mostly elected to bypass the chicane, while motorcycles and amateur/club racing typically use the 2.4-mile layout (with the chicane).
In 2006 another 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 motorcycle/autocross oval was created by connecting the chicane straight with the backstretch. The additional layouts allow simultaneous use of the multiple courses, for instructional and competitive uses. The improvements also included a motocross facility, that has since been used for the AMA Vintage Motorcycle days event.
In 2019 the ARX came to the track which was the first time rallycross had come to the circuit. The course was a 10-turn, 0.7 mi (1.1 km) and utilized the keyhole section of the track.
At the conclusion of the 2023 season, the track was once again fully repaved after utilizing a test section in turn one.
History
editThe track was opened in 1962 by Les Griebling and several Mansfield-area businessmen as a location for weekend sports car racing. The track originally had 16 turns, with a left turn in what is today known as "thunder valley," but the turn was straightened after just one year of operation due to complaints of the track being too slow. The track hosted Can-am and F5000 through the 1970s and in 1980, it would host its first CART race with Johnny Rutherford taking victory with Chaparral.
In 1982 Mid-Ohio was purchased by Jim Trueman, 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, tunnels and an updated paddock area. In addition, a tall, three-sided scoreboard tower was constructed in the infield, strategically placed such that it was visible from nearly all spectator areas around the track. In 1986 Trueman had died from cancer, making his wife and daughter taking over management for the facility. In 1989 Truman's daughter, Michelle Trueman, was named the president of the circuit in 1989 and saw day-to-day operations of the track.
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 2.400 mi (3.862 km) circuit and a new 13-turn, 2.258 mi (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.
On March 2, 2011, it was announced that the track had been purchased from Truesports by Green Savoree Racing Promotions, which also promotes other IndyCar races, ending Truesports' 29 years of ownership.[2]
Race history
editThe course had first hosted SportsCar racing in 1963 as part of the United States Road Racing Championship. The race was 168 mi (270 km) and was won by Ken Miles. The race would be held until the race series was folded in 1968, but the race would return as a 6-hour enduro under the IMSA GT championship in 1972. The track would also hold the U.S. Formula 5000 series from 1970 to 1976 and was replaced by the revived Can-Am series in 1977–1980. The track continued to host IMSA GT until 1993, and would not return until 2000 with Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series. The track would also add the American Le Mans series the next year. The track continued to host the two series until 2012 when ALMS dropped the race, Grand-Am would follow suit the next year. In 2018, track would host the WeatherTech SportsCar championship.
Mid-Ohio would host its first CART race in 1980 as a 156 mi (251 km), 65 lap race. There would be a brief hiatus as the race would not return until 1983, and the race would be extended as a 200 mi (320 km) race. CART appeared annually until 2003, when CART president Chris Pook hinted at dropping Mid-Ohio from the CART schedule going forward, citing various issues. For many years, Mid-Ohio was on the schedule alongside the Grand Prix of Cleveland, and Pook stated it was not viable to have two races in such close proximity, and favored keeping the race at Cleveland instead. In addition, some observers felt that the powerful Champ Cars had "outgrown" the narrow, winding course, citing a lack of passing and competition over the previous several years. The race would return in 2007 under the Indy racing league and would partner as a doubleheader with the American Le Mans Series until 2012 when ALMS dropped the circuit from the calendar. The race has also featured support series such as the Road to Indy, Global Mazda MX-5 Cup, and Stadium Super Trucks.[3] In 2015, hometown favorite Graham Rahal won at Mid-Ohio for the first time, thirty years after his father, Bobby Rahal, won his first race at the track. Scott Dixon has the most wins at the track with six.
In 2013, the track hosted its first NASCAR event as a 200 mi (320 km) race with the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The length of the race was shortened in 2018 to 170 mi (270 km). The race has partnered with Trans-Am, Stadium Super Trucks, F4 United States Championship and partnered ARCA in 2020. Unlike most of the events held at the track, the Xfinity Series uses the normal start/finish line located on the pit straight to start the races, instead of the start line on the back straight. NASCAR realigned the race in 2022, moving it to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
Events
edit- Current
- April: F2000 Championship Series, Atlantic Championship
- June: TCR World Tour, Michelin Pilot Challenge, IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, Global MX-5 Cup, Trans-Am Series, Formula Regional Americas Championship, F4 United States Championship, ARCA Menards Series Zinsser SmartCoat 150, Sportscar Vintage Racing Association
- July: IndyCar Series Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio, Indy NXT, USF Pro 2000 Championship, USF2000 Championship, USF Juniors
- August: MotoAmerica
- September: ChampCar Endurance Series
- Former
- AMA Superbike Championship
- Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire (1983–2014)
- American Le Mans Series
- Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge (2001–2002, 2004–2012)
- Americas Rallycross Championship (2019)
- Can-Am (1969–1974, 1977–1982)
- CART
- Champ Car Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio (1980, 1983–2003)
- Formula BMW Americas (2005–2006, 2008)
- Grand American Road Racing Association Rolex Sports Car Series
- EMCO Gears Classic presented by KeyBank (2000–2001, 2003–2013)
- IMSA GT Championship (1972–1979, 1981–1993)
- IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge (2005–2008, 2010, 2018–2020)
- IMSA SportsCar Championship
- Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio (2018–2022)
- International Race of Champions (1985–1987)
- Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America (2013, 2018)
- NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
- O'Reilly Auto Parts 150 at Mid-Ohio (2022–2023)
- NASCAR Xfinity Series
- B&L Transport 170 (2013–2019, 2021)
- North American Touring Car Championship (1996–1997)
- Pirelli World Challenge (1994, 1997–1999, 2002–2017)
- Porsche Sprint Challenge North America (2022–2023)
- Stadium Super Trucks (2019, 2021–2022)
- United States Road Racing Championship (1963–1968, 1998–1999)
Lap records
editThe unofficial lap record is 1:03.8700, set by Simon Pagenaud during the qualifying of the 2016 Honda Indy 200. As of August 2024, the fastest official race lap records on the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course are listed as:
The Mid-Ohio School
editFounded in 1993, The Mid-Ohio School offers licensed drivers and motorcycle riders programs in defensive driving, high performance driving and performance track riding programs. Students in each course partake in 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 on the track.
The Mid-Ohio School is AAA Approved and recognized as a recent recipient of the Ohio State Highway Patrol's Partners for Safety award. 18 programs are available to drivers and riders of all ages and ability levels from defensive driving programs for teens and adults, on-track high performance courses for the automotive enthusiasts to current and aspiring racers.
There have been over 50,000 graduates from the Mid-Ohio School, including 18,500 teenagers and 13,300 motorcycle riders.
Notes
editReferences
edit- ^ "List of FIA licensed circuits" (Press release). Federation Internationale de l'Automobile. December 14, 2018. Retrieved September 24, 2019.
- ^ Green Savoree Racing Buys Mid-Ohio Course Archived 2011-03-04 at the Wayback Machine, Ultimate Motorcycling, March 2, 2011, Retrieved 2011-03-02
- ^ "Scott Dixon wins again at Mid-Ohio". Galion Inquirer. July 29, 2019. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
- ^ a b "Mid-Ohio - Motor Sport Magazine". Motor Sport Magazine. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ "American Le Mans Series Mid-Ohio 2008". 20 July 2008. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
- ^ a b "American Le Mans Series Mid-Ohio 2007". 21 July 2007. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
- ^ "2024 Mid-Ohio Indy NXT Race Statistics". 7 July 2024. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
- ^ a b "Mid-Ohio 2 Hours 1993". 13 June 1993. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ "2021 Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio Race Official Results (2 Hours 40 Minutes)" (PDF). International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). 19 May 2021. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ "Acura Sports Car Challenge of Mid Ohio - Mid Ohio SportsCar Course, August 8 Août 2009". 8 August 2009. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
- ^ "2001 Race Results Round 6 American Le Mans Series at Mid-Ohio Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course / Lexington, Ohio August 25, 2001 Official Results". International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). 25 August 2001. Archived from the original on 9 January 2008. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ "2018 Cooper Tires Pro Mazda Mid-Ohio GP - Race 1 Lap Report" (PDF). 28 July 2018. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
- ^ "2024 O'Reilly Auto Parts 4 Hours Of Mid-Ohio - IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge - Race 2 Official Results (45 Minutes)" (PDF). International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). 12 June 2024. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
- ^ "2002 Race Results Round 3 American Le Mans Series at Mid-Ohio Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course / Lexington, Oh June 30, 2002 Official Results" (PDF). International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). 30 June 2002. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 October 2005. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ "Grand-Am Mid-Ohio 2013". 16 June 2013. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
- ^ a b c "Mid-Ohio 250 Miles 2000". 4 June 2000. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- ^ "USRRC Mid-Ohio 1998". 14 June 1998. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- ^ "2019 Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio Race Official Results (2 Hours 40 Minutes)" (PDF). International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). 7 May 2019. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
- ^ "2024 FR Americas Championship - Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course - Round 10 Official Race Result" (PDF). 22 June 2024. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
- ^ "2018 Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio - Race Official Results (2 Hours 40 Minutes)" (PDF). International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). 8 May 2018. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
- ^ "2012 American Le Mans Series Mid-Ohio". 4 August 2012. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ "2018 Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio - Lamborghini Super Trofeo Race 2 Official Results (50 Minutes)" (PDF). International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). 8 May 2018. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
- ^ "2018 Cooper Tires USF2000 Mid-Ohio GP - Race 3 Lap Report" (PDF). 29 July 2018. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
- ^ "2023 Trans Am Championship Presented by Pirelli - Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course - June 22nd - 24th - TA TAH XGT SGT GT - Round 7 - Official Race Results" (PDF). 24 June 2023. Retrieved 26 June 2023.
- ^ "Mid-Ohio 1 Hour IMSA GTS 1993". 13 June 1993. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ a b "Mid-Ohio 250 Kilometres IMSA GTO 1990". 3 June 1990. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ "2024 Trans Am Championship Presented by Pirelli - CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series, presented by Pirelli - Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course - June 20th-22nd - Round 7 - Official Race Results" (PDF). 22 June 2024. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
- ^ "2018 Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio - Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA Race 2 Official Results (45')" (PDF). International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). 8 May 2018. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
- ^ "2024 F4 United States Championship powered by Honda - Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course - Round 4 Official Race Result" (PDF). 22 June 2024. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
- ^ "NASCAR Xfinity 2019 Mid-Ohio - Race Fastest Laps". 10 August 2019. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- ^ "2024 Mid-Ohio USF Juniors Race 2 Statistics". 6 July 2024. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
- ^ a b "USRRC Mid-Ohio 1999". 6 June 1999. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- ^ a b "2024 O'Reilly Auto Parts 4 Hours Of Mid-Ohio - IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge - Race Official Results (4 Hours)" (PDF). International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). 12 June 2024. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
- ^ "2005 Formula BMW USA Mid-Ohio (Race 1)". 21 May 2005. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
- ^ "Mid-Ohio 250 Miles 2001". 10 June 2001. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- ^ "2022 NASCAR Truck Series - Mid-Ohio 150 Race Statistics". 9 July 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
- ^ "Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Round 14 Results". 9 August 1997. Retrieved 7 May 2022.
- ^ "2024 O'Reilly Auto Parts 4 Hours Of Mid-Ohio - Mustang Challenge - Race 2 Official Results (45 Minutes)" (PDF). International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). 17 June 2024. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
- ^ "Mid-Ohio 1 Hour IMSA GT 1991". 2 June 1991. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ "2024 O'Reilly Auto Parts 4 Hours Of Mid-Ohio - Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by Michelin - Race 2 Official Results (45 Minutes)" (PDF). International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). 1 July 2024. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
- ^ "IMSA Supercar Mid-Ohio 1995". 12 August 1995. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ "1987 Mid-Ohio Champ Cars". Motor Sport Magazine. 6 September 1987. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ a b "Mid-Ohio 500 Kilometres 1989". 4 June 1989. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ "Can-Am Mid-Ohio 1982". 27 June 1982. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ "1975 Mid-Ohio F5000". Motor Sport Magazine. 10 August 1975. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ "Can-Am Mid-Ohio 1974". 11 August 1974. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
- ^ "2024 MotoAmerica Superbikes at Mid-Ohio - Steel Commander Superbike - Race 2" (PDF). 18 August 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
- ^ "Mid Ohio Sports Car Course Red Roff Inns Formula Atlantic Challenge, June 27 Juin 1982". 27 June 1982. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
- ^ a b c "Mid-Ohio 500 Kilometres 1981". 30 August 1981. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ a b c "Mid-Ohio 200 Kilometres IMSA GTO 1989". 4 June 1989. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ "2024 MotoAmerica Superbikes at Mid-Ohio - Supersport - Race 2" (PDF). 18 August 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
- ^ "Mid-Ohio 200 Miles 1981". 31 May 1981. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
- ^ "Trans-Am Mid-Ohio 1987". 12 July 1987. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ "2024 MotoAmerica Superbikes at Mid-Ohio - Junior Cup - Race 2" (PDF). 18 August 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
- ^ "USRRC Mid-Ohio - GT Race 1964". 30 August 1964. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
External links
edit- Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course – official site of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
- Map and circuit history at RacingCircuits.info
- Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course race results at Racing-Reference
- The Mid-Ohio School – official site of The Mid-Ohio School
- 1tail Resource Database: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course[permanent dead link]