Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
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 ( Will Power, Dallara DW12, 2016, IndyCar) |
Original Road Course (1963–present) | |
Length | 2.400 miles (3.862 km) |
Turns | 15 |
Race lap record | 1:19.984 ( Roberto Guerrero, March 87C, 1987, CART) |
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is a road course
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
The track
The 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
The 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
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
The course had first hosted SportsCar racing in 1963 as part of the
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
In 2013, the track hosted its first NASCAR event as a 200 mi (320 km) race with the
Events
- Current
- April: Atlantic Championship
- June: 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 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 (2013–2021)
- 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
The unofficial lap record is 1:03.8700, set by Simon Pagenaud during the qualifying of the 2016 Honda Indy 200. As of July 2023, the fastest official race lap records on the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course are listed as:
The Mid-Ohio School
Founded 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
References
- ^ "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". Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ "American Le Mans Series Mid-Ohio 2008". Retrieved 16 May 2021.
- ^ a b "American Le Mans Series Mid-Ohio 2007". Retrieved 16 May 2021.
- ^ "2015 Indy Lights Mid Ohio Race 1 Statistics". Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ a b "Mid-Ohio 2 Hours 1993". Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ a b "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". 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 Indy Pro 2000 Championship Mid-Ohio Race 1 Statistics". Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ "2023 USF Pro 2000 Presented by Cooper Tires Current Track Records". Retrieved 2 February 2023.
- ^ "2021 Mid-Ohio IMSA Prototype Challenge Race Official Results (1 Hours 45 Minutes)" (PDF). International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). 18 May 2021. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ "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". Retrieved 16 May 2021.
- ^ a b c "Mid-Ohio 250 Miles 2000". Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- ^ "USRRC Mid-Ohio 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.
- ^ "2018 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course - Round 6 Official Race Result" (PDF). 11 August 2018. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
- ^ "2012 American Le Mans Series Mid-Ohio". 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 USF2000 National Championship Mid-Ohio Race 3 Statistics". Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ "2023 USF2000 Presented by Cooper Tires Current Track Records". Retrieved 2 February 2023.
- ^ "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". Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ "2021 Gridlife Mid Summer Meet Mid Ohio Race Results". Retrieved 27 March 2023.
- ^ "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.
- ^ a b "Mid-Ohio 250 Kilometres IMSA GTO 1990". Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ "2017 Formula 4 United States Championship Round 12 Final Results" (PDF). 12 August 2017. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
- ^ "NASCAR XFINITY 2019 Mid-Ohio". Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- ^ a b "USRRC Mid-Ohio 1999". Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- ^ "2023 Mid-Ohio USF Juniors Race 1 Statistics". Retrieved 8 July 2023.
- ^ "2005 Formula BMW USA Mid-Ohio (Race 1)". 21 May 2005. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
- ^ "Mid-Ohio 250 Miles 2001". Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- ^ "2020 Mid-Ohio 120 Race 2 Official Results (2 Hours)" (PDF). International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). 30 September 2020. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ "2022 Mid-Ohio 150 Race Statistics". Retrieved 10 July 2022.
- ^ "Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Round 14 Results". Retrieved 7 May 2022.
- ^ "2021 Mid-Ohio 120 Race Official Results (2 Hours)" (PDF). International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). 18 May 2021. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ "Mid-Ohio 1 Hour IMSA GT 1991". Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ "IMSA Supercar Mid-Ohio 1995". Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ "2021 Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BFGoodrich at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Race 2 Official Results (45 Minutes)" (PDF). International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). 18 May 2021. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ "1987 Mid-Ohio Champ Cars". Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ a b "Mid-Ohio 500 Kilometres 1989". Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ "Can-Am Mid-Ohio 1982". Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ "1975 Mid-Ohio F5000". Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ "Can-Am Mid-Ohio 1974". Retrieved 3 February 2023.
- ^ "Mid Ohio Sports Car Course Red Roff Inns Formula Atlantic Challenge, June 27 Juin 1982". Retrieved 3 June 2022.
- ^ a b c "Mid-Ohio 500 Kilometres 1981". Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ a b c "Mid-Ohio 200 Kilometres IMSA GTO 1989". Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ "Mid-Ohio 200 Miles 1981". Retrieved 3 February 2023.
- ^ "Trans-Am Mid-Ohio 1987". Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ "USRRC Mid-Ohio - GT Race 1964". Retrieved 10 May 2022.
External links
- 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]