Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course - One of the Most Important Racing Spots in the US

Mid–Ohio Sports Car Course, one of the most demanding and competitive racing tracks in the United States, has become one of the most popular racing tracks over the years among both drivers and fans.

Honda Indy 200 at MOSCC

Many famous names raced in the beautiful scenery

The track was opened in 1962 as a venue for weekend sports car racing. A group of local businessmen led by Les Griebling put their money in what will become one of the most popular tracks in the US. The original track was 3.86 km long and had 15 turns. The layout out of the circuit followed natural terrain contours which made this circuit twisty. Over the years, some minor changes were made after drivers suggested it was too slow.

Many racing series were regular guests at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and some famous names like Jackie Stewart, Peter Revson, Bruce McLaren, and Denny Hulme raced there. In 1980, the CART race that was won by Johnny Rutherford was held for the first time and soon it became a major event of the season.

Jackie Stewart at Mid-Ohio

The track had only one major change

The following year, the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course was purchased by Jim Trueman, a former racing driver who had a plan to make a modern racing circuit, one of the most prominent in the country. The new owner brought many new things, as the track was completely resurfaced and slightly modified. The original circuit remained unchanged, but in 1990, another layout was added after a straightaway was paved through the chicane, making a Second Road Course, 3.634 km in a length with 13 turns.

Map: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course layout

Development and modernization

The Grandstand with the capacity of 10.000 seats was built as well as amphitheaters around several turns, making the venue suitable for a total of 75.000 spectators. The scoreboard was also built, just as the Goodyear Tower and three garage buildings. Further development continued in the next couple of yearsthe track was resurfaced several times, some other facilities were added and the owners of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course are proud of their work.

Indy race at MOSCC

Most popular racing series arrived at the circuit in 2007

At the dawn of the new century, more racing series like GRAND-AM Road Racing and American Le Mans Series arrived at the venue near Lexington. Finally, in 2007, the IndyCar Series makes its first appearance and the first race was won by Scott Dixon. He is also the lap record time holder, driving 1:04.581 during the race in 2015. In 2013, NASCAR Series also debuted at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course with the Nationwide Series race.

NASCAR Xfinity Series race

Home of the famous Mid-Ohio school

One of the things that makes this circuit famous is The Mid-Ohio School, founded in 1993, with courses for defensive driving, high-performance driving and other racing programs for both cars and motorcycles. More than 55.000 people have graduated from Mid-Ohio School which was recognized by the Ohio State Highway Patrol which rewarded the school with Partners for Safety award.

Since 2011, Truesports by Green Savoree Racing Promotions, which currently also promotes the Indycar street courses at St. Petersburg and Toronto, is the owner of MOSCC.

Video : Scott Dixon makes history, setting the track record

The location and accommodation

The location of the venue is not ideal. The nearest international airports are in Cleveland and Columbus and both are more than 100 km from the venue. The Lahm regional airport is located in the nearby town of Mansfield, but it is available only for charter flights.

The situation with the accommodation is slightly better as a number of quality lodging options are available near Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, although the capacities are somewhat limited. You can find more information at Mansfield and Richland County Tourists office website. MOSCC has several Motor Home/RV spaces throughout the facility and a campground available for tent and/or camping.

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

Address: 7721 Steam Corners Road, Lexington, OH 44904, United States
Phone: +1 419 884 4000
Website: midohio.com

Photos: speedfactorbrasil.url.ph pilotesanciens.blogspot.com wikipedia.org mansfieldtourism.com indycar.com.