Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio
Pack up the RV and get ready for some fun and camping camaraderie at the Honda Indy 200 in August at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Event information
You and your family may feel the earth shake as the cars race around the track at an average of over 100 miles per hour for the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio. During the race, you’ll see hundreds of drivers do 90 laps around the 2.25-mile track as they race to the finish to win first place. Whether you are there to cheer on your favorite driver or if you just love racing in general, the excitement is second to none at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
With two large concession stands offering a variety of foods and drinks, you will surely find something you like. The Infield Concession Stand even offers seating on the patio where you have an excellent view of the track. You can enjoy your food with a nice cold beer or soft drink while you watch the race right there on the infield. You can also get ice at either concession stand or the entrance of the campground.
Be sure you stop by the souvenir stands and grab some swag for yourself and a few gifts for the folks back home who didn’t get to come with you. While you are at it, you can pick up snacks for later. Don’t wear yourself out walking around to all these places. The track has a guest shuttle service that stops at all of the most popular spots in the park. Camping at the track puts you close to the events, and you won’t have to worry about driving.
Tickets
The price of tickets for the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio varies a great deal. In past years, one-day passes ranged from $30 to $50 while tickets for the whole weekend were between $65 and $85. If you want to be a VIP, you might pay about $500, and that means a bunch of amenities, including open bar and catered lunches. If you plan to camp, the prices have typically ranged from $200 to $325, including two weekend passes. Oh yeah, kids under 12 are usually free with a paying adult, so bring the kiddos.
Explore Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is easy to get to in the northcentral area of Ohio just off of I-71. Near I-71, you might take US-42, OH-97, and OH-314 to approach the track. You’ll be about three miles from Clear Fork Reservoir in Mansfield, where you can do some fishing, swimming, or just hang out on the shoreline and relax.
And you are just a half-hour from Mohican State Park, a 1,100-acre paradise of forest with hiking, biking, fishing, and boating to enjoy. If you want to visit Cleveland on the banks of Lake Erie, it is only 1.5 hours to the northeast. Home of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, this large city has an amusement park, museums, and the Cleveland Browns.
Parking areas
Parking in the general area on the south side of the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course near Gate 3 is usually free. As you go through the gate, one of the parking attendants will show you where to park if you are not camping on site. The track offers a limited number of infield parking spots for a small fee that guarantees you awesome parking for the whole weekend. Of course, your best choice is to camp on site because there is always limited parking for large rigs.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is hard to find in Richland County, so if you are not camping at the track or need to go somewhere while you are there, you may want to consider a tow vehicle. Some campgrounds offer shuttle service in the area so check that out, too. You could also call a taxi or use a rideshare app.
Where to stay
Onsite
Camping at Mid-Ohio is spectacular, and they have previously held a contest for the best-decorated RV and tent every year. All motorhomes must be self-contained with running water and plumbing to camp in the RV camping areas. They do have dumping stations, water access, and there are shower houses in the maintenance building. Pets are allowed as long as you supervise them and keep them leashed or restrained at all times. Make your reservations early if you want to get a spot and use the North Gate if you are staying at North Woods or Carousel Campgrounds.
Nearby
If you missed your chance to get a campsite at the track, don’t worry, there are plenty of them within 20 miles. The closest campground is only four miles from the track and offers lakeside or wooded sites with electric and water hookups as well as a dump station and shower house.
In addition, you’ll find the Butler / Mohican KOA just 20 miles from the track with over 100 sites that can accommodate rigs up to 100 feet long. The Shelby / Mansfield KOA is 25 miles to the north and has over 100 sites that can handle rigs up to 90 feet long. And the Sunbury / Columbus North KOA is 28 miles to the southwest and has over 600 campsites for rigs up to 110 feet long.
Getting around
This racetrack is different from many others as it allows bikes as well as golf carts and other off-road vehicles in the park. They also rent golf carts on site because, with 330 acres of space, you may want a ride. You cannot bring carts on the spectator mounds, and you must be over 16 with a driver’s license to drive any vehicle. The track also offers shuttle service to and from the parking lots, campgrounds, and seating areas.
What to pack
Clothing
Even with shuttle service and golf cart rentals, you will have to walk to some places, so you will need to pack some comfy shoes. You’ll also want to pack plenty of shorts and tank tops because Ohio in August can be hot and sticky. Then again, it can also get a bit chilly at night, so bring jeans and a hoodie as well.
Gear
Be sure to pack ear protection, sunglasses, binoculars, camera, and your tickets in a backpack or bag. Coolers are allowed so go ahead and pack in your soft drinks and water as well as some snacks. Do not bring glass, fireworks, drones, or weapons with you or they will be confiscated, and you may be removed from the track.
Health & Safety
No matter where you are in August, you are going to need sunscreen to protect your skin from the summer sun. You may also want to bring a hat or scarf to cover your face and neck as well as sunglasses. Bug spray is a necessity once the sun goes down and don’t forget a first aid kit and any prescription meds you need.
Where to eat
Cooking
Camping at the track is fun, and cooking outdoors is always a big part of camping, so bring what you need, such as a BBQ grill or camp stove. Honda Indy 200 fans can also cook over a fire ring that is provided in the campground. If you forgot something, don’t fret. Lexington is only about eight miles away where you can restock on supplies.
Restaurants
If you tire of corn dogs and other track food while you are visiting or fancy a nice dinner out, stretch your sights to the surrounding community. Whether it is a steak, lobster, or pub food that you are craving, you can find that and more in Lexington. There is also pizza, Mexican food, Asian cuisine, and plenty of fast food joints to choose from within a twenty-minute drive.
Vendors
Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio visitors boast about the awesome variety of hot foods, sandwiches, snacks, and even dessert food. You can wash your food down with a frosty beer or soft drink and watch the race while you eat from the patio next to the concession stands.
Safety
Security
You won’t have to worry about security at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course during the Honda Indy 200. If anyone bothers you or you see something suspicious, don’t hesitate to report it to the security personnel. The main office is located by Gate 3, or you can call 911 if it’s an emergency. Be prepared to have your bag and cooler searched when going into the track.
Weather
Summer in Lexington is often quite warm, so be prepared for the heat. Wear breathable layers so you can take off a layer or two if needed. The highs typically range in the 70s to 90s, and the lows are usually in the 60s. Rain and thunderstorms are always a possibility at this time of year, so bring a rain jacket and umbrella and keep an eye on the forecast.
Medical
If you or someone near you has an accident or isn’t feeling well, head over to the Dan McNutt Medical Building in the northwestern corner of the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. You’ll find a full medical team there who can handle just about any minor emergency, or they will get you to the nearest hospital, which is only a few miles away in Lexington.
