Special to 1812Blockhouse

A fireworks display, a movie screening, camping activities and 10 races in total will make for a spectacular weekend at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course beginning Friday  for The Honda Indy 200 Presented by the HPD Ridgeline, July 2-4. Ohio is fully open this Fourth of July weekend, so it’s time for a celebration in the Buckeye State. Tickets at advance pricing are available now at midohio.com.

The stars and cars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES arrive to do battle again on the 2.258-mile, 13-turn road course. Pataskala, Ohio-based Meyer Shank Racing, coming off its dramatic win in the Indianapolis 500 in May, hopes to repeat that success at its home track with Jack Harvey piloting the No. 60 Honda. Another local favorite is Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing with New Albany, Ohio’s Graham Rahal trying to match his victory from 2015 at Mid-Ohio. Other past winners in the starting field will be Colton Herta (2020), Will Power (2020), Scott Dixon (2019, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2009, 2007), Alexander Rossi (2018), Josef Newgarden (2017), and Simon Pagenaud (2016).

All three series from the Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires open-wheel development ladder will join the schedule. Capping off the on track action is the high-flying SPEED Energy Stadium SUPER Trucks make their second appearance at Mid-Ohio this season. The weekend features a lot more than just the on track action from the five different racing series for fans; it is a full Fourth of July celebration.

On Saturday (July 3) after the day’s on track activities conclude, Movie Night presented by Hagerty features the 1986 classic comedy “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” broadcast on the big screen in the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course “esses” followed by a spectacular Zambelli Fireworks show for fans to experience. The Honda Indy 200 Presented by the HPD Ridgeline weekend also features the return of “Camping with Honda.” This year’s theme celebrates America and encourages campers to decorate their sites in patriotic red, white and blue. NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers Colton Herta and Graham Rahal will also make visits late Saturday afternoon into early evening to the campsites and hand out American flags to the most patriotic sites.

Two very special guests will take part in honorary roles for pre-race festivities as the celebration continues leading up to the 80-lap Honda Indy 200 Presented by the HPD Ridgeline. American Legion Past National Commander Dan Dellinger will serve as the race’s grand marshal representing all current and past military service members and give the command for NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers to start their engines. Then, as the Indy cars roll off the grid, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Jack Roslovic will lead the 26-car field to the green flag in the Ruoff Mortgage “Fastest Seat in Sports” with motorsports legend Mario Andretti driving him in the two-seater Indy car.

“I’m an INDYCAR fan, so I’m extremely excited for the opportunity to get to meet and ride in a car with Mario Andretti,” said Roslovic. “He is a racing legend and getting the chance to take part in the Fastest Seat in Sports with him at the home course and in front of the home fans at Mid-Ohio is something I’ll always remember.”

Weekend tickets offer the best value when attending an event at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Children 12 and under are admitted free. For The Honda Indy 200 Presented by the HPD Ridgeline, Weekend Grandstand is $85 (includes general admission), and Weekend General Admission is $75. Daily tickets and Pit and Paddock Passes are also available. Tickets are $10 additional when purchased at the gate. Tent and Motorhome Camping is available on site. To order tickets in advance or for more information, visit midohio.com or call 419-884-4000.

Photo: Creative Commons License

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