Mid-Ohio test expected to draw most of IZOD IndyCar field
The July 26 event at the facility in Lexington, Ohio, will be open to spectators from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. They're welcome to bring food and/or coolers to watch the activity from the Keyhole or infield of the 2.258-mile, 13-turn course. Enter through Gate 3. Tickets for the race weekend will be available for purchase at Gate 2.
Target Chip Ganassi Racing's Scott Dixon has won the race three of the past five years, including in 2011. He'll be joined at the test by teammate Dario Franchitti, the reigning series champion and 2011 race runner-up, series championship points leader Ryan Hunter-Reay and Edmonton Indy winner Helio Castroneves.
Indy cars have been competing at the venue since 1980 (Johnny Rutherford winning). The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio will be the 12th of 15 stops for 2012.
Mid-Ohio has partnered with the Graham Rahal Foundation and Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for a special race weekend ticket offer at www.midohio.com/zoo, with $5 of each Zoo Donation ticket sold going to the Graham Rahal Foundation.
The first 1,000 tickets sold will come with a voucher for free admission to the Columbus Zoo in 2012 and a Graham Rahal autographed hero card. All fans that purchase these Zoo Donation tickets will be entered to win a VIP experience at the Columbus Zoo and a meet and greet with Rahal during the race weekend.
Fans who already purchased tickets can call 800-643-6446 to donate $5 to the Foundation. During the event weekend, fans also have the opportunity to donate to the Graham Rahal Foundation at most concession and souvenir stands.
General parking is free and children 12 and under are also admitted free.
Rahal finished fourth in the Edmonton Indy in the No. 38 Service Central Chip Ganassi Racing car.