TOPEKA, Kan. (Dec. 9, 2015) – The qualification process and course configuration for the 2016 SCCA Runoffs Presented by Garmin VIRB at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, with race days Sept. 23-25, have been posted.
Qualification through the U.S. Majors Tour remains essentially unchanged from 2015. A driver must notch a minimum of three separate race weekends and post at least three individual race finishes. In addition, these drivers must fulfill at least one of the following requirements: finish in the top 10 in class conference point standings, for a class with fewer than or equal to 20 participants, or finish in the top 50-percent of the class conference point standings for classes with more than 20 participants (a new addition for 2016); finish in the top 50-percent of class Nationwide points; or earn a Nationwide point total greater than, or equal to, the point target set in 2015.
Drivers may also qualify through a Divisional racing pathway, which involves participation in four qualifying events.
A flowchart showing the Runoffs pathways, including the Nationwide point targets, can be seen at SCCA.com/RunoffsQualification. As in the past, the previous SCCA National Champion from each class will be granted a provisional invitation to defend their title in that same class.
The 2016 Runoffs will utilize Mid-Ohio’s “pro course” configuration for the duration of the event. The pro course is the 13-turn, 2.258-mile configuration that continues straight from Turn One to the approach to the track’s famed Keyhole turn. This configuration was utilized for the Runoffs from 2003 to 2005.
“I’m very pleased that we have decided to use the short course at Mid-Ohio for the 2016 Runoffs,” Dennis Dean, Chief Steward of the Runoffs, said. “I believe it provides the most demanding configuration available to us at this classic road racing venue. It’s completely fitting that our National Champions be tested on the most challenging course we can provide."
The Mid-Ohio Majors, June 3-5, will also utilize the pro course configuration.
For additional information on the 2016 SCCA Runoffs Presented by Garmin VIRB at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Complex, visit SCCA.com/Runoffs. Additional details regarding the week-long event will be made public as it becomes available.
Image: Track workers signal a message via flag to a driver at speed at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Credit: Jeff Loewe
