Runoffs More Than Racing

Sure, on-track action will be the main focus September 19-25 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course during the SCCA National Championship Runoffs presented by Garmin VIRB.  But there are a few other activities going on that week, too.

For starters Monday, September 19, there is the Mansfield/Richland County Welcome Party at the Richland County Fairgrounds, 750 N. Home Road in Mansfield.  This is a free dinner for drivers and workers, but everyone must pick up tickets in advance at the Welcome Booth located in the lower paddock at the track.  Drivers are eligible to receive up to three tickets, and workers can have one ticket plus one for a registered guest.  Space is limited, so get your tickets early.

The next day will be the Tuesday Night Worker Social and Runoffs Movie Night.  Being screened are some old-school Runoffs films recently unearthed.  And the Wednesday Night Worker Social has the theme “Wearable History Day.” Those classic SCCA shirts, jackets or vests you’ve been holding on to all these years, it’s time to break them out and show ‘em off.  Prizes will be given for Best in Show (Runoffs theme), Best Non-Runoffs and Oldest Wearable.

Thursday, September 22, brings about the annual All Participant Party.  There will be a meal, music, camaraderie and celebration of the Tire Rack Pole Winners and Workers of the Year.  The party will also feature a “Pit Cart Show” open to all who wish to enter.  Voting will be tallied in dollars collected by each team, with proceeds benefitting the SCCA’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month charities -- Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital and Maxton’s Fight.

Along those lines, don’t forget Saturday’s SCCA Runoffs 5K and Checkered Flag Dash. Taking the green flag at 6:30 p.m., the 5K course includes running/walking a complete lap around the Mid-Ohio race track, and runners/walkers will take the checkered flag at the finish line.  The one-mile Checkered Flag Dash fun run/walk will precede the 5K at 6:00 p.m. and also wrap up at the track’s finish line, giving the whole family an opportunity to run/walk on the track.  The early registration price is $10 for the Checkered Flag Dash and $25 for the SCCA Runoffs 5K, which includes an event t-shirt.  Registration for the event is now open online here. Proceeds from the event will again benefit the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital and Maxton’s Fight Foundation.

Also during the week, Race Care Ministry will be organizing a toy drive together with Vet Motorsports.  There will be a toy drop-off at Driver Information. So don’t forget to grab something that’ll help make a child’s holiday season a bit brighter this year.

 

Photo Credit: Laura Stitch