Mid-Ohio Vintage GP news 2005-03-10

PORSCHE AND AUSTIN-HEALEY FEATURED DURING VINTAGE GRAND PRIX OF MID-OHIO

DUBLIN, Ohio (March 10, 2005) -- The Vintage Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio scheduled for June 24-26 celebrates over 50 years of sportscar racing including this year's featured marques, Porsche and Austin-Healey. Included in the weekend are 10 Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) class races, a classic car show, all Porsche races and a rare showcase of the Australian-U.S. Healey Challenge.

"The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is one of the premier races that a lot of our members make sure they get to each year because of the great facilities and challenging track," said Carl Jensen, competition director for SVRA.

Porsche will be featured during the Klubsport All-Porsche race for cars with 2 liter engines, and on track again with the running of the All-Porsche feature race open to all Porsches. Sunday's All-Porsche race will feature 30-40 cars manufactured between 1953 and 1982 racing for the win.

After a 15-year absence, the Australian-U.S. Healey Challenge is returning to the United States. This race will bring together some of the best Austin-Healeys in the United States to compete against a group of Austin-Healeys originating from Australia. In 2005, the 100-S (the most potent of all Healey production models) celebrates 50 years of existence and will be a key feature of the Australian-U.S. Healey Challenge.

"We have 15 drivers coming over from Australia to race approximately 30 American drivers," said Jensen. "These drivers are known for their fun loving spirit which should make this a good race."

As the featured marque of the 2005 Vintage Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio, Porsche and Austin-Healey will be the highlight of many weekend activities. The annual Concours d'Elegance featuring Porsche on Sunday, June 26 is open to all car clubs, owners and fans with over 300 cars expected to compete during judging.

Another popular off-track activity includes the 7th Annual British Car Showdown featuring Austin-Healey on Saturday, June 25 with over 300 cars expected. A showcase for the most popular cars from the United Kingdom, Aston Martin, MG, Triumph, Lotus, Rolls Royce, and of course, Austin-Healey will all be present. Included in the car showdown are awards for "People's Choice", "Best Austin-Healey", and "Best of Show".

All participants in either car show are eligible to participate in a unique chance to view the 2.4-mile road course from the other side of the fence. During the lunch hour on each day, participants in the two car shows may take a parade lap around the track in their personal vehicles.

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is a 2.4-mile, 15-turn permanent road racing circuit in Lexington, Ohio. Located 60 miles north of Columbus and 75 miles south of Cleveland near Mansfield, the track has been called the most competitive in the U.S. and annually hosts a variety of locally, regionally and nationally sanctioned racing events for amateur, club and professional riders and drivers. Mid-Ohio's 2005 schedule features six spectator events, including American Le Mans at Mid-Ohio (May 20-22), Vintage Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio (June 24-26), AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days (July 15-17), Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire (July 22-24), EMCO Gears Road Racing Classic (August 26-28) and SCCA National Championship Runoffs® presented by Kohler (September 19-25).

Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, TrueSports, Inc. is a privately held motorsports entertainment enterprise. The company owns and operates Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and The Mid-Ohio School, and promotes a wide variety of motor racing, driver instruction, corporate, and family entertainment events throughout the year.

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