Mid-Ohio Getting Ready for the NASA Championships - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

Mid-Ohio Getting Ready for the NASA Championships

OVER 300 CARS AT MID-OHIO THIS WEEKEND FOR NASA CHAMPIONSHIPS 

Hundreds of the nation's top amateur racers come to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course this weekend to compete for trophies, contingency money and bragging rights at the seventh annual NASA Championships presented by Toyo Tires.

Around 350 drivers from 15 regions across the U.S. are entered in over 30 different classes. Included among the entries are over 70 Ohioans representing every corner of the state from Toledo, Cleveland, Cincinnati and places in between.

"The NASA Championships bring the type of racing that Mid-Ohio was built upon.  We host the Great Lakes Region NASA drivers here a few times a year and are looking forward to once again having the full, nationwide lineup here this weekend.  This event is a great way for both NASA and Mid-Ohio to finish our respective seasons." said Craig Rust, president of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

The classes are  broken up into 10 groups running together as follows: Group A – American Iron, American Iron Extreme, Super Touring; Group B – Honda Challenge; Group C – Camaro Mustang Challenge, Factory Five, Spec Z; Group D – 944 Spec, Spec E30, Spec 3, 986 Spec; Group E – Spec Miata

Group F – Time Trial B, C, D, E, F; Group G – German Touring Series 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; Group H – Time Trial A, R, S, U; Group I – Super Touring R, Super Unlimited, Performance Touring A; Group J – Performance Touring B, C, D, E, F, Legends.

Most of the practices and qualifying occur Friday with four championship races beginning Saturday at 10:40 a.m. and another four starting Sunday at 10:45 a.m. Time Trial groups F and H run in several sessions beginning today and continuing through Sunday.

While the majority of drivers are amateur racers with day jobs to get back to, there are a handful of notable names on the entry list. Pro drivers Brian and Burt Frisselle (#77 Doran Racing DP in Rolex Sports Car Series) and Ryan Ellis (#30 i-Moto Racing Mazda Speed 3 in Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge) are expected to compete this weekend.

Weekend tickets start are $35 and daily tickets are $15. General parking is free and children 12 and under are also admitted free. Visit midohio.com anytime or call 800-MID-OHIO (643-6446) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. to order tickets or for more information.