Sharing the bill with the ALMS at the August 2010 Mid-Ohio weekend was the Izod IndyCar Series. This powerful pairing has drawn huge crowds to Mid-Ohio over the past few years. Race fans that weekend were given the treat of seeing the 2010 Indianapolis 500 winner and ultimately the 2010 IndyCar Series Champion, Dario Franchitti, bring home the win.

Fans visiting the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course also have a great opportunity to see the drivers, teams, and cars up-close and in-person. One of the reasons I enjoy going to Mid-Ohio is for the access that fans have behind the scenes. Seeing the effort made by the teams off the track makes me appreciate the on track performances even more.

Here are a few shots taken in the pits and paddock garage area during preparations for the IndyCar qualifying session on Saturday, prior to the ALMS race.

Drivers left to right: Ryan Hunter-Reay (Andretti Autosport), Helio Castroneves (Team Penske), and Tony Kannan (Andretti Autosport) discuss track conditions prior to qualifying.

Driver Raphael Matos (de Ferran Dragon Racing) with his crew making last minute adjustments.

Driver Dario Franchitti (Target Chip Ganassi Racing), winner of The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio, August 2010.