Just like every visit to Mid-Ohio in the past, arrival at the track Friday morning was met with excitement and promise of a great weekend of racing. But, what made this year just a bit more special was that Mid-Ohio is celebrating their 50th Anniversary Season.

The track opened in 1962 and has since been a regular stop for many of America’s premier road-racing series. In March 2011, Green/Savoree Mid-Ohio, LLC purchased the track after a 29 year ownership by the Trueman family. Green/Savoree expressed their commitment to build upon and maintain the rich tradition of the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. That’s great news for all road racing fans.

Throughout its history, Mid-Ohio has hosted many classic racing series such as the SCCA’s Can-Am, Trans-Am, Formula 5000, and the popular Valvoline Run-Off Championships. The IMSA Camel GT, featuring the Lumberman’s 500, wowed the crowds, along with the current endurance classic, the American Le Mans Series. The best of American open-wheel racing have been featured at Mid-Ohio with the ever-popular CART Series, and the current IndyCar Series. The track has also hosted various motorcycle events. But the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course 50th Anniversary Season began as it should with a look to the past, by opening their calendar with the SVRA Vintage Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio.

Porsche was named the featured Marque for the event. The German car-maker served as a fitting symbol of racing excellence for the kick-off celebration of an American Classic, The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The Grand Marshal for Vintage Grand Prix weekend was Road Racing Legend, and former Porsche factory driver, Brian Redman.

The weekend began Friday with a mix of showers, wind, and sporadic sunshine. Though that may have limited the on-track activity, the paddock was busy with preparation for a packed weekend. The weather Saturday and Sunday did not disappoint, and the weekend, the season, and celebration were off to a blistering start.

Here are more images for your enjoyment…and yes, there are more to come. Enjoy.

At speed! ....Tim Sands (Westbend, WI) and his 1970 Titan MKVI (#27).

Fans had the thrill of meeting a true racing legend, Grand Marshal, Brian Redman.

Mid-Ohio fans are enthusiastic and passionate for their racing, and they were not disappointed!

The featured Marque was Porsche. Here is the 1997 Porsche 911/993 (#99) of Lawrence Schumacker (West Chester, OH) as he glides through the Esses.