FAQ

Here are some answers to questions we're frequently asked about The Mid-Ohio School and our programs. Those marked with ** are specific to our Performance Track Riding programs.

What kind of transmissions do the school cars have?

Most of the Acura ILX vehicles have standard transmissions, though a limited number of automatic transmission Acura ILXs are available. All of the Honda Civics have automatic transmissions. The Honda S2000 roadsters are all manual transmission vehicles.

Where can I stay if I'm travelling in from out of town??

A number of quality lodging options are available near Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course -- the location where The Mid-Ohio School courses are held.

The Comfort Inn-Bellville and Quality Inn & Suites-Bellville are the Preferred Hotels of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. For reservations and information, contact the Comfort Inn-Bellville at (419) 886-4000 or Quality Inn & Suites at (419) 886-7000. Mention that you are attending The Mid-Ohio School and these two hotels will offer you a discount off their standard room rates.

For further tourist information, please contact the Mansfield and Richland County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-642-8282 or visit them online at www.mansfieldtourism.com.

How does the Skid Car work?

The skid car simulates hazardous driving conditions like rain, snow, ice, wet leaves and gravel through the use of hydraulically, or manually, controlled outriggers. These outriggers support the majority of the weight of the car, creating less contact between the tire(s) and the driving surface. The car is designed to properly teach students how to react to the effects of oversteer and understeer.

Can I use my own car or motorcycle?

You may use your own street legal car for the Defensive Driving Programs and High Performance Courses, including the Lapping Program. It is highly recommended to use the school-supplied Hondas and Acuras due to the typical wear and tear from going through an extensive driving program. The Mid-Ohio School's cars are specifically set up for use in these courses. Students participating in Open Test & Tune Sessions and Performance Track Riding must provide their own vehicle.

May I use my convertible car?

Convertible automobiles are welcome for use in all on-track driving programs at The Mid-Ohio School as long as they are equipped with a proper roll bar. Roll bars are not required for Lead/Follow track lapping. Rules do vary by course type. Please read the Requirements section for each course.

What should I wear?

Dress casually and comfortably. Closed-toe shoes are required.

Will helmets be provided?

Helmets will be provided to all driving program students. Helmets are not required for the Teen Defensive Driving Programs. PLEASE NOTE: Participants in the Open Test & Tune sessions MUST provide their own helmets.

Will lunch be provided?

Yes. Lunch is included for participants (afternoon and twilight sessions excluded). While we do our best to provide lunches appealing to most customers, if you have special dietary needs or restrictions, please email gduffy@midohio.com and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

**What preparations are essential to my bike?

CLICK HERE for detailed Bike Preparation.

Will gas be available to buy?

We have Sunoco gas available through our credit card pay pumps.

Fuel Available:

Cam2 (Purple) Leaded 100 Octane
Cam2 (Clear) Unleaded 100 Octane
260GTX Unleaded Non-Oxygenated 98 Octane
Premium Unleaded 93 Octane

Pumps are available any time the facility is open. Payment method is by major credit card only - including but not limited to: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and Sunoco credit/cash cards.

What time do gates open?

Gate 3 is typically open by 7am. Please check specific course information on the website or in the information packet emailed to you along with the order confirmation.

**What about check-in/registration?

Registration and tech will open two (2) hours prior to the first on-track session. A rider’s meeting usually occurs 40 minutes before the first session. Please check the separate informational e-mail you received as part of your enrollment confirmation for course specifics.

**Which group goes on track first?

Please note formats vary by type of Performance Track Riding event. Full day sessions: Riders will be separated into three levels - Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced. Intermediate riders will begin the session, followed by Advanced and Novice. The first group will take the track at approximately 8:45am. Any changes will be announced during the mandatory riders' meeting which takes place at approximately 8:15am. Twilight sessions: Riders will be separated into two levels – Intermediate and Advanced. Riders' meeting will be at approximately 4:30, with the first group typically on track at 5:00pm.

**What is the Frequent Rider program?

Simply purchase 4 track days or gift certificates directly from Mid-Ohio in the same season. The count for the season will only include paid track days and gift certificates purchased directly from Mid-Ohio, not other riders.

- No late registration fees, even as a walk-up.

- No rescheduling fee within 30 days of track day: Purchase 4 days - reschedule one time with no fee. Purchase 7 days - reschedule 2 days with no fees. Purchase 10 days - reschedule 3 days with no fees.

- Already registered, but unable to attend or decided not to ride? Call up to 72 hrs after the event to reschedule. No questions asked.

- Automatically eligible to ride for free on Appreciation Day.

- Riders with 10 or more eligible days will be entered into a drawing to win free track days for the entire next season!

- Frequent Rider benefits do not carry into the following year and cannot be transferred to another rider.