LEXINGTON, Ohio (July 26, 2017) - Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is honored to announce Archie Griffin, college football's only two-time Heisman Trophy winner and one of Ohio State's most accomplished alumnus, as Grand Marshal of this weekend's Honda Indy 200, on Sunday, July 30.
As Grand Marshal, Griffin will get to announce the most famous words in racing, "Drivers, start your engines!" as well as participate in other pre-race ceremonies for the 90-lap Verizon IndyCar Series season at Mid-Ohio. The race will be broadcast both globally and nationally with live coverage starting at 3:00 p.m. EDT on CNBC.
"We are incredibly excited to have Archie Griffin as our 2017 Grand Marshal," said Craig Rust, President of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. "While his accomplishments on the football field were tremendous, it is his impact on the central Ohio community and beyond through his professional career and public service that make him so special. He's a great Ohioan, and we're proud to have him be a part of the Honda Indy 200."
Griffin joined as Grand Marshal with an assist from local fan favorite Graham Rahal, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver of the No. 15 Steak 'n Shake Honda Indy car and the race's 2015 winner.
"It's great to have Archie Griffin as the Grand Marshal. He is an icon in our city, our state and around this country. He's the only two-time Heisman winner and a great Buckeye," said Rahal. "I have met him before several times as has my dad and I'm looking forward to seeing him at the Honda Indy 200!"
The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio will feature 12 different races from five series, including weekend headliner the Verizon IndyCar Series; the Mazda Road to Indy development ladder with Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires and Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship; and the Pirelli World Challenge Championships GT and GTS classes adding some sports car action.
A Weekend General Admission ticket for $75. Single-day general admission for Friday or Saturday is $40, and Sunday general admission is $55. Children 12 and under always receive free general admission at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course when accompanied by a ticketed adult. To purchase tickets in advance, visit midohio.com or call 419-884-4000, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. EDT, Monday to Friday. Follow the event on Twitter and Instragram with #Honda200.
ABOUT MID-OHIO SPORTS CAR COURSE
A comprehensive motorsports facility in Lexington, Ohio, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course features a permanent road-racing circuit with two primary configurations: a 2.4-mile, 15-turn, and a 2.25-mile, 13-turn circuit. 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 diversity of locally, regionally and nationally sanctioned racing events for amateur, club and professional drivers and riders. It is also home to The Mid-Ohio School, featuring over 20 driving and riding courses, for teenagers to professional racers. Opened in 1962, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is owned and operated by Green Savoree Racing Promotions.
For more information, visit midohio.com, facebook.com/MidOhioSportsCarCourse or follow updates on Twitter @Mid_Ohio and Instagram at officialmidohio.
Media Inquiries:
Steve Bidlack, Manager Marketing and Communications
419-884-4000 Ext. 4623 (office) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
