Mid Ohio Vintage Grand Prix..?

[Gilles]

I am near Dayton for work and it seems that I will be staying for the weekend, just found out that the Mid Ohio Vintage Grand Prix will be this weekend, therefore… :-)

This is one of the racetracks I always wanted to visit and this seems to be the right time however, but I would like to ask for advise from someone that has attended this event in the past.

* Does the $40 general admission tickets allow you to walk on the paddle..?
I had been very lucky to attend the Monterey Historic Races in Laguna Seca many times, and the coolest thing IMHO is that you can walk among all the race cars being able to admire them and smell them too, (if you know what do I meant)

* Does the $90 Hospitality that includes lunch for Saturday and Sunday worth it?

Hopefully someone that has been there for the Vintage GP can share some light, as I am bringing along a co-worker (a Japanese gear head..), and wanted to know if spending the extra money for the hospitality lunch (above the esses) is worth it or not.

I feel like a little kid waiting for X'mass to arrive...LOL

Thank you in advance!

.

[Burg Boxster]

Have been to Mid-O over the years for many DEs but not specifically for Vintage so take my comments w/ a grain of salt:

Though a bit pricey at +$25/day, the hospitality/lunch would be worthwhile... Mostly as matter of convenience unless you want to brown bag. FWIW, course / facility is about 4 miles outside of Lexington, OH and another ~10 mi or so from I-71. In other words, your alternatives are limited as it is a quaint mid-western town.

For dinners your options for chains (Applebees, etc.) are sufficient out by the interstate/hotels. Personally, I prefer finding and supporting local restaurants. A local Mexican joint was decent enough to put down more than one night but last fall they were closed. We did find a nice wine & tapas joint in a strip plaza close by called Happy Grape or similar. Chum up w/ the owner/bar tender (Mike if memory serves correctly) and you'll be well taken care of. There's also a sports-bar next to/near/connected w/ go-kart rental facility (Rocky's?) that I hear is decent but cannot personally attest to.

You should be allowed to meander in paddock when track is cold - doubtful you will be permitted to do so while hot. Mid-O is a spectacular road course and the track is in good shape. The facilities however are getting a bit long in the tooth.

Have fun and remember your lawn chair, suncreen and bug spray!!