Central Ohio once had a thriving auto racing scene, sparking curiosity from a Curious Cbus viewer about Columbus’ rich motorsports history. Legendary racer and 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal shares how Columbus became home to vibrant grassroots racing, the Columbus 500 and helped launch national talent.
“The history of motor racing in the state of Ohio goes way back,” said racing legend Bobby Rahal. “Really probably as far back as Indiana and Indianapolis in itself.”
Ohio once hosted numerous dirt tracks and road circuits, including the famed Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, which opened in the early 1960s and the Put-in-Bay races of the 1950s.
“It truly was grassroots,” Rahal recalled. “Every car dealer had a team…every auto parts store had a car or was involved in it.”
Columbus itself was home to the Columbus Motor Speedway and the Columbus 500, a street race that brought international attention to the city.
“The Columbus 500 was a significant race because it brought IMSA European-style racing into the streets of Columbus, Ohio,” Rahal explained. “Some of the best drivers in the world came to the streets in Columbus and competed for a trophy that was highly sought after.”
The area also nurtured local talent. Drivers like Bob Johnson, Don Sessler, and Chuck Dietrich found national success, helping to cement Ohio’s place in American motorsports.
Though many of the local tracks have since closed, the spirit of racing remains strong.
“The passion, the fervor for racing is as strong today in the Columbus area as it ever was,” Rahal said. “I don’t see that going away.”