The race used to be part of a doubleheader with the American Le Mans Series, however in ALMS chose not to return to the track during its final year, 2013.

The sponsorship arrangement complements the track's proximity to the manufacturer's assembly plants in Marysville, East Liberty, and Anna.

In late 1981, Truesports owner Jim Trueman purchased the Mid-Ohio facility, and early rumors had the track returning for the 1982 CART season.

In addition, some observers felt that the powerful CART/Champ Cars had "outgrown" the narrow, winding course, citing a lack of passing and competition over the previous several years.

Restarting in 2007, the race would be sponsored by IRL engine supplier Honda, which has a prominent manufacturing presence in the central Ohio area.

Chip Ganassi Racing leads with eleven total victories, with driver Scott Dixon scoring six of those wins.

Such a lead-in usually created a strong television audience, but it was at the risk of the golf tournament running long due to a playoff, as it did in 2007.

During a track repaving project in early 1990, a straightaway segment was paved to create an alternate layout which bypasses the chicane.

Since the 1990 race, the Indy cars have utilized the alternate course, bypassing the chicane and creating a passing zone going into the keyhole.

This allows the entire field to properly assemble into the grid formation, and start the race heading towards the best passing zone on the circuit.

Since the start/finish line at the pit straight is immediately proceeded by the tight and slow carousel, it does not allow for optimum racing into the first turn.

Over the years, restarts after caution periods were previously done at the pit straight, but since 2017, sometimes those too have been moved to the auxiliary starting line.