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The 1985 Columbus 500: A Forgotten Indy Car Race
Table of Contents
A unique chapter in Indy car history unfolded in 1985 when the Columbus 500, a 500-mile race, was held on a temporary street circuit in downtown Columbus, Ohio. The event, now largely a forgotten footnote, presented meaningful logistical challenges and ultimately proved to be a one-time occurrence. it remains an enigma to many, difficult to reconcile with the image of a major racing event taking place amidst the city’s core.
The Vision and the Venue
The idea to bring Indy car racing to Columbus originated with local promoters seeking to boost the city’s profile and economy. The proposed 1.608-mile course wound through the downtown streets, utilizing existing roadways and requiring considerable temporary modifications. These races were a little before my time, and are an enigma to me. Just hard to imagine downtown Columbus hosting such a big event.
– a sentiment echoed by many who remember the time.
Course Design and Challenges
constructing a safe and competitive racecourse presented numerous hurdles.The temporary nature of the track demanded extensive barriers, grandstand construction, and modifications to traffic patterns. The tight, winding layout, necessitated by the urban environment, was expected to prioritize driver skill and strategy over sheer speed. Concerns were raised regarding safety, given the close proximity of concrete barriers and the potential for accidents in a confined space.
The Race and Its Outcome
The 1985 Columbus 500 took place on July 27, 1985. The race was won by Al Unser Jr., driving for Newman/Haas Racing. He completed the 500 miles in 2 hours, 48 minutes, and 38.849 seconds, averaging 114.818 mph. danny Sullivan finished second, and Mario Andretti rounded out the podium in third place.
| Race details | |
|---|---|
| Date | July 27, 1985 |
| Location | Columbus, Ohio |
| Track Length | 1.608 miles |
| Race Distance | 500 miles |
| Winner | Al Unser Jr. |
| Winning Speed | 114.818 mph |
| Laps | 311 |
Did You Know? the Columbus 500 was part of the CART IndyCar World Series season in 1985.
Aftermath and Legacy
Despite the successful completion of the race, several factors contributed to its not being repeated.The substantial costs associated with transforming downtown columbus into a racetrack, coupled with logistical complexities and concerns from local businesses, proved insurmountable. The event’s financial viability was questioned, and the promoters ultimately decided against pursuing future races.
Pro Tip: Searching online archives and local news sources can reveal more details about the event’s impact on the Columbus community.
IndyCar on Twitter about historic races.
The 1985 Columbus 500 remains a unique and somewhat obscure event in Indy car history. It serves as a reminder of the ambition and challenges involved in bringing major motorsports events to unconventional locations. While the race itself may be largely forgotten, it continues to spark curiosity and discussion among racing enthusiasts.
Reddit discussion on
