bringing Racing back to downtown Columbus

White cat sitting in a toilet bowl looking up.

The Columbus 500

In 1985, Downtown Columbus transformed into a high-speed street circuit as the Columbus 500 brought professional racing to the city. A 2.65-mile course wound through what is now the Arena District, with race cars hitting speeds of 170 mph as thousands of fans lined the streets. City crews spent weeks preparing the roads, turning everyday streets into a temporary raceway for the roaring engines and intense competition. While the Columbus 500 was short-lived, it left behind a legacy — one of speed, excitement, and the dream of racing in the heart of the city

Vintage street car race in an urban setting with tall buildings, race cars on the road, and a crowd of spectators on the sidelines.
Vintage black and white photo of a race car on an empty city street during a motorsport event, surrounded by tall buildings and spectators.

Racing’s Golden Era Meets the Thrill of Tomorrow.

Nearly 40 years later, Racing Line is reviving that energy, bringing the thrill of motorsport back to Downtown Columbus—but in a whole new way. With state-of-the-art SIM racing technology, we put drivers of all skill levels in the cockpit of realistic racing experiences, complete with force feedback steering, motion seats, and laser-scanned tracks from around the world. Whether you're competing in a league, dropping in for a quick race, or watching a Grand Prix with friends, Racing Line is where past meets future, and the love of racing lives on.

Person using a racing simulator with a steering wheel and multiple monitors displaying a racing game.
Gaming lounge with racing simulator seats and screens.
Man in black sweater and cap leaning on a countertop, smiling, with a city street visible through a window behind him.

Meet Shaun, The guy behind the driver seat.

Shaun Cupp is the owner of Racing Line, an independent Sim Racing Center and Bar located in the heart of downtown Columbus, Ohio. A lifelong Ohioan and passionate car enthusiast, Shaun has been immersed in the world of motorsports since childhood.

After spending over 20 years working in the automotive industry with BMW of North America, Shaun combined his love for racing and his professional expertise to create Racing Line—a place where anyone, from seasoned drivers to newcomers, can experience the thrill of racing in a dynamic and welcoming environment. It’s the kind of place Shaun always wished existed in Ohio, and now he’s bringing that vision to life.

When he’s not running Racing Line, Shaun enjoys taking his own BMW to the track and sharing his love for cars with his family. His wife and two kids not only understand his obsession with all things automotive but have supported him wholeheartedly in launching this new venture.

Two people talking to a person in a cap behind a counter with a racing theme, brick wall, and "Racing Line" sign.