Premier Product Placement

This sign greets drivers as they approach Turn Ten on Russell Street.  There for years, it  harkens to the days when were real corner service stations.  But as of yesterday, it is something entirely better.  For when the the Baltimore Grand Prix pack zooms by, it becomes the perfect product placement for one of the international event's newest sponsors.

Yes, the Philadelphia-based fuel provider Sunoco will be the official fuel and Pit Lane sponsor,  playing a key role in keeping the racers on track as they travel speeds of up to 180 mph throughout the streets of Baltimore.

Our friendly Ridgely's Delight neighbor has long been a fixture in our lives here at Camden Yards.  The Junquemobile has limped in on fumes or low tires on more than one occasion.  It's a buffer between quiet residential street and a major thoroughfare.

Now, of course, it becomes a focal point in the coverage as cars careen around the corner on the serpentine stretch between Lee and Pratt.

Baltimore Grand Prix has also picked up a few more sponsors with local ties, like Chevy Chase-based GEICO insurance.  By an amazing coincidence the Gecko himself already has a presence close to the course.  He graces this silo overlooking Lot O near M&T Bank Stadium.

There are a number of alcoholic beverages as sponsors.  We don't need to list them here, but you know they will be in attendance at the Turn Ten.  Like us, they've been regulars for years.

The Grand Prix is beginning to feel like an established part of the neighborhood.  Maybe that's because it already is.

Preview at St. Pete

In a little more than five months, the streets of Baltimore will be transformed into a world-class race course.  It may have been hard to feel the energy while you were idling on Pratt Street last winter, but now that it's spring and the Indy Car season is officially underway, it's time to get acquainted with those racing superstars coming our way this summer.

St. Petersburg is the first stop on the 17 race circuit, which consists of road courses, street races, an airport, and oval tracks (which includes the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500.)

At 9:30 this morning, the "World's Fastest Spring Break Party" shifts into gear with a variety of media and fan friendly activities that comprise the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

Among the attractions in this family-friendly weekend are the Budweiser Clydesdales, who will be trotting  (but presumably not racing) around town, a parade of the cars, and a 5K walkathon for charity in addition to the music and parties that abound.

Not all the attractions are confined to the ground, as Red Bull will be performing their stunt and daredevil air show, the US Special Operations Command will be demonstrating free fall parachuting, and the T-28 Warbird Aerobatic Formation Demonstration Team will give a flyover during the National Anthem.

If you want to get a taste of what will be coming to Maryland, you can follow the practices and races on line through streaming video by going here:

http://motorsportslive.blogspot.com/2010/03/honda-grand-prix-of-st-petersburg-live.html

Here are some race particulars:

Date - Sunday, March 27th

Time & TV Schedule - 12:00PM Eastern -Green Flag;  Live network coverage -12:30PM Eastern -ABC Television

Course Type - 1.8 Mile Street Course

Distance - 100 Laps / 180 Miles

Practice Sessions - Friday, March 25th -10:15AM-11:15AM Eastern & 3:00PM-4:00PM Eastern / Saturday, March 26th - 10:10AM -11:10AM Eastern / Warm-Up Session - Sunday, March 27th -8:40AM-9:10AM Eastern

Qualifications - Saturday, March 26th -2:30PM -3:50PM Eastern

2010 Pole Sitter - Will Power - Lap Time -1:01.6026 / Speed -105.190

2010 Winner - Will Power

So take some time out from March Madness to get acquainted with the speed demons who will be joining us this summer.  It's a high octane happening.

Where Racing Meets Real Estate

Perhaps this shouldn't come as a surprise, since aficionados of street racing appear to be a well-heeled. jet-setting lot.  But while checking stories about races courses in Long Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, and now Abu Dhabi, it seems that these successful and highly visible races drive more than cars -- they also propel the housing market.

In international venues where Formula 1 tracks are being constructed, luxury condo developments are right behind them.  In downtown locations like St. Petersburg and Long Beach, existing apartments and condos charge premium prices on the leasing and resale market for their proximity to the action.

Obviously, it is much too soon to see if this phenomenon manifests itself in the Baltimore market.  We won't be able to tell who benefits until the fleet goes roaring by.  But it is one of those ancillary considerations that isn't calculated until a successful event establishes itself as a tradition. 

Hopefully, the Baltimore Grand Prix will be an unqualified hit from the first green flag and real estate values will rise as a result.

Baltimore Grand Prix -- faster than the speed of light

Ticket sales are beyond turbo charged.  They're actually airborne, and zooming out the door.  We just received the weekly update from the Folks on Four (our BRD neighbors in the Warehouse) that 33,775 tickets have already been sold for the Labor Day Weekend races.

That's right -- the season, which kicks off in St. Petersburg next month, is still five weeks away and already the inaugural Baltimore event has sold 33,775 tickets.

Here's the breakdown:

The Baltimore Grand Prix has already sold 34% of its anticipated weekend attendance of 100,000.  The total reserved seating capacity is 23,506, with current seats sold on Sunday: 9,412 and 7,471 for Saturday.

That means 40% of available Sunday tickets and 32% of Saturday already gone.  And this is before a lot of local folks even get the chance to tune in and see how exciting this 17 event circuit is.

We understand tickets have been bought all over the country -- and the world -- by those passionate fans of open wheel and LeMans Series racing.  Once the countdown to Baltimore begins, we can only bet how much faster those seats are going to fly.

So don't be disappointed -- get yours now.

Buzzing in Baltimore

Look at those green lights beaming over the first IndyCar on Camden Street.  Is that fortuitous, or what? 

Although it had to be the coldest day of winter, an enthusiastic crowd showed up yesterday to get an up close look at what will be zooming through the streets in September.

The occasion was actually the announcement that Entergy Nuclear -- a clean, green nuclear energy source --has agreed to become Simona de Silvestro's primary sponsor for the next three seasons, keeping the Swiss Miss of the Indy circuit in her familiar No. 78 car for HVM Racing.  They chose Baltimore for the announcement because of all the energy (not nuclear, but still clean and definitely high test) emanating from here about the race.

Ms. de Silverstro, the 2010 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year, came to Baltimore to put her car through its paces and show what her team could do in the pit.  She was assisted by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, who got to rev the engine.

There was plenty of other good news to share yesterday. 

First was the announcement by BRD President Jay Davidson that tickets sales of 27,000 to date were well ahead of the most optimistic projections.  With this pace, Davidson projects there will be over 100,000 fans joining us for the Labor Day festivities.

His optimism was echoed by IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard, who predicted Baltimore would zoom to one of the top three events on the circuit.

As for the buzz emanating from the engine, it was surprisingly bearable (albeit to someone subjected to jackhammers over the past few months.)  It has more of a highpitched hum instead of the scat-wheels roar heard at the drag strips.

Of course, there is nothing quite like the dulcet ringing of cash registers, and that is probably the sound that will linger with us the longest after IndyCar comes to town.

As we said, those tickets are going fast.  If you don't want to get left at the gate, get yours now.

Round Up at the Car Club Corral

I was rather puzzled when first viewing the animated map of the Baltimore Grand Prix.  I noted there was something called a paddock in Lot B here at Camden Yards and,  immediately next to it in Lot C, a corral.

To the uninitiated, it sounded more like a layout at the Preakness (or the Ponderosa.)  But now that details of the American Le Mans Series part of the Labor Day extravaganza are coming out, I better understand why Camden Yards will be the center of so much of the Grand Prix action.

The American Le Mans Series involves cars made by various manufacturers, such as Porsche, Corvette, BMW, Ferrari, Ford, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Mazda, and Acura.

These brands have their devotees -- many of whom participate in road course driving themselves.  As has been noted previously in this blog, road course driving is exceedingly popular in Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region.  A number of our regional stadiums are used for these amateur meets.

Other events -- such as the Polish Mountain Hill Climb sponsored by the National Road Autosport Club in Cumberland -- have an avid following for their annual open road challenge up the mountain.

In short, Maryland is a motor sports state, from tracks and strips in Allegany, Washington and Frederick Counties to road course driving and rallies in the central region to more tracks, strips and courses on the Eastern Shore and St. Mary's County.

And with this culture comes car clubs -- like-minded folks who share a passion for a particular discipline or vehicle model.

Traditionially, when there are major racing events, there are also car club corrals, where these interest groups can bring their prize steeds, brag, and hang out together while enjoying the sights, sounds and smells that go with the sport.

(I'm not sure if tailgating is a part of this experience or not.  While at Polish Mountain, I saw activities that look suspiciously like grilling, but this may not have been a sanctioned activity.)

In any case, the Baltimore Grand Prix, by popular demand, is featuring a Car Club Corral for member groups.

Among the benefits for Car Club attendees are premier parking in Lot C (next to the track between turns on Lee Street, adjacent to the ALMS paddock,) a dedicated grandstand seat between turns 10 and 12, and various hospitality options (which could mean tents or rallies in the Warehouse.)

These car club functions sometimes include seminars and sessions with manufacturer reps.  And BGP is even promising an on-track parade!

(Note:  there will be personally guided tours of Bin 400, Warehouse B, offered with the Lamborghini club hospitality package.)

So while the Junquemobile may feel slighted that there are no rallies for vintage Quest mini-vans, I have to admit the idea of sharing the Camden Yards complex with a fleet of hot cars does sound appealing.

This event just keeps getting better and better . . . .!

As the World Watches . . .

We got word yesterday that American Le Mans action will be seen this season on ESPN and ABC.

That is great news for Baltimore and Maryland because American Le Mans is a featured performer in the Baltimore Grand Prix this coming September.


ALMS competes on North America’s premier road courses such as Sebring International Raceway. ALMS includes multiple classes of cars – Prototype and Grand Touring – which race on the track at the same time to create compelling race action and constant passing.

According to ALMS and ESPN, all ALMS races will be carried live in their entirety and fully produced on ESPN3.com, with ESPN2 and ABC providing televised coverage on a delayed basis.

The combination of two premier race series (IndyCar and LeMans) in one location on the same weekend is a great opportunity for race fans. This has contributed greatly to the success of the events in Long Beach and St. Petersburg.


More fans, more network coverage -- what's not to love?

That means aerial shots of the harbor, great views of the Convention Center crowds, some action on Pit Row (where the cacaphony continues under my window) and visits to the ALMS paddock here in Camden Yards.

Here's the best part -- the 2011 ESPN telecast package also includes a two-hour documentary-style broadcast from our inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix, to be produced by Intersport, an award winning media and marketing agency. 

In other words, a freebie travelog on the best of Baltimore, from all angles, with non-stop excitement, appearing on a premier sports platform.


This event keeps getting better and better.  And we still have eight months to go before the checkered flags fall.

On Time, On Budget

For the people I work with, it's more than a mantra.  On time, on budget is a promise made and kept.

While I've always admired the work ethic that comes that commitment, this is the first time I've lived with it.  In this case, it means heavy construction projects with a tight schedule.  Under my window.  It's an eye opener rather than earache, though.  It shows just how skillfully our professionals plan things.

Because Camden Yards operates 365 days a year as an office complex, visitor attraction, and transit center as well as sports complex, our engineers coordinate work around those functions.  Their juggling is worthy of Cirque du Soleil.

Right now, it is well below freezing with high winds making the chill factor much lower.  But work began on the Pit Lane improvements long before I arrived this morning.  Like the widening of Lee Street by the City, construction had to begin as soon as the Orioles season ended, and completed before their return in the spring.

That's a pretty narrow window, and doesn't leave much wiggle room for bad weather or anything else.  And yes, there is some discomfort for Ravens home games, but that will be more than compensated by improved traffic flow and some additional parking when the project is complete.

Pit Row is not the only project that has battled the elements.  Here is a picture of the work on the seating bowl that continued during the February blizzards earlier this year.  Again, the new seats and drainage trenches had to be installed by Opening Day.  Neither rain, nor snow, nor other meterological surprises could stop the work.

And it didn't.  Additional work on the seating bowl has continued this off season, and we can guarantee you, it will be finished no matter what Mother Nature throws at us this year.  (Hard to top last year, Mom.)

So while we all look forward to the wonderful experiences we have at Camden Yards, (and will have at the Baltimore Grand Prix over Labor Day,)  take a moment to appreciate what goes into keeping our facilities the best of the best. 

Even if it occasionally sounds like a woodpecker on steroids outside your window.

Vrooming up Russell Street

Terry and I were ambling towards our favorite haunt beyond center field late yesterday afternoon.  The streets were nearly deserted as we crossed Russell Street, as most folks already checked out for the holidays.

Out of nowhere a car careened around the corner, creating a bit of excitement.

"I think the Grand Prix is underway," Terry quipped as we dashed across the median.  Terry had good reason to think so, based on the good news he'd just heard.

Hard to believe, but in a few short months that median will be covered with grandstands.  And, as Terry shared with me when we were safely seated in our watering hole, those grandstands are well on their way to being filled.  Phones were ringing even as we sipped our holiday cheer.

Here's what he heard from organizers:  after two initial online offerings, more than 20,000 tickets for the Labor Day "Festival of Speed" have been sold.  Spectators will be coming from all over the country. To date, tickets have been sold in thirty three states and Puerto Rico.  These include every Eastern Seaboard state from Maine to Florida, and across the country to include most of the Midwest and the entire West Coast.

While the IZOD and BRD folks are gratified, you know the hotels and restaurants must be doing handsprings.  This kind of response indicates a diverse, affluent visitor that will be encamped locally for several days.  Much as we love the home crowds, it's those out of staters who really get the economy jumping.

This is the kind of news that energizes everyone.  Gives us one more good thing to look forward to in the New Year.  Even those jackhammers under my window are beginning to sound like jingle bells.  Or cash registers.

Don't get left in the dust.  Get your tickets now.

No Reindeer Required

You never know what you're going to see on Ravens Walk.  As the band filed through the festive crowd yesterday, one of the Saints fans said it reminded him of Mardi Gras.

But this little trinket, wrapped nicely with a Christmas bow, didn't look like anything you'd see on Bourbon Street.  More than a few onlookers said they'd like to find it under their tree.

While that probably isn't possible, there is always the next best thing --- tickets to the 2011 Baltimore Grand Prix.  Which is just what this vendor was encouraging fans to do.

After so many weeks of behind the scenes activity, the Labor Day event is all over the airwaves now that tickets are available.  Folks streaming across the construction on Lee Street could see how the work is incorporated into the race by studying the exhibit on display with the car.

With these visuals, the layout is easier to understand.  Instead of a mere concept, the event is a reality -- and coming soon to Camden Yards.

It was only a few months ago we were gathered at the Convention Center for the official announcement of the race.  Now, you can hear the buzz all over town (not to mention the din under Bin 400)  If you haven't reserved your tickets, now is a good time to do so.   The good seats are going fast.

As our friends on Ravens Walk reminded us -- tickets make a great gift idea.  And they're easy to wrap (or stuff in a stocking.)

Peeling out of the Gate

Despite the white-out from the cold, snowy weather, tickets went on sale as promised for the Labor Day Weekend running of the Baltimore Grand Prix.

As we mentioned in an earlier post, limited sales to Checked Flag Club members raised over $600,000 in just two hours.  That's a pretty good barometer of the interest level in this event.

The gates opened at 10:00 AM (EST) this morning and there is already a rush.

The inaugural event will include two headline races from the IZOD IndyCar Series and the American Le Mans Series, as well as full three-day festival of music, food and fun.  Organizers like to refer to the weekent as a "Festival of Speed" for the many activities it will feature.

Of course, the weather outside makes holiday shopping more challenging, so the timing couldn't be better.  With only eight more days before Christmas, buying a set of Grand Prix tickets as a stuffing stuffer has great appeal.

Fans have a variety of ticket options to choose from. Both grounds admission and reserved grandstand tickets are available, as single-day or three-day tickets. Reserved grandstand tickets will offer fans a guaranteed seat for the races on Saturday and Sunday as well as the best view of the action at key locations around the track.

Single day reserved tickets start at $65, while 3-day reserved tickets range from $130 - $160.

(No, I'm not renting space in Bin 400, although it has to be one of the best views in the city.)

Grounds admission tickets start at $20 for Friday, representing the most economical way for fans to enjoy the event and take in the sights and sounds of the Grand Prix. On Friday, most grandstands will be general admission seating, allowing grounds admission ticket holders the opportunity to see racecars traveling at more than 180 m.p.h. during practice and qualifying on the streets of Baltimore for only $20.

After racing is over on Friday, fans will be treated to an evening headliner free to all ticket holders. Details regarding the concert will be announced at a later date.

Saturday will feature qualifying for the IZOD IndyCar Series, and the American Le Mans Series Presented by Tequila Patron will take center stage for an afternoon race. On Sunday, the Grand Prix will culminate with the IZOD IndyCar Series race.

A variety of activities will take place in three entertainment zones throughout the infield area: the Family Fun Zone, the Action Sports Zone (that's in Camden Yards), and the Party Zone.

Fans will be treated to live local music throughout the weekend, major concerts at night, excellent food, beer gardens, interactive exhibits, and entertainment ranging from professional beach volley ball to extreme sports demonstrations.

Grandstands for the event will be located throughout the planned two-mile racetrack around Baltimore's Inner Harbor and will be strategically placed to give fans views of the fastest and most action-packed areas of the track. Most grandstands are available for either three-day or single-day tickets, but the best grandstands are available only to three-day ticket buyers.

The Grand Prix will be offering paddock passes as single day and three-day passes. These tickets do not provide admittance into the Grand Prix, but allow fans special access to one of the most exciting areas at the Grand Prix: the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights paddocks.  These will be located in the Baltimore Convention Center, which lies within the course.   Paddock passes will give fans a chance to see the race teams and drivers at work up close in an air-conditioned environment.

A variety of corporate hospitality options are also available, including Turn 1 Suites, Pit Lane Suites, Terrace Chalets, Harborside Village, and Trackside Patios. Fans wanting to purchase individual tickets with a little more luxury will be interested in the Grand Prix Club and also the VIP Balcony Club, which gives fans air-conditioned comfort and an excellent view from a balcony at the Baltimore Convention Center.
Tickets are available online or by phone at 877-4-FLY-TIX.

If you're tired of snow already, order those tickets.  It's a pretty safe bet you won't be dealing with the white stuff over Labor Day.

Roaring to the Ticket Window

The flag had barely dropped when fingers started flying over keyboards around the country. Tickets for the 2011 Inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix went on limited sale December 8th . Early supporters of the race, known as the Checkered Flag Club, had first crack at all selections. They were quick to take advantage.


Race promoters were astonished at the number and levels of tickets sold. In all, more than $600,000 of tickets were snapped up in two hours during this abbreviated offering. It was a rousing vote of confidence for the widespread appeal of this event.

Tickets to the general public will open December 16th. Given the early rush at the box office, it might be advisable to tuck a few of these away in someone's Christmas stocking. By Labor Day, it might be standing room only.

(Observation opportunities in Bin 400 are also limited, as I've been reminding my sons for months.)

You'll find a dynamic layout of the course, festival, and all the amenities around it by clicking this interactive feature on the Baltimore Grand Prix website. This shows you were the grandstands, sponsoring hotels, paddocks, and action zones will all be located (with no sign of the jackhammers, backhoes, or hardhats currently on the site.)

From there you can access the ticket sale feature.

Start counting down the days until you can buy YOUR tickets. Then you can go out and cheer for the Pratt Street Pavers with renewed gusto. Maybe even wave a flag or two. We're all doing our part to make this event a fabulous success.

Win-Win-Win

Hard to believe, but nine months from now the inaugural 2011 Baltimore Grand Prix will highlight a "Festival of Speed" over Labor Day weekend.  This includes Indy Car and American Le Mans races through the streets of downtown, along with numerous family-oriented activities and attractions in the race village within the course.

Like most highly anticipated births, this blessed event comes with some pains early in its gestation.  Instead of morning sickness and heartburn, we're dealing with road construction during rush hour and utility replacement in pedestrian thoroughfares.

Here in Camden Yards, the epicenter of race activities, this translates into closed parking lots, redirected traffic, disappearing curbs, and a lot of jackhammers.  

But the momentary discomfort is forgotten when weighed against all the improvements this project brings to our facility.  The result will be a win-win-win for many years to come.

First, the aesthetics.  Camden Yards has changed greatly over the past twenty years, evolving from a gritty industrial park into a vibrant entertainment complex, visitor attraction and transit center.  However, the east side of the Warehouse -- corridor to the Inner Harbor -- has experienced very little since it was surrounded by a sea of asphalt in 1992.  Since then, the expanded Convention Center borders us on the northeast, the Hilton Baltimore looms over our north, Camden Station has developed into a museum site and popular catering facility, and the light rail/MARC station has more than doubled in use. Thousands of visitors enter Baltimore via this route every week.

What was once the back door to the ballpark is now a major gateway, and it could use more than a little makeover.  Cosmetic surgery is neither painless nor cheap (take it from one who knows) but the cost of this facelift is more than offset by its contributions to our complex.

From this course diagram you can the focus on the east approach to the Warehouse, where cars will enter after zooming down Conway.  After crossing Howard they will either turn left and continue to the end of the Warehouse, or turn right to pull into Pit Row alongside it.

This is a rendering of how the course alongside the Warehouse will look, with Pit Row being the lane closest to the building.  The barriers are temporary structures that will be removed after the race so it can be reclaimed for parking duties.  One of the benefits of this reconstruction is having the entire stretch resurfaced.  It will also be reconfigured to give an extra lane for bus parking during major events.

But the real aesthetic and environmental improvements to our campus can be seen in this rendering, which gives a panoramic view of the entrance.  Notice the pedestrian plaza, with its planters, trees, benches and lighting.  This is complemented by the planters edging the Warehouse and inside the two new traffic circles that will facilite vehicular flow.  This represents a major improvement to the sports complex and also the MARC and light rail stations. 

The large concrete recepticle being unloaded by the crane in the top picture will hold 7,000 gallons of water, which will be captured from stormwater runoff and reused to irrigate the new planters.

So out of our involvement with the Baltimore Grand Prix, we get a new look for our east entrance, hundreds of trees, shrubs and flowers, a resurfaced parking facility, and a highly profitable event showcasing our facility to visitors and viewers all over the world.

Win-Win-Win.  For this, we can listen to a chorus of jackhammers a little longer.

A New View from Bin 400

I was just asked about the horrible racket in the background during a telephone conversation.  Horrible racket, indeed!!  What he was hearing was the sweet sound of jobs and a major event in the making.

Behold the view from Bin 400, Warehouse B.  That's the future Pit Row of the 2011 Baltimore Grand Prix under construction.  (What looks like rubble in the lower right corner is actually granite window sill.  MOSHA doesn't allow me to lean any farther.)

The large rectangular pit in the foreground will be the site of an underground reservoir that will capture stormwater runoff and allow it to be reused for irrigation.  That's supposed to arrive next week.

The oval area at the top, which is where the race cars will enter from Conway Street, will be levelled and transformed into a pedestrian mall with portable trees, planters, streetlights and benches that can be moved to accommodate the race.

In less than a year, the east side of the Warehouse will be one of the most exciting stretchs of the internationally covered race, as cars zip down Conway Street and spin into the pit or veer left to take the corner at Lee Street.  As for now, a little jackhammering just helps us keep alert.

Another Player Takes the Field

It becomes official tomorrow, but early press reports have already tipped tout le monde of the newest entry into the "Festival of Speed" next Labor Day.

Tomorrow (September 1st) at the Inner Harbor at noon, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake will announce that the American Le Mans Series will add their event to the Baltimore Grand Prix.

The American Le Mans Series, which will consist of ten races in 2011, is a different kind of racing in different vehicles.  It has an entirely different constituency and fan base, so the presence of this event will enhance the experience for Indy Car aficionatos while drawing in additional spectators for another race.

This add-on doesn't mean additional construction or further delays -- it will be incorporated into the existing race course and schedule.  The only thing it brings more of is $$$$, via the traveling teams and their followers.

Here's the revised course.  It has been tightened up considerably with greater use of the Camden Yards complex.  Pit Row will abutt the length of the historic Warehouse, with the access turns directly in front of Camden Station.  Exit from the pit land and one stretch of the course will take the drivers down Lee Street, between the two stadiums.

The popular paddock area will be in the Convention Center (which will also feature a two block observation deck overlooking Conway,) and family activities will be staged outside Home Plate Plaza in Lot A.

This will look stunning on television, with all the aerial footage focused on the action taking place among those recognizable Baltimore landmarks.

We'll be hearing a lot about the Baltimore Grand Prix in the coming year.  Tune in to their website frequently for news about the schedule, activities, and participants.

Feel the Energy!

OK, it's almost 100 degrees again, so you probably don't want to think about going outside or anywhere near asphalt.

But it you need a quick burst of adrenalin to get you through the afternoon, go visit the new Baltimore Grand Prix website.  That should get your engines humming.

The event will be coming to downtown Baltimore in about 13 months, but you'll be seeing the road improvements and other course enhancements long before then.

Be a part of the action and learn more about the sport.  Check out the website and see you you can be involved.

Revving Up the Convention Center

Today's the day!   Indy Racing League and Baltimore Racing Development are holding a press conference to announce the sanctioning of the Baltimore Grand Prix as part of the Indy Car annual circuit.

That puts us in the same league as St. Petersburg, Long Beach, and even the Indy 500, because these cars race on oval as well as street courses during the season.

While the first event is slated for August, 2011, the commitment is through 2015 -- giving Marylanders something to plan summer getaways around for the next several years.

Governor O'Malley and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake are leading cheers right now for a crowd that includes the tourism industry, economic development operatives, elected officials, and race enthusiasts.  From the number of reporters and cameras I saw before snapping this shot and slithering across the street, you'll be hearing a lot about this race and its potential on the 6:00 o'clock news tonight.

This is Wheels Week.  After the high octane roar today, Team Terry shifts gears for a pedal power pitch for Tour de Maryland tomorrow.  We'll be covering that from Annapolis, so stay tuned.

Gearing Up

Baltimore's Board of Estimates is meeting now.  I'm not sure where the contract with Baltimore Racing Development for the 2011 Grand Prix is on the agenda, but today's Baltimore Sun story makes it sound like the green flag is already waving and there are plenty of people saluting.

There is supposed to be a press conference after the BOE vote, where the next steps will be outlined.  However, it sounds like Indy Race (the governing body of the circuit) is ready to bless Baltimore just as soon as the City signs the dotted line.

I love this kind of story because it keeps unfolding as more people discover the opportunities an event like this brings to the regional economy.  As with the Preakness, the benefits have a ripple effect as different segments of the hospitality and transportation industries realize what's in it for them.  Lots and lots of out of state visitors looking for places to stay, eat and visit.  Lots of yachts looking for marinas to accommodate them and service their vessels.  Lots of international stars to watch and cameras to catch the action.

And lots of adrenaline-fueled excitement for us locals with a view.  (Warehouse Bin 400 overlooks two tight turns on the course.  Can't wait to hear the swarming buzz.)

We'll have more as the story develops.  But today's contract ratification means the ignition key has been turned and the race to establishing a world class event in August, 2011 is underway.

The $$$$ (and sense) of IndyCar

Ryan Hunter-Reay wasn't the only winner in Long Beach.  Now that the racing festival is over and the beans are getting counted, it looks like the International City did pretty well itself.

Attendance for the three day weekend clocked 170,000, but that was certainly not the only benefit.  Long Beach officials estimated the race had a $35 million economic impact on the region.


The Los Angeles Times called the 36th Long Beach Grand Prix a “marketing megaphone for the city” because of the visitors it brought to town and the millions more who watched the event on multiple platforms.
 
Long Beach followed the road course in St. Petersburg by two weeks.  St. Petersburg had a rain delay, which postponed the main event by a day.   Despite the thunderstorms, attendance met or exceeded the 160,000 from last year.  City officials were described as "extremely pleased" with the results.

So while we can't count the chickens before they hatch here in Maryland, it doesn't hurt to start calculating the dollars it could potentially bring by looking at what similar events produce. 

It only makes sense.

Another Sneak Preview -- Long Beach

As talks continue to bring a Grand Prix style street race to Baltimore, I tuned in to Vs. to get a feel for the coverage and pageantry this event brings.  When the promoters held their press conference to introduce the concept they stressed the concept of a four day, family-oriented festival.  From the pre-race coverage I've seen so far, it is clear there is far more to this celebration of speed than a mere street race.

Proximity to Hollywood made it impossible to avoid the infusion of star power.  There was even a special race that paired celebrities with professionals as they competed on the course.  There was a charity event benefiting a local children's hospital, and a race down Hollywood Boulevard.  All very glitzy and high end, with something for everyone.

On thing that caught my eye was the fleet of yachts moored in the harbor for the occasion.  It seems many fans of Grand Prix racing favor this form of transportation and entertaining.  So in addition to this having a significant impact on the hotel and restaurant industries, it seems the marinas benefit as well.  That doesn't even factor in the priceless PR from the focus on local attractions that create the setting. (Yes, the Queen Mary made a cameo appearance. What's Long Beach without their reigning monarch?)

The cameras have focused on numerous private parties taking place under rooftop tents overlooking the course.  Think of all the space available on the Convention Center terrace and imagine what kind of soirees they could host.

I keep telling myself that Long Beach has had 36 years to fine tune their production and it would probably take a few laps for Baltimore to develop a personality of its own.  But when you look at the aerial shots and the sweeping panoramas of the crowd, it's hard to not think how an event like this could really showcase our assets while pumping some high octane into the economy.

We'll be hearing more soon, so check it out for yourself.  Streaming video is available on line so you can view both the Long Beach and St. Petersburg races.  Just imagine your home state in the starring role.