Baltimore Grand Prix hailed as 'game-changer' for city

[charlie and algernon]

An open-wheel racing festival will transform Downtown Baltimore into a high-speed race course for three days in August 2011 and for the subsequent four years, officials said Wednesday.

Flanked by racings stars Al Unser Jr. and Graham Rahal, Gov. Martin O'Malley and Mayor Stephanie C. Rawlings-Blake proclaimed the Baltimore Grand Prix a "game-changer" that they said would inject millions of dollars into the city's economy.

"In excitement and in the six to seven million people that watch it…it will bring eyes from all around the world to Baltimore and to Maryland," said O'Malley, who compared the race's impact to the Preakness.

Officials estimate the race will draw more than 100,000 visitors to the city and generate hundreds of millions of dollars in ticket sales, hotel stays and restaurant meals. The race will support 400 jobs and produce $65 to 70 million in economic impact, O'Malley said.

But a survey of North American cities that have hosted similar events reveals a mixed record. A few — Long Beach, Calif., St. Petersburg, Fla., and Toronto — have made themselves into international destinations for motor sports. But others, including nearby Washington, have canceled races amid complaints from residents, revenues that failed to materialize and disputes between promoters and city leaders.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-ci-grand-prix-coming-20100602,0,7319231.story

See the article for a map of the race course. Camden Yards parking lot will house the pit stalls with the main drag coming down Pratt Street before turning down Light Street in front of the Inner Harbor and looping back.

I am so buying tickets to this race but damn, I'm deathly afraid of what it will do to Traffic in the area. :scared:

[TZ]

1. They tried this in DC a few years back

Didn't go over very well with the residents. Too loud. I wouldn't want to be any where NEAR Baltimore when they do this.

[charlie and algernon]

2. For years there was a major Oval course in my hometown in PA

you could hear the cars roaring for miles on race day and really throughout the year as teams used it to practice. The article says it will take 9 weeks to build the track, so avoid Baltimore ALL summer in 2011. I really do want to go, I've been to several Indy Car Races and it's quite the experience, just wear ear plugs! LOL

[Captain Hilts]

5. The drivers HATED it because it was FAR too hot and humid. nt

[madinmaryland]

3. I think it might be cool. I don't know what kind of draw Balmer will have, though.

You're right. Traffic will be a nightmare in town.

[Captain Hilts]

6. It's be kind of like the parade for HonFest, just faster.

http://www.honfest.net/

[Auggie]

4. Not a huge race fan, but Grand Prix is the venue I tend to watch