The IZOD IndyCar Series is coming to Baltimore, hon.
Officials from the Indy Racing League and Baltimore Racing Development, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, Baltimore mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, current IndyCar driver Graham Rahal and open-wheel legend Al Unser Jr. were on hand for the official announcement at the Baltimore Convention Center according to a League press release. The inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix will go down on the weekend of Aug. 5-7, 2011 and utilize a 2.4-mile, Martyn Thake-designed street course that winds through the Inner Harbor, Downtown and Camden Yards Sports Complex (Oriole Park at Camden Yards/M&T Bank Stadium) areas of the Maryland metropolis.
The event will mark the return of IndyCar racing to the Mid-Atlantic region since the series’ two-year run at Dover (Del.) International Speedway in the late 1990s.
“We are very excited to partner with Baltimore Racing Development to add the Baltimore Grand Prix to the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series schedule,” said Indy Racing League commercial division president Terry Angstadt said. “Baltimore is a vibrant market that is strategically located in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic region. The Inner Harbor will make for a spectacular setting for the race, and Baltimore’s downtown area has all of the elements necessary for a successful event weekend. The track design will no doubt produce exciting racing for both drivers and fans alike.
“We are thankful for the leadership of Baltimore Racing Development, as well as Gov. O’Malley and Mayor Rawlings-Blake, who have made today possible.”
BRD leader Jay Davidson hailed the announcement as part of “a historic day for Baltimore and the state of Maryland, as well as the East Coast region.”
“When we began our pursuit of this race over two years ago, we had a number of major steps to accomplish and are so thankful to the State, City and the community for embracing our efforts. This three-day festival of speed will not just include car racing, but will feature family-friendly activities, offer great entertainment and much, much more.”
In addition to the on-track action (which will feature several support series in addition to the IndyCars), the League’s release revealed that organizers are planning to have live music and other activities including: professional beach volleyball, beer gardens, go-karting, extreme sports demonstrations, and a family fun zone. Tickets for the three-day event will go on sale in the fall.
