The Baltimore Grand Prix is an IndyCar Series race to be held Labor Day Weekend, September 2-4, 2011. The 2.1 mile race will be contested on a temporary street circuit, constructed of asphalt and concrete, around the Inner Harbor, whizzing by such landmarks as Camden Yards, and Harborplace. The course will contain 13 grandstands, five bridges, and 12 turns including a hairpin located at Light and Lee Streets. In addition, concerts, a family-fun zone geared towards children under 12, a go-kart track, radio-controlled car races, and of course, loads of merchandisers aim to bring the uninitiated into the world of motorsports.
Will the fast-paced Mid-Atlantic sit still to watch racers put the pedal to the metal?
Apparently, so. Predictions by the city tourism community, event planners, and the racing industry estimate over 100,000 spectators and festival attendees will bring $70 million in revenue to Baltimore, alone. Fans from nearby Philadelphia, Washington, and New York are making travel plans to watch practice and qualifying for the Grand Prix, view endurance and sprint races of Le Mans, and partake in festival events and local attractions. This culminates on Labor Day where speeds on the circuit are expected to top 180 MPH. Not that speeds in that range are unusual late at night on the JFX, an elevated, winding route into downtown. But, that story can be found in the Police Blotter of the local newspapers!
An endless sea of culture, centrally located on this side of ‘the Pond’
A most beautiful gift of nature, one can navigate the Chesapeake Bay to a small fishing town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland or drop anchor along bustling cities such as Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and Annapolis, home to the Naval Academy, and the U.S. sailing capital. The region’s world-famous crabcakes, the National Aquarium, and numerous historical sites are highlighted on Destination Baltimore, a comprehensive website offering race-weekend packages including hotel accommodations at BWI airport, just eight miles from downtown, ticket and seating plans, and transportation to festival events. The website notes booking speed close to 180 MPH. So, race to claim your spot at the finish line–don’t be left at the starting gate!