Baltimore Grand Prix Takes the Checkered Flag

After months and months of waiting, the Baltimore Grand Prix finally made its much anticipated debut this past weekend.  Instead of rush hour gridlocks, we saw cars racing at speeds of 100+ MPH.  The three-day event got underway on Friday with practice rounds and qualifying.  As with any inaugural event, there were some bumps in the road, but organizers worked to get everything up and running as fast as possible.

Baltimore Grand Prix

A standing room only crowd was shoehorned into Sports Legends this morning. (Fortunately no one invited the fire marshall.) Baltimore Racing Development held a press conference to discuss their strategy for an open wheel street race between Camden Yards and the Inner Harbor in 2011. Good turnout from the local press, with a sprinkling of City and State officials and representatives of the business community. Al Unser, Jr. doubled as the star-power (as did Chris Hoiles) and BRD promoter.

While the presser was more like a pep rally, there was a lot interesting information dispensed. What seemed like a flight of fancy a year ago (when even Councilman Cole thought it a little far-fetched) makes a lot more sense when you learn what Indy Racing League is looking for and weigh it against what Baltimore already offers.

Destination is a huge consideration. The race is almost secondary when it comes to attracting an audience for an entertainment experience, according to Chuck Kosich, long time promoter and part of the BRD consortium. A three day “festival of speed” is the attraction he touts. “Affordable family event” is another part of the formula. But “destination” is the marketing hook. Proximity to the East Coast population center is a big part of that pitch.

The downtown, with its hotels, restaurants, and activities, is the attraction. The festival concept impacts more businesses over a longer period of time. Eventually, (according to Al Unser, Jr.) it becomes an identity, with anticipation for the next annual event beginning as soon as the race is over.

There’s another race going on right now, and it doesn’t involve checkered flags. With a realignment in the world of open wheel racing, Indy Racing League is deciding who will be awarded street races in 2011. While Baltimore is ahead in their fact finding and due diligence, Cleveland, Houston and Boston have also indicated interest. Right now, we’re on the inside track but there are a few pits stops ahead.

One is a money pit, of course. Sponsors, investors, advertisers, government support, in-kind services must all be nailed down. Another is a date workable for a five year commitment (although there is some flexibility on exact weekends available.) Labor Day looks good right now, but that might change a bit. Someone suggested Baltimore on Labor Day could be the traditional end of summer just as Indy on Memorial Day was the beginning. (The “Long Beach of the East Coast” is another possible identity.)

A lot of work lies ahead to make this happen. But it’s hard to contain the excitement. Someone should take pictures from the pedestrian bridges over Howard, Eutaw, Pratt and Light Streets to give an idea of the viewing spaces available. The hotels overlooking the track must be salivating.

Will be interesting to watch the process unfold. As someone said, BDL is handing over the keys. Now it’s time to turn the ignition.

The View From Bin 400

I love the Warehouse. The architectural design is classic E. Francis Baldwin — stately and functional, built with massive oak beams and Maryland brick. I’m told it was a bear to restore, but its transformation from derelict railroad service facility to office complex with restaurants, shops and banquet rooms has made it one of Baltimore’s most recognizable and servicable landmarks.

My uncle worked on the B&O for years and made a number of trips to Camden Yards and the Warehouse. He told me how the B&O carried merchandise for the Howard Street department stores (Hutzler’s, Hecht’s, etc.) to the Warehouse for storage. Inventory was cataloged by bin numbers, which were painted neatly on the brick walls. When our floor was converted to offices, the exposed brick was retained. So were the bin numbers.

I’m in Bin 400, Warehouse A. My window is on the far right corner, overlooking Camden Station and facing the Convention Center. From my bin, I can see the elegant parties held regularly at Geppi’s, and the ongoing activities at Sports Legends. I can hear the light rail squeak and see streams of fans on their way to the ballpark. I gawk at the Otakon faithful in their truly weird costumes when its 90 degrees in August.

I also have a birds eye view of Conway as it turns on to Howard. Which brings me to the news at hand.

Since the City Council passed a resolution Monday night to support Baltimore Racing Development’s plan to stage Indy Racing, a lot has happened behind the scenes. To bring the public up to date and outline future challenges, Baltimore Racing is holding a press conference next Monday, August 17th at noon at Sports Legends. Featured guest will be veteran driver Al Unser, Jr., part of BRD’s team, and designer of the proposed course which will zoom right under my window.

I can’t wait to hear more about this exciting event and meet some of the people involved. This requires a closer look than the one from Bin 400. Be sure to watch the news on Monday evening and tune in to the website for more coverage.

And wave to me in Bin 400.

Start your engines . . .

Last night, Baltimore City Council unanimously passed a resolution supporting a Grand Prix-style street race in Baltimore. What could be an annual event will have its inaugural run in 2011.

This resolution gives the promoter, Baltimore Racing Development, the support necessary for the governing body, Indy Racing League, to sanction the race as part of its circuit. They indicated this is likely once the Council gave its blessing.

So the process begins, even before a date is selected. Securing sponsorships, identifying media partners, planning infrastructure, and all the other elements in a major production will begin as the two year clock ticks down.

Camden Yards will be in the center of the action, with the service road along Russell Street as the pit and grandstands for spectator seating along this gateway to Baltimore. One of the hairpin turns will be near M&T Bank Stadium, and the course will run along Pratt to the Inner Harbor, around the Science Center (another hairpin) down Conway to Howard with a quick turn on Camden and a spin past Pickles. Terraces wrapping the Convention Center will overlook action on three sides.

We’ll keep you on top of all the progress as plans unfold.