Archive for August, 2010

The ALMS and BRD to make big announcement tomorrow!

Posted by Jason on Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

Dear Baltimore Grand Prix Fan,

The inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix is coming fast – Labor Day weekend 2011 is just about a year away. With cars racing around the Inner Harbor at speeds of more than 180 mph, this 3-day Festival of Speed promises to be the most exhilarating event the streets of Baltimore have ever seen. But believe it or not, the Baltimore Grand Prix is about to get even more exciting.

How?  Please join us for a special live announcement on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at the Baltimore Inner Harbor Amphitheater on the corner of Pratt and Light Street.*

A presentation by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake will begin at 12:00 p.m. You’ll not only get all the latest news, you’ll have the opportunity to meet several drivers and check out some of the most elite motorsports cars on earth. Come by on your lunch hour and get autographs from drivers like 2-time Indy 500 winner, Al Unser, Jr.

Stay tuned for breaking information on ticket sales and other news related to the Baltimore Grand Prix at BaltimoreGrandPrix.com. And if you haven’t already, please join our Checkered Flag club for on-going e-mail updates.

Date: September 1, 2010

Location: Inner Harbor Amphitheater

Time: 12:00 p.m. – Presentation
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. driver autographs and race cars on display

Cost: Free

Posted in ALMS, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Eastern Seaboard for IZOD Series

Posted by old admin on Friday, August 27th, 2010

As we approach the one year countdown, I could not be more excited about Baltimore being the next host of an IZOD IndyCar Grand Prix race.

Baltimore is an ideal venue specifically because of its location. It’s close to the DC Metro area, New York City and Richmond, which used to host one of our races. Baltimore can truly be defined as the Eastern Seaboard for the IZOD Series.

The layout of the track emphasizes the key points of the city. Baltimore has Camden Yards, the Inner Harbor and Fort McHenry, which defines the rich history as it was where the “Star Spangled Banner” was written. Turn one, located at Pratt Street leading to Light Street, will be the premier passing area. It is a key corner for each driver. At turn four there is another premier passing area which leads you back to Camden Yards. The parking lot at Camden Yards will actually be the pit area and provides a very challenging corner.

This track is sure to be quite challenging for two reasons. First, it’s a street course and will be windy for both car and driver. Second, the elevation change involved with the race will force the engines to cry out for more horsepower while heading up the hill to Camden Yards.

Baltimore and IZOD IndyCar racing are the perfect combination. We are looking forward to celebrating the launch year of the Baltimore Grand Prix on Labor Day weekend of September, 2011.

- Al Unser, Jr.

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Posted in ALMS, IndyCar | 4 Comments »

BMW takes its first, class-victory at Road America!

Posted by Jason on Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

This past weekend in a packed field, the number 90 BMW GT M3 driven by Joey Hand and Dirk Mueller took it’s first, 1st place finish in class in the 2010 ALMS season!  The top 9 cars in class finished on the lead lap; that should give some perspective as to how close and competitive the racing was and promises to be.  Too many times the BMW’s have been so close to victory but for one reason or another, the 1st place finish had eluded them.  Both Dirk and Joey felt extremely confident about their chances after Mid-Ohio and said they would come out strong at Road America.  Way to back it up guys…congrats to BMW!

Unfortunately for the Rahal/Letterman BMW team, the number 92 BMW of Bill Auberlen and Tom Milner suffered contact in just lap 3 forcing an early withdrawl from the race.  Despite losing one team early on though, with the 1st place finish of the other team, BMW was able to maintain the points lead in the Automobile Manufacturer and Team Championships.  The Flying Lizard Porsche’s are only 6 points back with two races including the Petit Le Mans, still remaining.  The Ferrari’s and Corvettes aren’t far behind either and with extra points available in perhaps the most grueling race to come….it’s still up for grabs!

There’s no time to waste now though; teams are heading up to Ontario, Canada for the Grand Prix of Mosport this coming weekend!  It’s the 8th round in the series and has been on the schedule since 1999 - the inaugural year for the ALMS.  Mosport International Raceway is a 2.459 mile, 10 turn circuit and is the fastest track on the schedule….perhaps another good sign for BMW??

Side Note:  The American Le Mans Series announces on it’s website, “SERIES’ GROWTH, EXPANSION CONTINUE WITH 2011 SCHEDULE”!  Scott Atherton, President and CEO of the ALMS says two new, high profile venues are expected to be confirmed shortly for next season….low and behold on the 2011 ALMS schedule, the venue for round 08 reads, “TBA September 3, Saturday”!  The very same weekend of the 2011 inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix!

Jason

jschiavone@baltimoregp.com

www.baltimoregrandprix.com

 

Posted in ALMS | 1 Comment »

Improved Track Design for the Baltimore Grand Prix!

Posted by Jason on Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

Baltimore Racing Development had originally designed a 2.4 mile street course through downtown Baltimore for the Grand Prix.  There was a bit of skepticism and questioning as to the overall length and need for two hairpin U turns.  The original design had a U turn on Light Street and another on Russell.  The Russell Street U turn has been eliminated in favor of a much faster, sweeping right hand-er from Lee Street onto Russell heading north bound.  The new lay out additionally, will provide for more seating with better views!  Camden Yards will also now be inside of the track offering even more exciting activities.  A great view of the new design can be seen here… http://baltimoregrandprix.com/track/

In addition to an improved track design, Baltimore Racing Development, the City of Baltimore and the Indy Racing League have decided to host the Baltimore Grand Prix on Labor Day weekend.  September 2-4 of 2011 will be the inaugural weekend of the Baltimore Grand Prix!  This was the originally selected weekend upon which to host the Grand Prix but due to conflicting schedules between the Ravens and Orioles, we were unable to solidify the date.  As it turns out however, we’re very excited to be able to have the event on this weekend.  The event is anticipated to attract fans and families from all over.  By hosting the race on this long, travel-friendly weekend, more people will have the opportunity to enjoy this once a year festival.

We’re all very excited about these two annoucements and are confident they are for the best!

This coming weekend the ALMS takes on the 4 mile, 14 turn circuit at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin!  It’s the 7th race on the 2010 schedule, has been on the schedule since 2002 and promises record speeds!

Jason

jschiavone@baltimoregp.com

www.baltimoregrandprix.com

     

Posted in ALMS, IndyCar | 4 Comments »

ALMS attacks Mid-Ohio; innovation portrayed as Biofuel power wins race!

Posted by Jason on Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

This past weekend the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course was host to one of the most exciting weekends of racing yet!  With World Challenge, ALMS and IndyCar all racing throughout the weekend, this was an event not to be missed.  Hotels were sold out months in advance so if you didn’t make your reservation back in spring…you were camping!

The LMP Castrol/Mazda of Dyson Racing claimed it’s first overall and class victory this weekend.  The team has had opportunities in previous races but seemed plagued with mechanical failures.  They made the move to Dunlop tires from, the perhaps more common, Michelins for the 2010 season; first overall ALMS victory for Dunlop as well – nice job!  Even more interestingly, the car was running on isobutanol; a flammable liquid organic biofuel of greater energy density than ethanol making it more efficient and better for the environment.  So you can win races and be green…congratulations!!

As motivating as it is to hear about the use of biofuels in racing, the victory for Dyson came by only half a second! - that’s exciting.  Just as thrilling was the fantastic GT field as usual.  After a long hard fought race with some close calls and an accident or two, it was the #62 Risi Ferrari in 1st and #5 Corvette in 2nd.  Excellent driving and pit-work by both teams. 

   

The class victory moves the Risi Competizione Ferraris into a 1st place tie in the Manufacturer’s and Team Championships with BMW.  The win also places Melo and Bruni of Risi in 2nd in the Driver’s Championship; 3 points ahead of Auberlen and Milner of BMW and 8 points behind Long and Berg of the ever consistent Flying Lizard Porshces.  With Corvette Racing by no means out of contention and Jaguar continuing to build, the season is far from over.  Expect more action in up-coming round 7 at the 4 mile circuit of Road America, August 20-22!

Jason

Jschiavone@baltimoregp.com

www.baltimoregrandprix.com

              

Posted in ALMS, IndyCar | No Comments »

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge, August 6-8!

Posted by Jason on Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010

MOSCC_2010_logo

The American Le Mans Series and IndyCar will both be at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge this weekend!  It’ll be the 6th race of the season on the ALMS schedule and the 12th on the schedule for Indy. 

Mid-Ohio_Sports_Car_Course jpeg

The ALMS race has 34 cars set to take the grid; 13 GT cars.  With the Manufacturer and Team Championships on the line, it promises to be an exciting event!  Porsche regained the lead at Limerock but the BMW’s were right there.  Still looking for their first class victory, this could be the race for Auberlen and Milner or Mueller and Hand; both BMW teams were looking good last race.  The Flying Lizards however, seem to have consistency on their side and won’t reliquish first with out a strong effort.  You never know what will happen; it could just as easily be the F-430s or Corvettes and that’s what makes this so much fun to watch!

DBrabham_080210_3

In Formula 1, Mark Weber was able to hang on to 1st at the Hungarian Grand Prix; last race before the summer break.  This win leaves him in 1st place in the Driver’s Championship and RBR-Renault in 1st in the Team Championship.  They’ll have a few weeks off before heading to Belgium.   

RBR-Renault F1

Jason

jschiavone@baltimoregp.com

www.baltimoregrandprix.com

      

Posted in ALMS, IndyCar | 1 Comment »