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.
“I wouldn’t cross the street to see the Indy Car series in their ancient old spec cars with crate motors.”
Agree, Thor. Every car has a Honda motor in it. It doesn’t get any more boring than that and it’s not good for either U.S. innovation or for the U.S. economy.
Remember how much excitement there was in 80′s GTP racing with a large mix of different engines such as Ryan Falconer’s turbo V6 stock block in the Corvette GTP? When that thing stayed together it would blow the Porsche 956′s away even with it’s lousy handling LOLA chassis. This was very exciting racing to watch! I went to many races back then. I think something like this is what Indy car racing so desperately needs now. I want U.S engine building shops supplying engines to teams that choose to go this way.
It’s too bad that Al Unser Jr. has decided not to comment on any of this. I’d sure like to know what he thinks about what both you and I have stated.
Jon Banquer
San Diego, CA
I hope that the ALMS does compete in Baltimore next year. I’ll certainly be there to see them. I wouldn’t cross the street to see the IRL with it’s pathetic old spec cars with crate motors.
I hope ALMS does compete in Baltimore next year. I’d love to see them again.
I wouldn’t cross the street to see the Indy Car series in their ancient old spec cars with crate motors.
This is the first thing that’s even remotely interested me in Indy car racing in many years. With what you know about road racing I’m sure this will be a great track!
Read somewhere if you weren’t a race driver you would have become a machinist. I hope you have pursued machining as a hobby. If not it’s never too late to start.
Jon Banquer
San Diego, CA