The Baltimore City Inner Harbor was filled with excitement and support last Wednesday!  Scott Atherton (CEO of the ALMS), Mayor Rawlings-Blake and Baltimore Racing Development finally made the long awaited announcement that the American Le Mans Series will be participating in the Baltimore Grand Prix!!    http://americanlemans.com/primary1.php?cat=news|15233

Mr. Atherton made it clear that he’s very excited about bringing his series to Baltimore for many reasons.  Street races, for one, just make for a venue full of spectator thrills to which a road course just can’t compete.  As a fan you’ll have an opportunity to see a world class race from just about every perspective.  Mr. Atherton also pointed out the great success ALMS and IndyCar have experienced when working together, “this is an example of 1 + 1 equaling 3.”  His point was that, comparable to the Toyota Long Beach Grand Prix, when ALMS and Indy race at the same venue, they see a better turn out of fans than either series would see on its own.  The reasoning is simple; more people show up if they know they’re going to see at least two feature events as opposed to one.  And he’s right!  This is one of the primary reasons the Long Beach Grand Prix is going on its 37^th season.

I was also fortunate enough to be able to spend most of the day with Johnny O’Connell; GM/Corvette factory driver, ALMS superstar and 4 time 24 Hours of Le Mans Champion!  It’s pretty ridiculous to imagine winning the 24 Hours once, but to do it 4 times….it doesn’t happen!  He was awesome, very cool guy, real down to Earth.  I gave him a tour of our in-progress street course.  He said it looked great.  I don’t know that he would have told me it looked boring even if he thought it did, but nonetheless, he sounded very optimistic about the whole thing.  “As long as you can get the surface smooth, this will make for a great course.”  He also noted, there’s, wide, safe passing areas, some high speed turns, fast straights and even a little elevation change.  Not to mention the incredible downtown views!  So everyone knows I’m a BMW fan but…I may have to cheer for Johnny at Petit Le Mans as well!  You can definitely see more of the afternoon and the press conference video footage on our website.

So not too far from now will be the highlight of the 2010 American Le Mans Series; the Petit Le Mans!  October 2nd at Road Atlanta will be the final race of the 2010 American Le Mans Series!  The field will be packed with close to 50 cars including the diesel powered Audi and Peugeot LMP1 cars!  In the GT class Team and Manufacturers Championships, first place is by no means wrapped up.  Porsche has a hair of lead over BMW and Ferrari with Corvette Racing not far behind.  They might as well all be tied at this point also considering that whoever wins at Petit Le Mans automatically gets the invite to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2011!  Look for teams to pull out all the stops!

Jason

jschiavone@baltimoregp.com

www.baltimoregrandprix.com

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

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.

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

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

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

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. 

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!

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.   

Jason

jschiavone@baltimoregp.com

www.baltimoregrandprix.com

The ALMS Grand Prix of the NorthEast at Lime Rock was gruelling and as competitive as ever!  It was hot, humid and wet; three characteristics that make racing that much harder but, as noted before, showcase the best.  Almost a third of the field retired from the race for one reason or another.     

I’d like to thank those thoughtful enough to point out that the Flying Lizard Porsche took 1st in the GT class, I appreciate it…thank you!  No worries; BMW took 2nd and 3rd which though not 1st, keeps them only 1 point behind Porsche in the Manufacturer’s Championship and 1 point behind Flying Lizard in the Team Championship.  Post-race comments by both BMW teams sounded confident, reassuring and excited more than ever to get at it in two weeks at Mid-Ohio for the 6th round on the 2010 ALMS schedule.  To come, once again, so close to victory and fall just one car short, though frustrating, tells you you’re right there and it’s only a matter of time before it all comes together.

Excellent, excellent racing!  

Good news for Jaguar RSR and the XKR GT; able to record it’s first top 10 finish and complete the race with no electrical or mechanical issues and under extreme conditions at that!  They earn their first points in the Manufacturer’s and Team Championship’s of the season.  Though not a podium finish, this was a geat motivator and overall weekend for the team.  They may have even finished better had it not been for a mirror issue caused by contact from another car forcing them to pit.

Well done!

Heads-up; Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge in two weeks, August 5-8.  IndyCar and World Challenge will also be there.  This should be a great weekend of racing!  Any go’ers????

Jason

jschiavone@baltimoregp.com

www.baltimoregrandprix.com

After only a handful of laps it seemed one crash after another maintained much of the Indy race under the caution flag.  By all means, it was a thrill to watch when they were racing but after the third crash I felt like these guys either needed to get a better grip on this course or take it down notch. 

Dario Franchitti, last years winner in Toronto, one of the best and favorites, managed to navigate through the traffic from 5th up to 1st.  I thought for sure he’d maintain the lead from there.  He pitted in though, followed by Will Power right on his heels, who’s pit crew you got to hand it to.  Will, also a great driver and points leader, was amazingly able to beat Dario out of pit lane….excellent team work.  Great time! 

I spent most of the race watching from either pit lane or our seats, right behind.  The sensation you get when the cars haul#@* out of there, … it just never gets old. 

There was an SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge race late Saturday afternoon that was fantastic!  I was able to chat with Scott Bove and Bob Wildberger of SCCA Pro Racing (great guys) before the race.  They were able to get us a couple seats in the pace car leading the field out which was a great opportunity to see the track from the driver’s perspective.

  (lining up for the pace lap!)

So Bob’s behind the wheel and we’re flying down the back straight heading for turn 3.  It’s a sharp right that’s a bit deceiving; it appears you’re going to continue straight or even towards the left when all of sudden you dive into a sharp, off camber, decreasing-radius right.  With a little brake management, and the pro, Bob is, we successfully negotiated the turn.   However, I accurately predicted then, that if there was going to be any rubbing or crashes in the following races, this is where it was going to happen.  So…yeah, looks like I’m psychic!

It was a great weekend of racing and we look forward to seeing Indy and hopefully the World Challenge series in Baltimore next season!  (full album of weekend pictures on Facebook)

This weekend Indy heads up to Edmonton while the American Le Mans Series goes to Lime Rock for the NorthEast Grand Prix.  There’s in the neighborhood of 31 to 34 entries scheduled to take the field at Lime Rock which isn’t as strong as some of the other races but still pretty good with much at stake.

Jason

jschiavone@baltimoregp.com

www.baltimoregrandprix.com

We’re excited to make the trip up to Toronto anticipating much of the same field from Watkins Glen two weekends ago…

I’m sure the World Cup Championship game was on top of the list for many spectators this past Sunday but was anyone able to see BMW take 2nd and 4th in the ALMS GT class at Utah?  Beating out Porsche and Corvette, only the Ferrari was faster this go around.  Congrats to the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team on taking the lead in the ALMS GT Manufacturers Championship!  Bill Auberlen, Tommy Milner…well done.  Exciting stuff and strong field!

Jason

jschiavone@baltimoregp.com

www.baltimoregrandprix.com