Upcoming Event: Baltimore Grand Prix 2012

The 2011 Baltimore Grand Prix (BGP) was quite the experience for us. We got to run around the pits, team repair stations and the street track circling the National Harbor, all while meeting people, drivers, crew members and other media guys chasing the same rabbit. Everyone agreed the public turnout was fantastic and the racetrack was tight and competitive, but there was one problem with having this event survive to see a second year. The original organizers worked to make certain individuals some fast cash without any regard for the loans taken out to get the event accomplished. Soon after the end of the racing last Labor Day, the BGP was a latchkey child with nobody at home waiting for its return. Rumors flew around the web and enthusiast portals for months; BGP wouldn't be back. Who would put up the money this time? Then this past February came with news of a nice couple looking to adopt. Andretti Sports Marketing came to Baltimore with plans to build the event long term. Fortunately for all of us, the 2012 Baltimore Grand Prix was green-lit.

Now we're back where we left off last August. We're still awaiting news on whether or not we'll be allowed to cover the event as media, but we're hoping we'll be able to do so. Regardless of if that happens or not, we'll be in attendance for at least the ALMS race on Saturday. There is a resurgence of motorsport love in the United States and we surely hope it continues. Events like the BGP, that bring the likes of IndyCar and ALMS to the eastcoast, are good for growing racing in the U.S. as a whole. The Circuit of the Americas complex, in Austin (Texas), is about 70% complete for the F1 race this November. There is even a street course in NJ planned for a second U.S. F1 race in 2013. All of these things are good for us lovers of internal combustion and competition, but only if they're successful. Encouraging you to support these events is much like preaching to the choir. Our readership is made up of automotive enthusiasts already, but we are asking you to spread the word of these events to those not aware of them.

For those of you interested in attending this years Baltimore Grand Prix (IndyCar Round 14 & ALMS Round 8), here are the details:

"The Grand Prix of Baltimore is a major motorsports event in the streets of the Baltimore, running from the historic Inner Harbor to Camden Yard, Labor Day weekend, August 31 - September 2, 2012. The event will feature the IZOD IndyCar Series and the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patron. All racing moves in a clock-wise direction, beginning at the start/finish line."

Ticket and Schedule information.
Parking and Directions.

Last, but not least, here are some of last years highlights: