Super Bowl matchup creates wager between INDYCAR events
The wager between the two IZOD IndyCar Series race hosts will feature each putting up local fare. Race On, the promoter of the Grand Prix of Baltimore presented by SRT, will offer some delicious crab cakes from Maryland as well as Berger cookies from the famous bakery in East Baltimore, and Sonoma Raceway, in true wine country fashion, will offer some of Sonoma Valley's world-class wine.
"I spent a few of my younger years in a suburb of Baltimore called Washington DC, and I know how tasty those Chesapeake Bay crabs can be," said Steve Page, president and general manager of Sonoma Raceway. "I appreciate the generous offer and look forward to sharing those delicious crab cakes with our staff… Go Niners!"
Sonoma Raceway, located just 45 minutes from San Francisco, will root on its home team, which is looking for its sixth Super Bowl win in as many attempts.
"The biggest sporting event of the year is even more unique in 2013 with head coach Jim Harbaugh of our San Francisco 49ers versus his older brother, John Harbaugh, but the real story revolves around the players," said Dwight Clark, former 49ers wide receiver and two-time Super Bowl champion. "Who wants to be Super Bowl Champion the most? I say it'll be 49ers 28, Ravens 21. Go Niners!!"
The Grand Prix of Baltimore presented by SRT will back the Ravens, who won in their only visit to the Super Bowl in 2001, and will be joined in the wager by former Ravens Michael McCrary. McCrary, a two-time Pro Bowl selection and defensive standout on the Ravens team that won Super Bowl XXXV, expects his hometown team will be the one to maintain its flawless Super Bowl record.
"This is going to be a fantastic game between two exceptional teams," said Race On Manager J.P. Grant. "I think it's going to come down to the wire as the Harbaugh brothers and their players look for that single opportunity that will put them over the top. In the end, though, the Lombardi trophy is coming back to Charm City and the victory parade will wind its way down the front straightaway of our great street course!"
"The 49ers are a great team and an amazing organization, but the Ravens are riding an emotional high that is going to take Baltimore to another Super Bowl victory," McCrary said. "Ray Lewis is going to celebrate his retirement with a second championship ring, and when the team returns to Baltimore, I'm going to toast their victory with a glass of fine Sonoma wine!"
The Super Bowl will take place Feb. 3, in New Orleans.