Baltimore Saturday 5:00 PM Updates

RELAX, BALTIMORE, SATURDAY EDITION! The sun is shining, and the stands are full, as are the paddocks. Even during the light rain during Indy Lights qualification — including lightning warnings — the crows remained strong and enthusiastic. There were three teams of promoters that were fired before the current group was installed a few weeks ago, so the turnout — and relative freedom from huge problems after the racing started — is certainly a small miracle.

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Drivers were quietly taking odds on how long the new pavement on the raceway — some of which was laid down on Thursday night — would last. Not only hasn't it had time to cure, but it's also very sticky and the cars are taking full advantage of the grip. However, through the first half of the ALMS race, the pavement is staying intact, but a lose manhole cover did cause a full-course yellow after 50 minutes of racing.

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Having a big crowd means big traffic. Supposedly, a race promoter is all about "traffic, tickets and toilets" and this will no doubt be the hottest topic among locals in the coming weeks. Baltimore shut down 2 major streets as well as a portion of their light rail system for this event, so even without the crowds the traffic would be a problem.

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Overheard in the Paddock — Auto racing requires lots of money, and the economic woes have taken their toll. There is word that the Grand-AM event at Virginia International Raceway (VIR), which was viewed as a success last spring, might not be on the schedule next season. Likewise, the ALMS promoters are busy trying to keep their series alive. It is certain that the teams will race in LeMans in June, but everything beyond that seems to be subject to discussion and rumor. — Tim Wohlford, reporting from Baltimore