General Colin L. Powell Announced as Grand Marshal for Baltimore Grand Prix
As Grand Marshal, General Powell will give the command to "Start Your Engines" to the field of IndyCar drivers at the start of the 80-lap event which will be televised live on VERSUS. Gen. Powell will also be given the opportunity to take a 180 mile per hour tour of the 2.0 -mile temporary street circuit in downtown Baltimore from the passenger seat of the famed INDYCAR Racing Experience two-seater.
"I've always had a passion for racing and a passion for the city of Baltimore," said General Powell. "The opportunity to be Grand Marshal for the inaugural grand prix is an honor as it will showcase the city of Baltimore and the beautiful Inner Harbor to a worldwide audience and I'm very happy to be a part of that, and I must admit, I'm really looking forward to my 180 mile per hour tour of the city."
Baltimore Grand Prix President and CEO, Jay Davidson, was enthused by the General's acceptance of the Grand Marshal role. "The city of Baltimore has a long history with the United States Armed Forces and to have General Powell in our city to experience this inaugural event is an absolute honor," said Davidson. "We are planning a number of activities surrounding the Baltimore Grand Prix that will thank and celebrate the role and sacrifice that members of the military have given to our country."