ALMS confirms Baltimore with IndyCar
The American Le Mans Series, based in Braselton, Ga., includes multiple classes of cars – Prototype and Grand Touring – which race on the track at the same time to create compelling race action and constant passing. The Series has more automobile marques involved than any other major race series in the world as manufacturers develop relevant technologies on track that transfer directly to the customer showroom.
“From the beginning we wanted to create an entire weekend racing experience and the addition of American Le Mans Series does just that," said Davidson “We’ve been talking with the Series team for a while now and have always wanted them to join the IZOD IndyCar Series to enhance our event. This is a great addition to the weekend and we believe fans will be eager to see these amazing cars in action.
The Baltimore Grand Prix will be a combination of racing and festivities that will begin Friday morning and culminate on Sunday with the IZOD IndyCar Series race. The event is billed as a “three-day festival of speed", and organizers are now in the process of planning a variety of non-racing activities such as a family fun zone, go-karting, beer gardens, extreme sports demonstrations and professional beach volleyball. Live music will be available all weekend, from local artists performing throughout the day to nationally known acts in the evenings. The event offers something for all Marylanders, and organizers intend for the event to be very family-friendly.
“By adding the American Le Mans Series, one of world’s leading sports car championships, we are greatly enhancing what is being offered to fans during the Baltimore Grand Prix weekend," said Mayor Rawlings-Blake. “The American Le Mans Series will attract more racing fans to Baltimore, and will make the Grand Prix and even greater success for the City."
The Baltimore Grand Prix is expected to attract more than 100,000 people to the area and have an estimated economic impact of $70 million, based on visitor spending on hotel nights, meals, tickets and other purchases. The racetrack will be a 2-mile temporary circuit constructed around the streets of downtown Baltimore, including sections by Oriole Park at Camden Yards, West Pratt Street and along the Inner Harbor on Light Street. Tickets for the event will go on sale this fall and will be offered at a variety of price levels to make the event affordable for all fans. A title sponsor is expected to be announced soon and a wide range of sponsorship and hospitality opportunities are available.