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WJZ Gets Behind The Wheel With Racing Champion

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The Baltimore Grand Prix is just a few weeks away.  Tuesday, WJZ got a very unique look at the course.

Meghan McCorkell went behind the wheel with a racing champion.

In weeks, the streets of downtown Baltimore will look totally different.

"To be in the mix of downtown and in the streets right around buildings, for us, it's a lot of fun," said IndyCar series champion Scott Dixon.

Dixon will be behind the wheel during the Baltimore Grand Prix.  Tuesday, he gave WJZ a preview of the downtown course.

"It's so bumpy and it's definitely hard to focus.  Your eyes are kind of bouncing around everywhere," Dixon said.

The 2008 Indy 500 winner predicts serious speed.

"I think top speed, which I think in Pratt Street will be 175, 180 miles an hour," Dixon said.

The two-mile course features 13 turns for the drivers.  They'll complete between 80 and 100 laps on the course that stretches from the Inner Harbor to Camden Yards.

"We're on plan right now.  We're in fact a little ahead of the plan right now, so we're looking forward to Labor Day weekend," said Jay Davidson, Baltimore Grand Prix.

The grandstands and concrete walls are already going up in preparation for the big race.

"They've done a magnificent job because it looks like they're in it for the long haul," Dixon said.

And with an early chance to see the track, Dixon is hoping to claim the checkered flag again.

The Baltimore Grand Prix kicks off Labor Day weekend.  Tickets are available right now.

Officials say it will take about two hours for drivers to complete the race.

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