Grand Prix Practice Runs Reel In Racing Fans
BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- Baltimore drops the green flag on the Grand Prix and the festivities begin downtown. The first annual race will be watched by millions around the world.
Monique Griego has more on the excitement around the event.
The cars were supposed to hit the track at 8 a.m. Friday, but the rain from late Thursday night delayed things until around 1:30 p.m. The cars have been going around the track on and off since then. Even that earlier delay cannot take away from all the excitement. The grandstands were packed with people, and many of them were not even race fans.
"I just like to drive fast," said one spectator.
From the ticket line to the track, the sounds of the Baltimore Grand Prix ripped through downtown. Race cars roared through the tracks for the first time Friday.
"I've never been to a Grand Prix before," said one.
The crowd didn't care they were only practice runs.
"Just to see the cars, just to see the track, just to see all the people," said Bill Carpenter, a racing fan. "The whole environment of it."
Most people saw this track being built on television, but they say being there in person is a whole other experience.
"It's just unbelievable. It really is," said Amy Markle. "The amount of work and how fast they had everything put together for the race this weekend. It was really, really amazing."
Around 120,000 people are expected to attend the Grand Prix this weekend, and not all of them are race fans.
"I think it's definitely bringing in a crowd of people who would not normally be watching a Grand Prix," said Barbara Sorter.
The excitement of seeing the cars zoom by brought the crowd to its feet.
"I'm on a huge adrenaline rush, when you hear the cars go by," Frank Donnely said. "It's awesome."
"And when they go by, it actually scares you," said Tom Sorter. "I mean, the sounds of those things and the stands vibrate."
So while vendors take advantage of the crowds, the city is banking on the cars to bring bigger things to Baltimore.
The cars were hitting the tracks for some practice runs and some qualifying races Friday. The practice runs are expected to go on until 8 p.m. Friday.
All of the big races start Saturday.
For more information about the Grand Prix, visit their website. For information about traffic delays and road closures due to the event, click here.
