After Grand Prix Comes A Massive Cleanup
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Baltimore cleans up the aftermath of the Grand Prix. After the auto race roared through downtown Baltimore, there's a new race shaping up. That's the effort to clean up the remnants of the inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix.
Monique Griego reports crews are reportedly on track to get it done.
Crews worked through the night to get some of the last barriers cleared away. Now just about every city street closed for the Grand Prix is back open.
After three days of Grand Prix racing, crews are now the one racing to give city streets back to regular drivers.
"Our crews are working as fast as they can. They know the urgency in this. They know the urgency in getting people back to work," said Adrienne Barnes, City Department of Transportation.
Sixteen grandstands are coming down, along with dozens of tents, fences and concrete barriers, which all lined the course.
Much of the work is being done late at night to avoid snarling traffic during the day.
Already, there's excitement for next year.
"Street races are always a success, but it usually takes two or three years to build up the crowds. Here, from Friday, I think we were all very impressed with how much the Baltimore people were excited about IndyCar," said Oriol Servia, finished second.
Race organizers put the attendance over the three days between 150,000 and 160,000. But the television network which aired the race estimated there were about 75,000.
Some of the biggest names in racing are still gushing over the Baltimore Grand Prix. Roger Penske called it one of the greatest street races he's ever attended.
The Grand Prix signed a five-year deal to run the race in Baltimore. They plan to run it Labor Day weekend again next year.
