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Andretti Sports Races To Organize Baltimore Grand Prix Within Weeks

BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- After a number of organizational changes at the top, the Baltimore Grand Prix is a go. Andretti Sports Marketing has signed a deal to organize the weekend event.

But as Jessica Kartalija reports, with just weeks to go, it's going to be a tight race to the finish.

Indy car legend Michael Andretti says they will be ready in time for the Baltimore Grand Prix on Labor Day weekend.

The Baltimore Grand Prix turned into a grand financial mess. Baltimore Racing Development-- the group that ran the race last year-- lost its contract with the City and still owes millions to taxpayers and vendors.

Downforce Racing briefly stepped in and were quickly replaced by Race On, LLC-- a local company that has partnered with Andretti Sports Marketing.

"Everything is on schedule. We are happy with the way things are going," Andretti said.

Andretti and his team have less than two months to plan the Grand Prix but with extensive experience, he says they will be ready by Labor Day weekend.

"The event is going to be one of the greatest street races in the world. It has the potential to be," he said.

Race On has signed a five-year deal with the City.

The race's general manager, Timothy Mayer, has re-worked the racecourse and revamped the grandstand.

"Baltimore is open for business. It is going to be a great weekend, and we are passionate about communicating that to people," Mayer said.

All in an effort to make the downtown event easier to navigate and more visitor friendly.

"The Northeast Market is one that you want to be in for any kind of sport and we want to be here. I think it's great for Indy car racing to be here," Andretti said.

Andretti tells WJZ that one of the biggest challenges, in his opinion, has been planning this in such a short amount of time. However, the team says they are in it for the long haul and plan to be back in Baltimore the following year.

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