Agreement Finalized For Grand Prix Of Baltimore In 2013
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Gentlemen, start your engines--again! The Grand Prix of Baltimore finalizes an agreement for next year.
Adam May just spoke with the person behind the event.
Organizers say the growing pains are over and next year should be the best race yet.
Organizers of the Grand Prix of Baltimore have struck a deal ensuring a spin around the track in 2013.
"Everyone I spoke to in Baltimore was relieved that the race happened and came off in the fashion that it came off," said JP Grant.
The race's financier, JP Grant, says Indy Racing sees Baltimore as one of their top three races in the country.
"On the financial side of things, Indy and the public now know that Race On's financial, that we pay our bills, we pay our taxes and we run a good race," Grant said.
But around Baltimore, residents have mixed feelings about the event.
"It was a waste of time last year," said one.
"I think it was awesome," said another.
"To me, it was an inconvenience," said a resident.
Compared to the inaugural race in 2011, 2012 saw a quicker set-up and better access for fans and better vendors.
"The Grand Prix is a positive economic development and economic generator for the city," said Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.
Another impact: exposure.
"I saw the aerial shots from the event and they were fantastic," Grant said.
Attendance figures from this year's race are still unknown. The economic impact report in the race is due in about three weeks. The next race will once again be Labor Day weekend.
