IndyCar and Baltimore a Perfect Fit

When the schedule came out last year, one of the first races that caught my eye was the street race in Baltimore.  I thought to myself, “This could be a big event.”

Guess what?  After the inaugural running of the Baltimore Grand Prix Sunday, there is no doubt that the race will be a marquee event on the IZOD IndyCar Series schedule for years to come.  Some have already dubbed it the “Long Beach of the East.”

After the race, Simona de Silvestro even said, “This could our Monaco.”  That’s a strong statement.  She’s from Switzerland and understands how big that race is.

The whole track layout seemed surreal.  With the view of the Inner Harbor, to the pit road right next to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, you couldn’t ask for a better setting.

Race organizers believe there might have been over 150,000 people at the circuit during the three-days of on-track activity, according to reports.  It was weird to see and IndyCar race with seats filled up.  I have to tell you…it was a nice thing to see.

All in all, it was a perfect weekend for the entire league.  Great crowds, great weather, and a good race.

And that last point is the one that many are not talking about just because the atmosphere was so great.   There was pit strategy, a traffic jam on the track and a popular victor.  The good news too… Will Power’s victory makes the championship race much tighter.  Dario Franchitti’s lead is only five points now.  A few weeks ago, it was all but over.  Now, with another road course in Japan and two ovals, Power has a chance.

Randy Bernard wants ratings for the season finale in Las Vegas.  He didn’t get the five “outsiders” to sign on, but if it’s a close title race, then people will watch.  And the good part, now there will be two markets that will have people watching the league when it races in the Sin City…Indianapolis and Baltimore.