http://www.pressboxonline.com/story.cfm?id=6293

Gentlemen, Mark Your Calendars
By Danielle Chazen


After more than two years of pursuit, Baltimore has been added to the schedule as a stop in next year's IZOD IndyCar Series, which will take place Aug. 5-7, 2011.

"This is a historic day for Baltimore and the State of Maryland, as well as the entire East Coast Region, as we have finalized plans for the IZOD IndyCar Series racing in Baltimore in 2011," Jay Davidson, the CEO of the Baltimore Grand Prix and Baltimore Racing Development, said in a statement.

The Baltimore Grand Prix will run on a 2.4-mile temporary street circuit through downtown by the Inner Harbor. The racetrack will include parts of Russell Street by Camden Yards, W. Pratt Street and Light Street.

IndyCar organizers expect the event will be a long-term gain for the city by attracting more than 100,000 people. The race is estimated to result in an economic impact of about $70 million.

The Baltimore Grand Prix plans to become a three-day, family-fun event with live music and will include activities such as go-karting, a family fun zone, beer gardens, extreme sports and professional beach volleyball.

The other named street circuits for next year's race include São Paulo, Brazil; Long Beach, Calif.; and St. Petersburg, Fla.

Posted June 3, 2010