The Indy Racing League has confirmed what many Baltimore race fans and state and local officials had been hoping - that it is seriously considering approving a local group’s proposal for an annual race on a 2.4-mile street course in the Inner Harbor area.
“I am taking this opportunity to convey to you, collectively, how interested the Indy Racing League is in the possibility that our organization would sanction an IndyCar Series event in Baltimore starting in 2011,” said the letter received by city officials July 20 from Terry Angstadt, president of IRL’s commercial division.
“I respectfully ask the City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland to partner with [Baltimore Racing Development] to make the Baltimore Grand Prix a reality,” said the letter to Mayor Sheila Dixon and City Council members.
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The city is still deciding whether to endorse the race, proposed by Baltimore Racing Development, a limited liability company headed by entrepreneur Steven Wehner. The course would cover parts of Pratt Street, Russell Street and other roads, with a pit area adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
On Monday, City Council is scheduled to consider a measure authorizing Baltimore Racing Development to negotiate with IRL to get Baltimore on the 2011 race schedule. Angstadt’s letter is supportive of Wehner and the company, citing its “thoroughness” and “professionalism.”
“The resolution on Monday should be the next major milestone,” said Jay Davidson, a Baltimore attorney who is chief operating officer of BRD. “It doesn’t commit the city to host the event, but it basically gives us the confidence that the city is very interested and considering it very carefully.”
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