2012 Baltimore GP-Looking for General Info

Will Velkoff · July 5th, 2012, 1:06 PM

So after seeing last years Baltimore GP, I'm thinking I'd like to try and attend this year. I see that the tickets supposedly go on sale July 15th. I'm looking for some insight on the best places to watch from, hotels, etc...

I'm thinking I'll be getting the 3 day paddock pass and then a 3 day ticket package (Friday general admission, then assigned seats for Saturday and Sunday). Where's a good grandstand to try and get seats in?

Next thing is Hotels-Where did you stay last year, and what was the rate? Was thinking it would be cheaper to stay at a hotel that's not located right inside the track, right? My only concern is traveling from the hotel/track, are there shuttles that run? I can't imagine there being much parking over there to commute back and forth each day.

Any general insight/recommendations from anyone that went last year would be great, thank you!

-Will

FV07 · July 6th, 2012, 5:21 PM

Will,
Unfortunately, I'm not sure exactly what the seating will be like for this year. New promoter and just looked at the map for this year and stands are in some different spots.
Went last year and sat at the hairpin. Lots of action under braking and acceleration around the turn especially before everyone spreads out. Their was a large screen across from us where you could see the TV feed. Of course, don't know if that will be there either. Stay away from the front straight as your view is very limited and nothing really happening. Good for the non-racers who just want to see fast cars.

I'd look at stands 4, maybe 5 or 7. Not really sure what the view is like from 8 or 9.

Lots up in the air cause of new promoter. (Michael Andrettis group) I considered running my FE in the US F2000 race but will hold off to see what happens for next year.

As far as hotels, the closer the better. There is light rail in Baltimore and if you can find something cheaper around a light rail stop that might work. Driving and parking will be a major hassle around the area.

Jim A

*NPalacioM3* · July 6th, 2012, 9:22 PM

Everything is a hassle with that event. I would pass. I live in DC, an hour away, and I'll pass after what we had to go through to get in and out of there last year. And the process to get from the outfield to infield, forget about it.

FV07 · July 7th, 2012, 10:40 AM

If you look at the map for this year, it appears they have more entrance/exits than last year to help. It was a problem last year.

In spite of the problems they had last year (it was the first year after all) it was a pretty cool event. Lots of racing in various classes and the closest you'll get to this level on the east coast.

I'm much more an F1 fan than Indy car but check out the prices for Austin vs. this event. To get access to the F1 paddock I'm sure you either have to be extremely lucky and know someone, be a member of the silver sperm club or somehow be involved with a sponsor. At this race you can just buy paddock passes and your right next to the cars. Frankly, most of us wouldn't find that so much different than walking through the paddock at some of our events. Level of prep was certainly impressive.

All in all, a worthwhile event.

Jim A.