Q&A with IndyCar promoter Michael Andretti

With Grand Prix of Baltimore in sight, racing legend answers questions about the event, his drivers and more

I think one, we really tried to get the city more involved, to get the local businesses more involved than they had been and we tried to deliver more of a bang for the people's dollar. Not just having a race, but bringing a festival atmosphere there, which we really wanted to do there because Milwaukee is the city of festivals. And I think we did a great job. The people of all ages had a blast. The whole infield was a festival, everything from the snake pit for the partiers to the family fun zone for the kids. I think our team did a great job.

Are there any similarities between here and there?

Actually, what we tried to do was take some of what we've done in the past at street races and take that flavor to an oval. And I think it went over really well. It's what street races are all about. They are like festivals. They're all about partying and having fun, not just coming out for the race. There is something happening all the time and that is what makes it fun.

Mayer told me tweaks are being made to the track.

Yeah, we're making a few spots wider, getting rid of the chicane on the main straight-away that will probably make the speeds at least 10 mph faster and open up better passing zones into Turn 1. And, we're making Turn 1 a bit wider, as well. So hopefully, it will make it a little better passing area.

Mayer said some of the changes would make the course more difficult, more challenging. Do you see that?

I don't know if it will make it more challenging. I just think it will make it better for racing. I think the biggest complaint the drivers had was the chicane and being a little bit narrow in Turn 1. So we're trying to answer, fix that. I really believe it's going to make a big difference.

Did you like tough, hard courses when you were a driver?

Oh, yeah. I think the tougher the track the more your talent stands up or shows up. So, yeah, I don't have any problems with this track being tough.

And, finally, have you had one good laugh since starting work on this race?

Not yet. (Pause) But it hasn't been a horrible experience either. It's been, let's say, a challenge and we're making headway with it.

[e-mail]

Baltimore Sun reporter Luke Broadwater contributed to this article.

Grand Prix of Baltimore

DATES

Friday, Aug. 31 to Sunday, Sept. 2

TICKETS

Prices range from $15 to $185 for adults and $5 to $140 for children 12 and under, depending on the location, day, etc. See RaceOnBaltimore.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

PARKING

Passes for 2012 Grand Prix of Baltimore parking are available through Parking Panda. For more information, visit Parking Panda's website.

2011 WINNER

Will Power

MORE INFORMATION

RaceOnBaltimore.com

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

FRIDAY, AUG. 31

7:30 a.m.: Gates open

8-8:30 a.m.:USF2000 practice

8:40-9:10 a.m.: Star Mazda practice

9:30-10 a.m.: Group A IZOD IndyCar Series practice

10-10:30 a.m.: Group B IZOD IndyCar Series practice

10:50-11:50 a.m.: ALMS practice

12:10-12:55 p.m.: Firestone Indy Lights practice

1:15-1:45 p.m.: USF2000 qualifying

1:55-2:25 p.m.: Star Mazda qualifying

2:45-3:45 p.m.: IZOD IndyCar Series practice

4:05-5:05 p.m.: ALMS practice

4:45-5:45 p.m.: IZOD IndyCar Series autograph session/fan village

5:10-5:25 p.m.: ALMS qualifying GTC

5:25-5:40 p.m.: ALMS qualifying GT

5:50-6:05 p.m.: ALMS qualifying LMPC

6:05-6:20 p.m.: ALMS qualifying LMP1&2

7 p.m.: Gates close

SATURDAY, SEPT. 1

7:30 a.m.: Gates open

8-8:40 a.m.: Firestone Indy Lights practice

9-10 a.m.: IZOD IndyCar Series practice

10:20-10:45 a.m.: ALMS warm up

11:05-11:45 a.m.: Firestone Indy Lights qualifying

12:05-1:20 p.m.: IZOD IndyCar Series qualifying Firestone Fast Six

1:40-1:45 p.m.: USF2000 pre-race/DSYE

1:45-2:15 p.m.: USF2000 race #1

2:30-3:30 p.m.: IZOD IndyCar Series autograph session/fan village

2:30-2:35 p.m.: Star Mazda pre-race/DSYE

2:35-3:05 p.m.: Star Mazda race #1

3-4:30 p.m.: ALMS pre-race

4:30-6:30 p.m.: ALMS race

6:30-6:45 p.m.: ALMS post-race

7 p.m.: Gates close

SUNDAY, SEPT. 2

7:30 a.m.: Gates open

9:45-10:15 a.m.: IZOD IndyCar Series warm up

10:35-11:15 a.m.: USF2000 race #2

11:35 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: Star Mazda race #2

12:42-1:42 p.m.: Firestone Indy Lights race

1:55-2:40 p.m.: IZOD IndyCar pre-race

2:45-5 p.m.: IZOD IndyCar Series race

5-5:30 p.m.: IZOD IndyCar Series post-race

7 p.m.: Gates close

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