Baltimore GP?
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Good times!
We were in G8 row E second row from the top. For me the 997 GT3 RSRs were weak both in performance and sound.
I'd say the vette's and M3s sounded and performed great.
The Italias were not all that IMO.
Spent a lot of money on merchandise now I'm set.
We were in G8 row E second row from the top. For me the 997 GT3 RSRs were weak both in performance and sound.
I'd say the vette's and M3s sounded and performed great.
The Italias were not all that IMO.
Spent a lot of money on merchandise now I'm set.
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no idea if they won or not since we bailed out at 1730, but sound was boring compared to the others.
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no idea if they won or not since we bailed out at 1730, but sound was boring compared to the others.
Last edited by WIKED6s; Sep 4, 2011 at 04:29 PM.
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What an incredible weekend. I was there Friday through today. I think next year I'll only go on Saturday because I like the Le Mans cars more than Indy. Baltimore looked amazing on TV, with the water and all the boats...like we were looking at Monaco or something lol. I rode with Sunir in his GT2 for the parade lap around the track which was really cool even though we weren't going that fast. It was great talking to people from all over the country who had traveled here to see the races. There were a ton of people in the city all weekend and I'm sure the tourism will be beneficial for Baltimore.
I know there is definitely a lot of room for improvement (huge lines to cross the bridges being my biggest complaint, and the delays on Friday) but overall it was very well run and organized considering it was a new track in a new city. Everything was on time on Saturday and Sunday.
I'm about to go over to my mom's house and watch the Le Mans and Indy race that she DVR'd for me
The 10-ish car pile up today was pretty crazy. That's the only way that Danica was able to pass anybody lol. Glad she's going to Nascar. /rant.
I know there is definitely a lot of room for improvement (huge lines to cross the bridges being my biggest complaint, and the delays on Friday) but overall it was very well run and organized considering it was a new track in a new city. Everything was on time on Saturday and Sunday.
I'm about to go over to my mom's house and watch the Le Mans and Indy race that she DVR'd for me
The 10-ish car pile up today was pretty crazy. That's the only way that Danica was able to pass anybody lol. Glad she's going to Nascar. /rant.
Last edited by Tonk; Sep 4, 2011 at 05:09 PM.
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Something interesting that happened that I didn't see Saturday was during the Le Mans series, one of the cars actually ripped one of the manhole covers up even though it was welded shut haha. The only reason I saw it was because my mom DVR'd the Le Mans race for me and I just watched it. Gonna watch the Indy race Monday evening.
Here are a few of the crashes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hNZmxHcCq0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wmQH6CFhsw
Here's where the ZR1 bumped the M3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwldIN7s6ew
Here are a few of the crashes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hNZmxHcCq0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wmQH6CFhsw
Here's where the ZR1 bumped the M3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwldIN7s6ew
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I have to say that it was an impressive event. They got it right the first time out.
My recap...
Carlos (in his Audi R8) met up nearby for a caravan with GT1Nick and I in the GT350. We started our relatively effortless drive up from DC to the track grounds and car club corral.
The corral was a bit lighter Sunday than on Saturday but still very convenient. As we were unloading some vendor supplies near the BMW hospitality tent, we were absolutely mobbed.
Nick and I could barely exit our car as fans came up to ask questions and take pictures. It was our version of the Peel Street festivals in Montreal. It was a great show atmosphere where we met lots of other owners that we hadn't seen in a few months.
After 15-20 minutes of trying to exit our car and socializing with admirers in the corral, we make our way into the hospitality tents. Since we knew so many people at each of the car club tents, we were able to enter and hang out in each.
The tents were a great idea...
Firstly, we were able to park right outside our respective club area in a car show atmosphere.
Secondly, it was a comfortable place to hang out. There were big screens to catch some of the action when you didn't feel like dealing with the crowds. The catering was really quite good...and this was a pleasant surprise!
The alcohol variety was excellent, even for an enthusiast!
Thirdly, there was lots of events taking place within the tents. Corporate activities, displays, etc. The BMW tent had a meet and greet with their GT team. Bobby Rahal was there for opening remarks...
The Lambo club tent had one of the two Aventadors at the race. WTF? This was impressive! I saw these two cars in Monterey two weeks ago and it made sense there. For them to show up at the BGP was a shock and a serious achievement.
The tents were next to the ALMS paddock. We had an excellent look into each team's operation and car setup. To top it off, the cars lined up for the grid *through* the corrals!!! So, in the middle of the car show, the race cars were prepping to hit the track.
This was a serious event... All of the classes were staged and fans had access to each of the cars and drivers.
To be standing next to the Risi 458, the C6-Rs, etc. was amazing. This is the class of racing that all can relate to. Even better was how different and unique the cars all sounded at idle and on track. ALMS is great racing!!
Sunday brought Indy cars to the attention of all the fans. The trackside seating with our credentials was excellent. We were, in the shade with plenty of food and drink thanks again to the catering. We were about 30 ft from the track and didn't miss much due to a big screen TV directly in front of us, on the other side of the track.
Every time I watch an Indy race, I'm reminded how open wheel racing should be. The on track action is great and the cars looked and sounded fantastic.
While my schedule didn't allow for any fun at night after the track closed, it seems that a party atmosphere was rampant. Drivers being mobbed at restaurants, bars, etc. The Lambo-Ferrari dinner Saturday night in Little Italy was excellent I'm sure.
We are so lucky to have an event of this caliber at home now. For years, we have felt that DC-Balt has never had the opportunity to properly mature as a true center of car culture. We had all the right demographics, without the proper catalyst for that evolution.
Well, we have it now.
And, it looks like our opinion is being backed up by good press as well:
http://espn.go.com/racing/indycar/st...winner-indycar
While I knew this would be fun to attend, I wasn't expecting it to be outstanding.
Well done Baltimore. And thanks to Jason S and the BGP staff for the hard work in getting the clubs involved.
Now, with the support of all the local car enthusiasts, we're on our way to being on the "map".
LS
My recap...
Carlos (in his Audi R8) met up nearby for a caravan with GT1Nick and I in the GT350. We started our relatively effortless drive up from DC to the track grounds and car club corral.
The corral was a bit lighter Sunday than on Saturday but still very convenient. As we were unloading some vendor supplies near the BMW hospitality tent, we were absolutely mobbed.
Nick and I could barely exit our car as fans came up to ask questions and take pictures. It was our version of the Peel Street festivals in Montreal. It was a great show atmosphere where we met lots of other owners that we hadn't seen in a few months.
After 15-20 minutes of trying to exit our car and socializing with admirers in the corral, we make our way into the hospitality tents. Since we knew so many people at each of the car club tents, we were able to enter and hang out in each.
The tents were a great idea...
Firstly, we were able to park right outside our respective club area in a car show atmosphere.
Secondly, it was a comfortable place to hang out. There were big screens to catch some of the action when you didn't feel like dealing with the crowds. The catering was really quite good...and this was a pleasant surprise!
The alcohol variety was excellent, even for an enthusiast!
Thirdly, there was lots of events taking place within the tents. Corporate activities, displays, etc. The BMW tent had a meet and greet with their GT team. Bobby Rahal was there for opening remarks...
The Lambo club tent had one of the two Aventadors at the race. WTF? This was impressive! I saw these two cars in Monterey two weeks ago and it made sense there. For them to show up at the BGP was a shock and a serious achievement.
The tents were next to the ALMS paddock. We had an excellent look into each team's operation and car setup. To top it off, the cars lined up for the grid *through* the corrals!!! So, in the middle of the car show, the race cars were prepping to hit the track.
This was a serious event... All of the classes were staged and fans had access to each of the cars and drivers.
To be standing next to the Risi 458, the C6-Rs, etc. was amazing. This is the class of racing that all can relate to. Even better was how different and unique the cars all sounded at idle and on track. ALMS is great racing!!
Sunday brought Indy cars to the attention of all the fans. The trackside seating with our credentials was excellent. We were, in the shade with plenty of food and drink thanks again to the catering. We were about 30 ft from the track and didn't miss much due to a big screen TV directly in front of us, on the other side of the track.
Every time I watch an Indy race, I'm reminded how open wheel racing should be. The on track action is great and the cars looked and sounded fantastic.
While my schedule didn't allow for any fun at night after the track closed, it seems that a party atmosphere was rampant. Drivers being mobbed at restaurants, bars, etc. The Lambo-Ferrari dinner Saturday night in Little Italy was excellent I'm sure.
We are so lucky to have an event of this caliber at home now. For years, we have felt that DC-Balt has never had the opportunity to properly mature as a true center of car culture. We had all the right demographics, without the proper catalyst for that evolution.
Well, we have it now.
And, it looks like our opinion is being backed up by good press as well:
http://espn.go.com/racing/indycar/st...winner-indycar
While I knew this would be fun to attend, I wasn't expecting it to be outstanding.
Well done Baltimore. And thanks to Jason S and the BGP staff for the hard work in getting the clubs involved.
Now, with the support of all the local car enthusiasts, we're on our way to being on the "map".
LS
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 203
From: Fredericksburg, VA
Rep Power: 27
I was out there with the Diablo. Wasn't expecting the car corral to be so accessible to the public. Did have one guy just walk up, open the door to my car and put his son inside. Luckily someone was keeping an eye on my car but people were putting their hands all over the cars to pose for pictures. Still an awesome event though and that sound of the ALMS cars is pure sex. Looking forward to the next one!
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 338
From: Columbia, MD
Rep Power: 31
I have to say that it was an impressive event. They got it right the first time out.
My recap...
Carlos (in his Audi R8) met up nearby for a caravan with GT1Nick and I in the GT350. We started our relatively effortless drive up from DC to the track grounds and car club corral.
The corral was a bit lighter Sunday than on Saturday but still very convenient. As we were unloading some vendor supplies near the BMW hospitality tent, we were absolutely mobbed.
Nick and I could barely exit our car as fans came up to ask questions and take pictures. It was our version of the Peel Street festivals in Montreal. It was a great show atmosphere where we met lots of other owners that we hadn't seen in a few months.
After 15-20 minutes of trying to exit our car and socializing with admirers in the corral, we make our way into the hospitality tents. Since we knew so many people at each of the car club tents, we were able to enter and hang out in each.
The tents were a great idea...
Firstly, we were able to park right outside our respective club area in a car show atmosphere.
Secondly, it was a comfortable place to hang out. There were big screens to catch some of the action when you didn't feel like dealing with the crowds. The catering was really quite good...and this was a pleasant surprise!
The alcohol variety was excellent, even for an enthusiast!
Thirdly, there was lots of events taking place within the tents. Corporate activities, displays, etc. The BMW tent had a meet and greet with their GT team. Bobby Rahal was there for opening remarks...
The Lambo club tent had one of the two Aventadors at the race. WTF? This was impressive! I saw these two cars in Monterey two weeks ago and it made sense there. For them to show up at the BGP was a shock and a serious achievement.
The tents were next to the ALMS paddock. We had an excellent look into each team's operation and car setup. To top it off, the cars lined up for the grid *through* the corrals!!! So, in the middle of the car show, the race cars were prepping to hit the track.
This was a serious event... All of the classes were staged and fans had access to each of the cars and drivers.
To be standing next to the Risi 458, the C6-Rs, etc. was amazing. This is the class of racing that all can relate to. Even better was how different and unique the cars all sounded at idle and on track. ALMS is great racing!!
Sunday brought Indy cars to the attention of all the fans. The trackside seating with our credentials was excellent. We were, in the shade with plenty of food and drink thanks again to the catering. We were about 30 ft from the track and didn't miss much due to a big screen TV directly in front of us, on the other side of the track.
Every time I watch an Indy race, I'm reminded how open wheel racing should be. The on track action is great and the cars looked and sounded fantastic.
While my schedule didn't allow for any fun at night after the track closed, it seems that a party atmosphere was rampant. Drivers being mobbed at restaurants, bars, etc. The Lambo-Ferrari dinner Saturday night in Little Italy was excellent I'm sure.
We are so lucky to have an event of this caliber at home now. For years, we have felt that DC-Balt has never had the opportunity to properly mature as a true center of car culture. We had all the right demographics, without the proper catalyst for that evolution.
Well, we have it now.
And, it looks like our opinion is being backed up by good press as well:
http://espn.go.com/racing/indycar/st...winner-indycar
While I knew this would be fun to attend, I wasn't expecting it to be outstanding.
Well done Baltimore. And thanks to Jason S and the BGP staff for the hard work in getting the clubs involved.
Now, with the support of all the local car enthusiasts, we're on our way to being on the "map".
LS
My recap...
Carlos (in his Audi R8) met up nearby for a caravan with GT1Nick and I in the GT350. We started our relatively effortless drive up from DC to the track grounds and car club corral.
The corral was a bit lighter Sunday than on Saturday but still very convenient. As we were unloading some vendor supplies near the BMW hospitality tent, we were absolutely mobbed.
Nick and I could barely exit our car as fans came up to ask questions and take pictures. It was our version of the Peel Street festivals in Montreal. It was a great show atmosphere where we met lots of other owners that we hadn't seen in a few months.
After 15-20 minutes of trying to exit our car and socializing with admirers in the corral, we make our way into the hospitality tents. Since we knew so many people at each of the car club tents, we were able to enter and hang out in each.
The tents were a great idea...
Firstly, we were able to park right outside our respective club area in a car show atmosphere.
Secondly, it was a comfortable place to hang out. There were big screens to catch some of the action when you didn't feel like dealing with the crowds. The catering was really quite good...and this was a pleasant surprise!
The alcohol variety was excellent, even for an enthusiast!
Thirdly, there was lots of events taking place within the tents. Corporate activities, displays, etc. The BMW tent had a meet and greet with their GT team. Bobby Rahal was there for opening remarks...
The Lambo club tent had one of the two Aventadors at the race. WTF? This was impressive! I saw these two cars in Monterey two weeks ago and it made sense there. For them to show up at the BGP was a shock and a serious achievement.
The tents were next to the ALMS paddock. We had an excellent look into each team's operation and car setup. To top it off, the cars lined up for the grid *through* the corrals!!! So, in the middle of the car show, the race cars were prepping to hit the track.
This was a serious event... All of the classes were staged and fans had access to each of the cars and drivers.
To be standing next to the Risi 458, the C6-Rs, etc. was amazing. This is the class of racing that all can relate to. Even better was how different and unique the cars all sounded at idle and on track. ALMS is great racing!!
Sunday brought Indy cars to the attention of all the fans. The trackside seating with our credentials was excellent. We were, in the shade with plenty of food and drink thanks again to the catering. We were about 30 ft from the track and didn't miss much due to a big screen TV directly in front of us, on the other side of the track.
Every time I watch an Indy race, I'm reminded how open wheel racing should be. The on track action is great and the cars looked and sounded fantastic.
While my schedule didn't allow for any fun at night after the track closed, it seems that a party atmosphere was rampant. Drivers being mobbed at restaurants, bars, etc. The Lambo-Ferrari dinner Saturday night in Little Italy was excellent I'm sure.
We are so lucky to have an event of this caliber at home now. For years, we have felt that DC-Balt has never had the opportunity to properly mature as a true center of car culture. We had all the right demographics, without the proper catalyst for that evolution.
Well, we have it now.
And, it looks like our opinion is being backed up by good press as well:
http://espn.go.com/racing/indycar/st...winner-indycar
While I knew this would be fun to attend, I wasn't expecting it to be outstanding.
Well done Baltimore. And thanks to Jason S and the BGP staff for the hard work in getting the clubs involved.
Now, with the support of all the local car enthusiasts, we're on our way to being on the "map".
LS
I know the Porsche/Vette corrals were setup by the manufacturers, but if there was a point person, please PM me (as well as anyone from Ferrari/Lambo, etc).
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Nice write up! What corral were you in? I would really like to get in touch with everyone who set up their individual corrals b/c while it was a great event, there are some things that I think can be better next year and beyond.
I know the Porsche/Vette corrals were setup by the manufacturers, but if there was a point person, please PM me (as well as anyone from Ferrari/Lambo, etc).
I know the Porsche/Vette corrals were setup by the manufacturers, but if there was a point person, please PM me (as well as anyone from Ferrari/Lambo, etc).
For a few hours Saturday and Sunday, we were in yours representing Central Wines and Spirits.
Funny, that the wives all knew each other from the office.
Thank you again for inviting us...the BMW CCA is a great bunch of car enthusiasts.
LS
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 338
From: Columbia, MD
Rep Power: 31
We had friends in all of the club tents so we got to experience them all.
For a few hours Saturday and Sunday, we were in yours representing Central Wines and Spirits.
Funny, that the wives all knew each other from the office.
Thank you again for inviting us...the BMW CCA is a great bunch of car enthusiasts.
LS
For a few hours Saturday and Sunday, we were in yours representing Central Wines and Spirits.
Funny, that the wives all knew each other from the office.
Thank you again for inviting us...the BMW CCA is a great bunch of car enthusiasts.
LS
They ranked you 2nd behind meeting and listening to Bobby Rahal and the BMW drivers
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From: Ellicott City, MD
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Great writeups...we had a great time all 3 days. Next year, we'll get the tickets to the bmw cca corral. Did most of you stay in hotels (if so, which ones)? Or did you go home each evening?