Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake yesterday said that drafting a new contract to continue the Izod IndyCar Series Baltimore Grand Prix "was the city's smartest move, even as others questioned why the deal didn't do more to recover losses to vendors and taxpayers from the 2011 race," according to Broadwater & Scharper. Some were "quick to agree with the mayor, portraying the five-year deal with new operator Downforce Racing Inc. as an economic boon for Baltimore." But others "emphasized that the new contract takes no additional steps to help vendors and taxpayers recoup the debts left by Baltimore Racing Development, the previous operator of the Grand Prix." The contract will be "presented to the Board of Estimates for a vote next week," and Rawlings-Blake "controls three of the five votes on that panel." However, City Council President Jack Young said that he "planned to vote against the deal." Rawlings-Blake said that "continuing the Grand Prix provides the city, as well as vendors, the best chance to make up for financial losses caused by last year's race." She noted that the state comptroller is "attempting to recoup about a half-million dollars in unpaid taxes from Baltimore Racing Development." Several state development agencies said that they were "unlikely to recoup their funds from the last race" (Baltimore SUN, 2/16). In Baltimore, Julie Scharper in a front-page piece profiles Indianapolis-based Dillon Construction Group Owner Dale Dillon, who heads Downforce Racing, and notes he "confronts the daunting task of crafting a new image for the racing festival ... and pulling together the massive event in little more than six months." Dillon said that he will "draw on his experiences running operations for IndyCar races in St. Petersburg, Fla., and Toronto as he plans Baltimore's race." He said, "That model can be recreated here and modified for Baltimore, where it can be a long and profitable race" (Baltimore SUN, 2/16).
GIVING MILWAUKEE ANOTHER GO: In Milwaukee, Dave Kallmann reports Andretti Autosport Owner Michael Andretti could be the difference between the "latest attempt to make IndyCar racing at the Milwaukee Mile a success and the previous, failed efforts." Milwaukee IndyFest Managing Dir Kevin Healy said that Andretti's history of success "on the track and in business and the creative people his organization has attracted all will contribute to a renaissance at the historic State Fair Park track." Healy: "One of the big issues obviously is that it hasn't really lived up to the potential that I think is there for a number of years. That's where Andretti Sports Marketing can bring a lot of experience to the table and relationships to the table through Andretti Autosport." Healy said that at the center of the plan is "creating an overall entertainment event with the festival atmosphere," with activities throughout each day. Healy: "The hardcore race fan will be there, and I'm sure we'll put on a good show and a good race. But we want to broaden the base as well." He said that discussions with potential national sponsors are under way, "indicating that at least some are already backers of the race team" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 2/16).
