General Colin L. Powell Announced as Grand Marshal

for Baltimore Grand Prix

 The Baltimore Grand Prix announced today that former Secretary of State, General Colin L. Powell,  will be the honorary Grand Marshal for the inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix to be held September 4, 2011.

As Grand Marshal, General Powell will give the command to "Start Your Engines" to the field of IndyCar drivers at the start of the 80 lap event which will be televised live on Versus. General Powell will also be given the opportunity to take a 180 mile per hour tour of the 2.0-mile temporary street circuit in downtown Baltimore from the passenger seat of the famed IndyCar two-seater.

"I've always had a passion for racing and a passion for the city of Baltimore," said General Powell."The opportunity to be Grand Marshal for the inaugural grand prix is an honor as it will showcase the city of Baltimore and the beautiful Inner Harbor to a worldwide audience and I'm very happy to be a part of that, and I must admit, I'm really looking forward to my 180-mile-per-hour tour of the city."

See Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year, driver Simona de Silvestro (seen left with Patti Neumann, CITYPEEK.). A month ago, Ms. de Silvestro was in town to help announce a major Grand Prix' partner/sponsor Entergy Nuclear, which promotes clean air product and sat on a panel with Randy Bernard, IndyCar CEO.

"I'm excited that we're coming to Baltimore for a street race. I really like street courses. In Europe, that's the kind of racing we do. It's easy for the fans to be around and see lots of things...," shares de Silvestro.

Baltimore Grand Prix President and CEO, Jay Davidson, was enthused by the General's acceptance of the Grand Marshal role. "The city of Baltimore has a long history with the United States Armed Forces and to have General Powell in our city to experience this inaugural event is an absolute honor," said Davidson. "We are planning a number of activities surrounding the Baltimore Grand Prix that will thank and celebrate the role and sacrifice that members of the military have given to our country."

The inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix is scheduled for Friday, September 2 through Sunday, September 4, 2011, and will encompass a 2.0-mile temporary street circuit traveling through the heart of Baltimore's Downtown, rushing past the scenic Inner Harbor and racing around Camden Yards. The race weekend will feature a spectacular combination of world-class racing and festivities, highlighted by the American Le Mans Series and IZOD IndyCar Series. Tickets for the

Baltimore Grand Prix are available online at www.baltimoregrandprix.com or by phone at 877-4-FLY-TIX.

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