LADIES, start your engines. Sound familiar? Or should I say Lady & Gentlemen, start your engines? Tuesday, I attended an exclusive press conference and meet & greet for the upcoming Baltimore Grand Prix. Unveiled and introduced were its Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year, driver Simona de Silvestro (seen left with Patti Neumann, CITYPEEK.). Ms. de Silvestro also helped announce the Grand Prix' newest 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.

It was a great experience for the Indy Car Race team and local notables race executives Jay Davidson, Pete Collier and their team. Davidson expects "ticket sales to go through the projection of 100,000+." Baltimore will be ready his team assures CITYPEEK, as it gears up for the newest race on the IndyCar schedule. Executives from IZOD, IndyCar, HMV Racing and Entergy Nuclear found their stay in Baltimore wonderful, including extraordinary service at the Harbor Court.

One HMV Racing Exec exclaimed on their Facebook page the following, "just checked into the Intercontinental in Baltimore where they upgraded me to an insane suite that I swear is 1000 square feet...they must have gotten confused and thought I was a race car driver or something...! ;)"

Intercontinental Harbor Court Hotel hosted the event with its executive team serving guests a marvelous lunch of hot paninis, homemade chips and multiple fresh salads. Also gorgeous pastries, even making special Grand Prix car miniatures for dessert, topped off with their house sponsored Ily Espresso coffee for all. Overall, 100 or so race coordinators, press, media and Grand Prix/Indy Race executives gathered together thrilled at the race progress.

After lunch, de Silvestro took the race car for a spin on the roads of Baltimore on a frosty, bone chilling mini ride as Mayor Rawlings-Blake attended curbside. This Baltimore race is a real "street race, causing event more excitement and preparation to the big events.  

Please note-the Baltimore Grand Prix is set to run September 2-4, 2011-that is Labor Day Weekend. Here is the schedule: