Grand Prix of Baltimore will not be held next year due to scheduling conflicts with other large events in Baltimore. “The calendar conspired against us,” JP Grant, the Grand Prix of Baltimore general manager, said during a press conference Friday. For better or for worse, because the event’s official reasoning for ending is “scheduling conflicts” proponents don’t necessarily “lose” and opponents don’t necessarily “win”. We’ll never truly know, one way or the other.

##

Here’s a great reader-submitted-letter to the Baltimore Sun:

Detractors of the Baltimore Grand Prix (or most things) typically speak in broad terms using “no one liked” or “everyone was glad to see it go.” These are typically false misnomers which apply only to their disgruntled clique of friends. I have friends who live in the immediate vicinity of the Baltimore Grand Prix who absolutely loved the event, and these are not car people.

Thirty or so years ago, James Rouse’s plan for the Inner Harbor had it’s share of detractors, most of whom wouldn’t dare admit as much today. While the race may never have rivaled Monaco, it was certainly on track to rival its counterpart in Long Beach, Calif. But explaining that to the provincial mind is an exercise in futility as in all likelihood, they’d be content to think the earth is still flat.

By the by, I did, in fact, meet a gentleman from Monaco who was specifically in town for the Baltimore Grand Prix. In marketing speak, that’s some pretty impressive “reach.”

Detractors of the Baltimore Grand Prix (or most things) typically speak in broad terms using “no one liked” or “everyone was glad to see it go.” These are typically false misnomers which apply only to their disgruntled clique of friends. I have friends who live in the immediate vicinity of the Baltimore Grand Prix who absolutely loved the event, and these are not car people.

Thirty or so years ago, James Rouse‘s plan for the Inner Harbor had it’s share of detractors, most of whom wouldn’t dare admit as much today. While the race may never have rivaled Monaco, it was certainly on track to rival its counterpart in Long Beach, Calif. But explaining that to the provincial mind is an exercise in futility as in all likelihood, they’d be content to think the earth is still flat.

By the by, I did, in fact, meet a gentleman from Monaco who was specifically in town for the Baltimore Grand Prix. In marketing speak, that’s some pretty impressive “reach.”

Source: The Baltimore Sun

Submitted by a member of MDStreetScene —

The Baltimore Grand Prix, once a thrilling spectacle that revved up the streets of Charm City, will not be making a comeback next year. As news of its absence spreads, some rejoice while others express disappointment. As a detractor of the event from the start, I believe that the supposed scheduling conflicts that led to its cancellation are a blessing in disguise. In this blog post, I will delve into my concerns regarding the Baltimore Grand Prix and why its departure might be a positive step forward.

1. Disruptive Nature: The Baltimore Grand Prix was a divisive event from the beginning. While its supporters praised the excitement and economic benefits it brought to the city, critics like myself could not ignore the disruptions it caused. The race’s temporary street closures and noise pollution posed significant inconveniences to local residents and businesses, disrupting everyday life for an extended period.
2. Financial Burden: One of the major issues I had with the Baltimore Grand Prix was its hefty financial burden on taxpayers. Hosting such an event requires substantial financial resources, including infrastructure upgrades, security measures, and traffic management. The burden of funding these requirements often fell on the shoulders of the city’s taxpayers, diverting funds from essential services and pressing civic needs.
3. Questionable Economic Impact: Proponents of the Baltimore Grand Prix often cited the economic benefits it brought to the city. However, the actual impact on the local economy remained debatable. Many businesses near the race circuit reported mixed results, with some experiencing increased sales while others suffered losses due to the logistical challenges and decreased foot traffic during the event. Additionally, the financial gains might have been short-lived, as the influx of tourists was primarily focused on race-related activities rather than long-term investments in the city.
4. Safety Concerns: Safety concerns surrounding the Baltimore Grand Prix were hard to ignore. High-speed racing in a densely populated urban area carries inherent risks, and despite stringent safety measures, accidents have occurred in the past. The safety of both drivers and spectators should be a paramount concern, and hosting a race in a city setting poses unique challenges that cannot be fully mitigated.
5. Alternative Uses for Public Spaces: The absence of the Baltimore Grand Prix opens up opportunities for alternative uses of public spaces. Instead of being monopolized by a high-speed race for several days, the streets can now be utilized for other community-oriented events, such as street fairs, local markets, or cultural celebrations. Such activities have the potential to engage a broader segment of the population and generate a more inclusive sense of community.

The announcement that the Baltimore Grand Prix will not be returning next year due to scheduling conflicts is met with mixed reactions. As a detractor of the event, I see this as an opportunity for positive change. The disruptions, financial burdens, questionable economic impact, and safety concerns associated with the race have long been a cause for concern. Now, we have a chance to explore alternative uses for public spaces, foster community engagement, and prioritize the long-term interests of the city. While some may mourn the loss of high-speed racing, I believe that this departure could be the beginning of a new chapter for Baltimore, one that caters to the needs and aspirations of its diverse population.