For this race, it's hard to believe that it is in Baltimore. Casually remarking, "the race is in Baltimore" is unbefitting. A more realistic statement of fact would be "the race IS Baltimore." By the way, for those like me, who were uninitiated...it's not a "track", it's a "circuit".
I took an unofficial poll of Baltimore residents. I asked them to describe their sentiments towards the race. Unfortunately, their responses should not be repeated. However, to us, the race was awesome and we spent a lot of money. I'm sure that will make someone happy.
We arrived on Saturday during the practice laps. The sound of the cars is the first thing to hit you. They sound like very very angry, large, fast wasps. Due to the perimeter fence around the circuit, we were required to check-in to the race premises before we could get to our hotel. It's exciting to stay at a hotel inside of the circuit. Apparently we just missed the wreck that had everyone talking for the rest of the weekend. Glad to see that everyone was OK.
Our hotel was adjacent to the chicane after turn 12. The chicane was literally right outside of our doorstep. Our room was on the 14th floor facing the harbor. We saw all of the long straight away, turn 6, and the first 6-10 paddocks in pit row. We couldn't have asked for a better view. We considered watching the whole race from the comfort of our room. This will not do, however, I have a date with destiny.
What a difference a day makes! Just to think, this time last week, I was watching every calorie and worrying about the final weigh-in. Not any more! This weekend was about having fun and indulging all of those food cravings that I've ignored since June. Our hotel was steps away from a huge group of food vendors. I was poised for greatness.
My strategy was simple: sample many different dishes but don't overload on any one of them. To make additional room, I decided not to eat any bread. I nearly jeopardized my entire mission with the first contestant: crab pretzel. Fortunately, willpower prevailed. I ate most of the crab and only a few bites of pretzel. After the crab pretzel, I found my rhythm. Boog's BBQ, Gyro, Pulled Pork #1, Cinnamon Almonds, and Pulled Pork #2. I topped it all off with some of Ali's chicken cheese steak.
Satisfaction. Delight.
Our grandstand seats were along the outside of turn 10. At this point in the circuit, drivers are decelerating from 150 MPH in preparation for the 90 degree turn12. Awesome.
There weren't any bad wrecks during the race. Someone got sideways going through the hairpin and caused a long caution flag and a temporary parking lot. Gridlock in Baltimore city...sound familiar?
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