Porsche works drivers Joerg Bergmeister and Patrick Long , current American Le Mans GT class reigning champions, will once again take their places behind the wheel of the Flying Lizard Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 RSR on September 3, 2011. New for the 2011 American Le Mans schedule is the Inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix. The new 3.219km, 12 corner, urban street circuit, winds through Baltimore's inner harbor and around the Convention Centre.
Commenting on this inaugural event, Porsche head of motorsport, Hartmut Kristen said, “The first race on a new circuit is always an interesting task for drivers and teams, and even more so on a street circuit with its very special challenges. The Baltimore race, with its large urban area is definitely a positive for the American Le Mans Series and a crucial step towards tapping into new markets for the series and extending the fan base.” Being the head of the most successful GT race car nameplate in recent years, Kristen will be as equally excited for the exposure for Porsche as he is for the fans.
Joerg Bergmeister, who seemed genuinely excited when asked about the new circuit said, ”I'm looking forward to Baltimore. We don't know much about the new track and have no experience here whatsoever. But because the Indycars are driving there too, I assume that it'll be in good condition and in this regard we don't expect any issues. Generally, street circuits suit us. Like at all city races, it'll be important in Baltimore to use the short practice session well to find the best set-up for the track.”
Bergmeister and Long are currently defending their championship status from 6th place in the American Le Mans GT class; 57 points behind current leaders Dirk Muller and Joey Handof BMW Team RLL. Residing in 5th place, ahead of Bergmeister and Long, 2011 Mid-Ohio winner, Wolfe Henzler and Bryan Sellers pilot the Falken Tire 911 GT3 RSR. Darren Law and Seth Neiman, both Americans, pilot the second Flying Lizard Porsche while Bryce Miller and Sascha Maassen team up in the Paul Miller Racing 911 GT3 RSR.
Providing his thoughts on the new circuit, Henzler said, “The first race on a new track is always a challenge. At the moment everything is running smoothly for us. After winning in the rain at Mid-Ohio we followed up in Elkhart Lake with our best result on a dry circuit. This shows that we're working in the right direction. I'm heading to Baltimore feeling confident and hope that we can continue our positive trend.”
