What Is 2013 Grand Prix of Baltimore

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 Grand Prix of Baltimore was an IndyCar Series race held on September 1, 2013, on a 2.04-mile street circuit through downtown Baltimore, Maryland. It was the 14th round of the 2013 IndyCar season and marked the final running of the event due to low attendance and logistical challenges.

Key Facts

The 2013 Grand Prix of Baltimore was held on September 1, 2013
It was a 75-lap race on a 2.04-mile street circuit
Scott Dixon won the race driving for Chip Ganassi Racing
The event was the 14th round of the 17-race 2013 IndyCar Series season
This was the final Grand Prix of Baltimore after three editions from 2011 to 2013

Overview

The 2013 Grand Prix of Baltimore was a pivotal event in the IndyCar Series season, serving as the 14th of 17 races. Held on September 1, 2013, it took place on a temporary 2.04-mile street circuit winding through the Inner Harbor and surrounding streets of downtown Baltimore, Maryland.

The race attracted top drivers competing for championship points late in the season. Despite favorable weather and competitive racing, the event struggled with attendance and city logistical concerns, ultimately leading to its cancellation after this edition.

Track length: The circuit spanned 2.04 miles with 12 turns, combining tight urban corners with a long backstraight along Baltimore's waterfront.
Date: The race occurred on September 1, 2013, starting at 2:40 PM Eastern Time after practice and qualifying sessions the prior weekend.
Laps: Drivers completed 75 laps, covering a total race distance of approximately 153 miles.
Winner:Scott Dixon claimed victory, driving the No. 9 Chevrolet for Chip Ganassi Racing, marking his third win of the 2013 season.
Attendance: Estimated attendance was around 30,000 spectators over the weekend, down from previous years and a key factor in the event's discontinuation.

Race Format & Structure

The 2013 Grand Prix of Baltimore followed the standard IndyCar Series race weekend format, including practice, qualifying, and the main event, all condensed into a three-day schedule.

Qualifying: Used a knockout format over three sessions to determine the starting grid, with pole position won by Simon Pagenaud in his rookie season.
Starting grid: Comprised 25 cars, including full-time IndyCar entries and part-time competitors from teams like A.J. Foyt Enterprises and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
Race duration: Lasted 1 hour, 54 minutes, and 32 seconds, with an average speed of 81.6 mph due to frequent caution periods.
Cautions: There were 7 caution flag periods, totaling 28 laps, triggered by crashes and mechanical failures, including a major incident involving James Hinchcliffe.
Championship impact: The race significantly affected the standings, with Hélio Castroneves closing within 35 points of series leader Scott Dixon.
Weather: Conditions were clear and mild, with temperatures around 78°F at race start, ideal for tire performance and driver visibility.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2013 Grand Prix of Baltimore compared to other IndyCar street races that season:

Race	Track Length	Laps	Winner	Attendance
St. Petersburg	1.8 miles	100	Helio Castroneves	80,000
Long Beach	1.96 miles	85	Mike Conway	65,000
Baltimore 2013	2.04 miles	75	Scott Dixon	30,000
Edmonton	2.01 miles	85	Will Power	35,000
Sonoma	2.385 miles	75	Sébastien Bourdais	40,000

The table highlights that while the Baltimore circuit was one of the longest street tracks, its attendance was among the lowest. This disparity, combined with high city rental fees and traffic disruptions, contributed to officials deciding not to renew the event beyond 2013. The race’s cancellation left a gap in the IndyCar calendar for urban East Coast races.

Why It Matters

The 2013 Grand Prix of Baltimore holds historical significance in American open-wheel racing, representing both the potential and pitfalls of hosting major motorsport events in dense urban environments.

Final edition: This was the third and final running of the Baltimore Grand Prix, ending a three-year run from 2011 to 2013 due to financial and logistical issues.
Urban racing challenges: Demonstrated the difficulties of closing downtown streets for racing, including business disruptions and high city infrastructure costs.
Driver safety: The bumpy surface and tight walls led to multiple crashes, raising concerns about long-term viability on such circuits.
Economic impact: Generated an estimated $30 million in economic activity for Baltimore, though this fell short of projected returns.
Media coverage: Broadcast nationally on ABC Sports, the race reached millions but failed to boost local ticket sales significantly.
Legacy: Paved the way for future street races in cities like Nashville and St. Petersburg, incorporating lessons in crowd management and city coordination.

Though short-lived, the Grand Prix of Baltimore contributed valuable insights into the complexities of urban motorsport events, influencing how future IndyCar street races are planned and executed across North America.