BALTIMORE (August 9, 2012)- The world's largest logistics company, DHL has been named the Official Express and Logistics Provider for the 2012 Grand Prix of Baltimore, Labor Day weekend, August 31 - September 2. As part of the DHL sponsorship, the improved Grand Prix track layout will include the "DHL Turn" - also known as Turn 1 - at the corner of Pratt and Light Streets. DHL will deliver the Grand Prix trophies to the victory podium located in Sunoco Victory Lane, and DHL branding will be seen in the three "DHL Speed Zones" which will offer a variety of activities for race fans around the sprawling Grand Prix of Baltimore course. Look for the distinct red and yellow logo on trackside billboards, and during pre-race ceremonies for the IZOD IndyCar Series and American Le Mans Series events. The Grand Prix of Baltimore will take place in the heart of downtown Baltimore, with a 12-turn, 2-mile course that snakes through downtown and alongside the Inner Harbor. This 180mph Festival of Speed is expected to bring more than 100,000 spectators to watch the cars and stars of the American Le Mans Series and the IZOD IndyCar Series. Since 2011, DHL has been the Official Express and Logistics provider of Andretti Autosport, serving as the primary co-sponsor of the No. 28 entry of Ryan Hunter-Reay and an associate sponsor of the No. 27 car driven by IndyCar's 2011 Rookie of the Year, James Hinchcliffe. With approximately 275,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories, DHL is the global market leader in the international express and logistics industry. "We are thrilled to be a sponsor of the Grand Prix of Baltimore and help bring the excitement of IndyCar racing to spectators attending the Labor Day weekend racing events," said Christine Nashick, Vice President of Marketing for DHL. "The speed, reliability and dedication exemplified by the IndyCar drivers, including DHL-sponsored drivers Ryan Hunter-Reay and James Hinchcliffe, has been a wonderful way to express our similar brand attributes with customers, employees and racing fans." Tickets can be purchased and race information can be found at the official event website: RaceOnBaltimore.com or through all Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets orders can also be placed by phone at 800-745-3000. The 2012 Grand Prix of Baltimore is being operated by locally owned Race On LLC, and is being promoted by Andretti Sports Marketing. Faces of the Grand Prix Ryan Hunter-Reay is one of the drivers battling for the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series championship. Three consecutive victories at Milwaukee, Iowa and Toronto thrust Hunter-Reay into the summertime spotlight as the first American driver to lead the IndyCar point standings since Sam Hornish Jr. won the title in 2006. The winningest active American IndyCar driver, Hunter-Reay drives the DHL / Sun Drop Chevrolet for Andretti Autosport. Hunter-Reay's car number - 28 - is in honor of the 28 million people around the world with cancer. After losing his mom to the disease, Hunter-Reay founded Racing for Cancer, which raises funds for cancer awareness. He is also one of only 13 Global Envoys for the LIVESTRONG organization. In conjunction with LIVESTRONG and the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, Hunter-Reay and Racing for Cancer will co-host "The Yellow Party," an event to raise funds and awareness for cancer research, Thursday, August 30 in downtown Baltimore. For more information, go to: http://www.yellowpartybaltimore.org Volunteers: Many volunteers are needed to help make the Grand Prix of Baltimore a success. Anyone interested in becoming a Grand Prix volunteer can complete an online registration form at the official event website: http://www.RaceOnBaltimore.com, or can request a volunteer form by submitting an email to: volunteer@andrettisportsmarketing.com or calling the volunteer hotline at 443-759-4208. From: Jade Gurss
