![]() |
NOW PLAYING
Red Eye Radio 12a - 5a |
|
Brought to you by East Alabama Regional Planning Commission
Sunday, April 1, 2012
The Honda Indy Grand Prix at Barber Motorsports Park is quickly becoming an economic engine. 90,000 fans helped bring in tens of millions of dollars.
"The turnout is unbelievable and it just keeps growing - and I think it's a testament to what we can do here," Leon Cooper, a racing fan said.
Zoom Motorsports president, Gene Hallman says of all three Indy races, this weekend may top the charts. Fans traveled from 44 states, and 6 countries.
"The star of the show being the Indy car drivers - the fastest cars in the world," Gene Hallman, President, Zoom Motorsports said.
But just outside of the fast cars is the other star of the show...
"That's why we are here is to make sure my granddaughter - she wants to ride on the ferris wheel because it came from Neverland," Patricia Cash, a racing fan said.
Former Alabama and Green Bay Packers legend Bart Starr is serving as Grand Marshall.
"Just an honor, I don't know a better way to say it," Starr said.
Fans flocked over to see team owner and 4 time Indianapolis 500 winner, A.J. Foyt.
"I miss racing, just like my friend Bart Starr misses football, but we both had great careers, so what else could we ask for?" Foyt said.
Race organizers say, the economic impact from these crowds is unmatched.
"We have sold tickets to a lot of people from out of state who have come into town and created an economic impact of more than $33 million in the local economy," Hallman said.
"To see everybody who is out here today just further shows Indy car and other organizations what Birmingham can do," Cooper said.
Chelsea HS teacher arrested for sexual contact with a student
Piedmont man killed in early morning wreck
Governor supports Click It or Ticket campaign, increased State Trooper patrols
Illness that killed two in Alabama not a widespread risk
Keywords: Honda Indy Grand Prix, Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham,
Visit Sports
There currently are no approved comments for this blog article. To join the discussion click here.