Officials: SJ Grand Prix To Be Faster

July 28 - BCN -- Grand Prix of San Jose organizers today promised that this year's race weekend will be even more exciting as they work to correct the glitches discovered during last year's inaugural race.

"I can promise you tomorrow at 7:59:59 there will be cars on the track, unlike last year," Grand Prix General Manager Bob Singleton said.

The 1.5-mile track that winds through the streets of downtown San Jose has been modified this year to encourage more passing. In addition, the bump caused by the light rail tracks on San Carlos Street has been minimized, allowing drivers to go over it at higher speeds.

"I remember the migraine I had" from going over the light rail tracks last year, driver Katherine Legge said at Thursday's news conference.

Driver A.J. Allmendinger, a San Jose native, said that unlike last year, spectators should see actual passing during Sunday's main race because of the widening of the track in several spots.

"With the passing opportunities, we're crazy drivers. We see something, we're going to do it," Allmendinger said.

Grand Prix events begin on Friday with drivers taking practice and qualifying runs on the track. Racing begins on Saturday and the main Champ Car race is scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

With parking scarce downtown and numerous street closures because of the race, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority is encouraging spectators to take light rail to the race. VTA will be selling eight-hour excursion passes that are especially suited for race attendees, according to VTA spokeswoman Jayme Kunz.

"They can buy them through the ticket vending machines at the stations or at special tables on Saturday and Sunday," Kunz said.

VTA staff members will be operating the tables on both days at the Diridon and Children's Discovery Museum stations and at the Paseo de San Antonio on Sunday.