Formula One to hold “Silver Spring Grand Prix” running through Blair
La Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich announced the race, set to run through Blair Boulevard, as part of the 2024 season of the Formula One World Championship in a joint press conference Thursday.
The statement explained why Silver Spring was chosen, saying it had a high concentration of fans and a great track proposal. “We felt that the American Mid Atlantic region was too isolated from the other 3 American races on the calendar given the large fan base,” said Sulayem, the president of the FIA, the governing body of the sport. “We hope this race can drive more American engagement with this sport and propel it to new heights.” said Sulayem. When asked why the track would run through Montgomery Blair High School, the officials said it was more convenient as the school had, “a lot of room any way” and that the second and third floor balconies could serve as viewing areas. “Never in my life have I seen a building more suited to hosting an F1 race than that high school. It’s like the architect made those grandstands on purpose.”
Officials expect to see a massive improvement in the local economy which has been on the downswing for years. “We think this event will help bring more consumers and international attention to this area and our incredible community. We project an incredible one percent increase in GDP in 2024 as a result of the race.” stated Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, “It’s simply good economics for our community.” When asked about the road closures needed to plan and run the event, Elrich said they wouldn’t be a big issue since there are ways to circumnavigate the race site. “There are other ways to get around anyway and we will be running a private helicopter service over the closed areas to help citizens get where they need to.”
Reigning Formula One world champion Max Verstappen gave his thoughts on the planned race concerning the sporting implications. The Red Bull driver remarked, “Before this, I had never heard of Silver Spring but I am told its roads might not be up to FIA regulations. I think the layout is pretty interesting and the indoor section could create some good racing.” Blair students seem to have mixed opinions about the plan with 10th grader Aiden Liu calling it “the dumbest idea I’ve ever heard” and 12th grader Andy Ying remarking, “I’m just happy we got a day off school out of it.”
Others have expressed concern about possible damage to the building from the event with sophomore and Silver Splinter Glorious Leader Justin Rosentover quipping, “I don’t think the floors were designed with 200 mile per hour cars in mind.” Another sophomore known as Ramen Xin expressed his high hopes for the race saying, “THEY DID WHAT? OH MY GOD I’M GONNA PASS OUT. THIS IS THE GREATEST DAY OF MY LIFE.” The tickets are set to be priced at around $10,000 with a 10% discount for students and staff.
