DANNY WISEMAN CAUGHT SPEEDING IN DOWNTOWN BALTIMORE
Professional Bowler Takes Fast Laps Around Race Circuit
BALTIMORE, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011 ? Twelve-time Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) champion Danny Wiseman was caught speeding on Pratt Street in downtown Baltimore at approximately 3 p.m. Saturday afternoon, Sept. 3.
But it was all in good fun.
Baltimore native Wiseman was riding in a two-seat IndyCar driven by IndyCar veteran Davey Hamilton as part of the festivities surrounding the inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix, the first IZOD IndyCar Series race in that city. Although Wiseman has ridden in the Indy Racing Experience two-seater at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway and driven a single-seat, street-legal IndyCar on the streets of downtown Indianapolis, participating in pre-race activities in his hometown was very special.
?I met Scott Jasek (co-owner of the Indy Racing Experience) a few years ago and rode the IndyCar two-seater at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and it?s something I will never forget,? Wiseman said. ?Being involved in this in my home city is exhilarating and a wonderful memory to cherish.?
Wiseman, a fan of two-time Indy 500 winner Al Unser Jr., met Unser at the Baltimore race and explained how he drove Unser?s 1994 Indy 500-winning car around Monument Circle in Indianapolis in 2005 to promote the PBA Tour stop in the city. Wiseman has a framed photograph of Unser that proudly hangs in his garage.
Last weekend in Baltimore, Wiseman was also introduced to legendary team owner Roger Penske, who has 15 Indy 500 victories, more than any team owner in the race?s 100-year history. Penske was intrigued with the number of perfect games Wiseman has bowled in his career (63 total, with 40 under PBA sanction), and they also discussed the accomplished bowling skill of three-time IndyCar champion and 2006 Indy 500 winner Sam Hornish Jr. Wiseman mentioned to Penske that he has participated in Hornish?s charity bowling event in Texas in the past, and had given him a few tips on how to improve his game.
Prior to the race, Wiseman met IZOD IndyCar Series driver and 2011 Indy 500 pole winner Alex Tagliani, who drives the #77 Sam Schmidt Motorsports machine. Tagliani, a recreational bowler, asked Wiseman for some bowling pointers, specifically about how to play certain lane conditions. The two also exchanged team shirts, with Tagliani receiving one of Wiseman?s trademarked ?flame? bowling shirts.
Wiseman has been a race fan for many years, and it was the thrill of a lifetime to experience the sights, sounds and legends of IndyCar racing in his backyard.
?This is a wonderful event for race fans, and even those who have never seen a race in person,? Wiseman said. ?I?m proud that my hometown provided the backdrop for a very exciting inaugural IndyCar event, and I hope to see the series return to Baltimore for many years to come. Thanks to everyone who helped make this one of the most memorable experiences of my life!?
The 2011-12 Professional Bowlers Association season begins November 4-20 at South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas for the World Series of Bowling. This will be Danny Wiseman?s 24th year on the PBA Tour.
Media Contacts: Tina Mendenhall, tina.mendenhall@att.net
Photo- C.Jones-Indycar.com
