One of the Maryland Transit Administration’s (MTA) new hybrid-diesel electric buses will lead the 32 American Le Mans Series racecars on a pre-race parade lap immediately prior to the running of the second annual Baltimore Sports Car Challenge.

MTA Administrator Ralign T. Wells, a former bus operator, will drive the one-of-a-kind “pace bus,” adorned with special Le Mans graphics, through the two-mile downtown race course as part of the pre-race ceremonies.

“We’re proud of these buses and I’m looking forward to showcasing this pace bus to a large race day crowd in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor,” said Wells. “These new buses are good for the environment, good for the customer and good for Maryland’s pocketbook by providing better gas mileage, increased reliability and a smoother ride.”

The pace bus is one of 215 hybrid diesel-electric buses purchased by the MTA. That number will grow by 53 in the next year following Gov. Martin O’Malley’s approval of the purchase of additional hybrids and a commitment to convert the entire MTA fleet to hybrids.

The aggressive move toward hybrid buses is consistent with the administration’s “Smart, Green and Growing” initiative designed to achieve a more sustainable future.