IndyCar Racing in Downtown St. Pete

Welcome, Race Fans!

The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is set to return for another weekend of speed and excitement on March 23-25, 2012, to kick off the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series season. It's the World's Fastest Spring Break Party.

This will be the eighth running of the event, with race action on a temporary street circuit in beautiful downtown St. Petersburg. Drivers race at speeds in excess of 170 mph through the streets of St. Petersburg and the Albert Whitted Airport, overlooking the picturesque city waterfront.

The 2012 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will mark the first race for the new IZOD IndyCar Series car, which replaces the current chassis introduced in 2003. The event will also mark the beginning of a new form of competition among engine manufacturers with three different engines, Honda, Chevrolet and Lotus, competing for track leadership.

In 2011 the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell-electric vehicle served as the pace car, the first-time a hydrogen-powered vehicle paced an IZOD IndyCar Series race in the United States.
IndyCars race through downtown St. Pete streets.
 

Not Just Racing!

There is more than just racing action at the Honda Grand Prix. A variety of activities take place along the magnificent waterfront.

The Festival of States Illuminated Night Parade and Fireworks starts the weekend of festivities. Race drivers, wind through downtown and along the beautiful waterfront to celebrate the official start of the Honda Grand Prix. With fabulous floats lighting up the streets and fireworks illuminating the night sky, combined with a night of music and beads, it's a great way to jump-start the weekend.

In addition to the magnificent horsepower on the track, the 2011 event featured appearances from the world renowned eight-horse Budweiser Clydesdales hitch parading through downtown St. Petersburg. The Red Bull Air Show also provided full track drifting demonstrations.

Friday is packed full of practice sessions. Following practice sessions is the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg 5K Run, Walk 'N Wheel-a-thon takes place. Allowing participants to experience every curve and straightaway of the track as they run, walk or wheel around the 5k course on the official Honda Grand Prix racetrack and around picturesque Straub Park. This is a fund raising event.

Practice and qualifying sessions continue on Saturday. The main event unfolds Sunday with concerts and air shows all morning long leading up to the exciting pre-race ceremonies and the IZOD IndyCar race start, with the traditional drivers’ command to start the Honda Indy St. Pete.

This family-friendly event also includes the Bright House Networks Speed Zone, located right next to Progress Energy Park. Kids can ride a Ferris wheel, see a clown, rock climb, get their face painted and much more. Stay tuned for further details on the 2012 events or visit www.gpstpete.com.

You don't want to miss this!