IndyCar Racing (IRL) in Downtown St. Pete

Welcome, Race Fans!

The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is set to return on March 26-28, 2010, to kick off the exciting 2010 season on the IndyCar Circuit.

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

Last year, Team Penske driver Ryan Briscoe launched his 2009 IndyCar Series season in a big way by claiming victory in the fifth annual Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

Racing and More

There is more than just racing action at the Honda Grand Prix. A variety of activities take place along the magnificent waterfront. The Pit Lane Block Party takes place on Friday, March 12th from 4pm to Midnight. With live music on two stages, entertainment and food, this premier event is the official kick-off to the Honda Grand Prix. The Indy Car Racing Experience will also be on hand offering rides through the streets of downtown.

A fan favorite since 1969, the Festival of States Illuminated Night Parade and Fireworks starts the weekend of festivities on Thursday, March 25th. Grand Marshall Ryan Briscoe, together with the other race drivers, will wind through downtown and along the beautiful waterfront to celebrate the official start of the Honda Grand Prix. With fabulous floats lighting up the night sky, music and beads, it's a great way to kick-start the weekend!

Friday is packed full of practice sessions, starting at 8:00 a.m. with the World Challenge practice and followed by IZOD IndyCar Series practice, USF2000 practice and Star Mazda practice. Following is the inaugural Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg 5K Run, Walk 'N Wheel-a-thon. This event will allow 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 pictureseque Straub Park. This fund raising race will benefit the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, Challenged Athletes Foundation (Florida Chapter) and Shoot For A Cure American Spinal Research Organization.

Practice and qualifying sessions continue on Saturday and include a World Challenge autograph session at 11:30 a.m.

Sunday, the main event unfolded, with concerts and air shows all morning long leading up to the exciting 2:45 p.m. pre-race ceremonies and the 3:45 p.m. IZOD IndyCar race start. Gen. David Petraeus, the 10th and current commander of U. S. Central Command, will be the Grand Marshal of the 2010 Honda Grand Prix. As Grand Marshal, Gen. Petraeus will give 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 2010 events.

More Information

This is a one-of-a-kind event for the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area and the entire southeastern United States. More information can be found at www.gpstpete.com or by calling 727-898-INDY.

For a map of the race circuit, click here.

You don't want to miss this!

If you're interested in being a volunteer during this exciting event and an ambassador for our destination, please visit www.gpstpete.com or call 727-898-INDY.