| Hang on to your hats! April 4th through the 6th, street racing is going to be legal in downtown St. Petersburg. (I should add right up front that you needn’t polish up your minivan for the event. Street racing will not be legal for you and me. If you decide to bust 90 MPH down Central Avenue, you are on your own explaining it to the law.)
The drivers will be battling it out in the exciting Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. In just four short years, the event has become one of the most successful and popular races run on a temporary street course in North America.
Racing superstars like St. Pete’s own Dan Wheldon and fan favorite Danica Patrick plan to roar through the streets at speeds approaching 180 MPH. Enormous crowds will gather to cheer on their favorites in the Monaco-like setting of St. Pete’s bayfront, with the world-class museums, sidewalk cafes and luxury yachts moored at Florida’s largest municipal marina offering a stunning backdrop.
The 1.8-mile-long, 14-turn circuit begins at St. Petersburg’s Albert Whitted Airport. It runs up First Street South, veers right toward the bay on Central Avenue, then snuggles up to the waterfront on Bay Shore Drive as it twists back to the airport.
ESPN and XM Radio will broadcast live coverage of the action on Sunday starting at 2:30 p.m.
If the street racing isn’t enough to get your heart beating faster (which I think is highly unlikely) The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg & Acura Sports Car Challenge of St. Petersburg will also feature the IndyCar Series, Indy Pro Series and American Le Mans Series. You can enjoy the air shows, drifting exhibitions, concerts, interactive attractions, parties and family entertainment, too.
For more information, including course maps and tickets to the event, visit www.gpstpete.com. |
