One of the premier events of the year for St. Pete is the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, bringing a four-day festival of fast cars, hot food, cold drinks, and some of the world’s best IndyCar drivers to downtown. While the races themselves are the main attraction the experience goes way beyond the races for those of us living in the Burg.
Taking place on the waterfront street course in downtown St. Petersburg, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is among the most respected motorsports events in North America. Participants will be able to take pictures with the cars. Volunteers will be available to answer any questions. One of the cooler experiences, which is the open garage and paddock area, where cars are brought between races for upkeep, repairs and maintenance. Crew members and drivers come in and out to work on and prepare the cars. That experience is open to all ticket holders on Friday and available for purchase for Saturday and Sunday.
North Straub Park will be turned into a kickoff party starting Thursday 3/2 from 5:30 p to 8:00 p, complete with Indy cars, race cars from the other support series, live entertainment, food and drinks. Even if you aren't a big race fan, something about seeing those cars zip up and down the streets that you normally walk on, is a thrill in itself. The whole experience is something for the whole family!