Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg announces actor Jack Wagner and Anna Trebunskaya as its Grand Marshals

courtesy of St. Pete Grand Prix

March 20, 2011 (St. Petersburg, FL) – The 2012 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is pleased to announce actor and ABC’s Season 14 Dancing with the Stars competitor Jack Wagner and his dance partner Anna Trebunskaya as the Grand Marshals for the highly anticipated season-opening race of the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series, March 25. The pair will perform standard Grand Marshal duties, including giving the famous “drivers, start your engines” command to start the race.

A talented actor and recording artist, Wagner has starred in multiple television series and TV movies, as well as more than 40 theatrical productions around the world. He first won the hearts of audiences in his iconic role as rocker Frisco Jones on ABC’s daytime series “General Hospital”. After stints on Broadway and as part of the original “Melrose Place”, Wagner most recently joined the company of “The Bold and the Beautiful”.

This will be Trebunskaya’s ninth season on Dancing with the Stars, which debuts tonight on ABC.  With former partners, Olympic Champion Figure Skater Evan Lysacek and Football Hall of Fame Wide Receiver Jerry Rice, she was the second place finisher.  Fans can vote for Wagner and Trebunskaya starting tonight by calling 800 868 3402.

“Each year, we challenge ourselves to come up with an event even bigger and better than the last,” said Tim Ramsberger, Vice President and General Manager of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. “With INDYCAR Entertainment’s help in securing a top-level of star wattage with such high-profile guests, this year’s edition is definitely shaping up to be one of our most exciting yet. We look forward to seeing everyone coming out to have a great time.”

Singing sensations and Celebrity Apprentice cast mates Clay Aiken and Aubrey O’Day to perform the national anthem for the IZOD IndyCar Series race. Clay Aiken first charmed audiences on “American Idol” and has gone on to establish a career that includes multi-platinum selling albums, an appearance on Broadway and co-authoring his bestselling inspirational memoir. Aubrey O’Day made her national debut in the hit MTV show “Making the Band” and was chosen personally by renowned hip-hop artist and producer Sean “P. Diddy” Combs for a spot in the band later named Danity Kane. Following her departure from Danity Kane, O’Day starred in her own reality TV series and made her Broadway debut in the hit “Hairspray” playing the role of Amber Von Tussle.

Special Green Flag Salute to Dan Wheldon

Once all is said and sung, Holly Wheldon will honor her late brother, Dan Wheldon, by waving the green flag to start the 2012 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Holly will also present the first place trophy to the driver that wins the race.

About the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg takes place March 23-25, 2012 and is run on a 1.8-mile, 14-turn waterfront circuit that includes a combination of adjacent downtown streets circling Pioneer Park, the Progress Energy Center for the Arts, the Salvador Dali Museum and extending onto the runways at Albert Whitted Airport, which overlook the Bay and picturesque St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina.

To learn more about the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, visit www.gpstpete.com. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GPSTPETE or Twitter via @GPSTPETE.

About the IZOD IndyCar Series

The IZOD IndyCar Series is the premier open-wheel series in North America, competing on a challenging combination of superspeedways, short ovals, undulating road courses and temporary street circuits. In 2012 the IZOD IndyCar Series will conduct races in the United States, Canada and one each in China and Brazil — all available in high-definition worldwide through comprehensive, long-term agreements with ABC, the NBC Sports Network, ESPN International and TV Bandeirantes. The IZOD IndyCar Series continues to be the fastest, most diverse and most competitive racing series that features an international cast of star drivers and venues. A leader in motorsports technology, the IZOD IndyCar Series was the first in motorsports to utilize 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol and for 2012 its three engine suppliers will use passenger car-relevant E85. For more information on the IZOD IndyCar Series, visit www.indycar.com.