Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg returns March 23-25, 2012

By on August 16, 2011

courtesy of the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg 

“The World’s Fastest Spring Break Party” will launch the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series season and make history with INDYCAR innovations

August 16, 2011 (St. Petersburg, FL) – The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg  returns to the streets of St. Petersburg in 2012 once again as the season-opening race of the IZOD IndyCar Series. The event, now in its eighth year, will take place March 23-25, 2012.

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. St. Petersburg resident and reigning Indianapolis 500 champion Dan Wheldon was the first to test the new car last week at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

“The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is arguably the region’s most exciting event,” said Tim Ramsberger, Vice President and General Manager of the event. “In 2012, we’ll be making history and race fans from across the state, country and world are invited to witness these important changes and enjoy action that is sure to come from our weekend schedule.”

In 2011, the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg saw the introduction of double-file restarts to the IZOD IndyCar Series, delivering intensified competition off turn 1 that made for a strong and exciting start to the season. The event achieved impressive growth with increased ratings – ABC’s broadcast of the race delivered its highest overnight rating other than the Indy 500 since 2007 – along with strong ticket sales and attendance.

Tickets to the 2012 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will go on sale this fall. To learn more about the event, visit www.gpstpete.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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.

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