Lightning Captain Trades Ice Time for Track Time

Vinny Lecavalier Named Grand Marshal for the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

 March 18, 2011 (St. Petersburg, FL) – Vincent Lecavalier, NHL hockey player and Captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning, will be trading ice time for track time as he gears up to serve as Grand Marshal for the 2011 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

 As Grand Marshal for the “World’s Fastest Spring Break Party”, one of Lecavalier’s many responsibilities will include leading the Driver Parade around the track on Sunday morning as IZOD IndyCar Series drivers salute the crowds one last time before suiting up for the main event. Then at exactly 12:25 p.m. he will perform the famous “drivers, start your engines” command, officially launching the 2011 Honda Grand Prix of St Petersburg.

 “We are thrilled and honored to have Vinny as our Grand Marshal,” said Tim Ramsberger, Vice President and General Manager of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. “He is a big contributor to the community, at the Children’s Hospital and many other causes. Having Vinny at the track will only add more fun and excitement for our fans, and we are happy to welcome him onboard.”

 Lecavalier, a 14-year NHL veteran, is a die-hard motorsports fan having attended many races of all sorts.  He is also an avid karter. Over the years, Lecavalier has demonstrated his leadership skills on and off the ice through community involvement and his captainship of the Lightning, making him a perfect fit to be the Grand Marshal of the season opener of the premiere open-wheel series in America.

 Tickets to the 2011 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, which takes place March 25-27, can be purchased through the event’s website at www.gpstpete.com or by phone at 1-877-283-5385.