Rocket says Kanaan goes for Victory

Tony Kanaan, #11 Geico car, spun in practice about 8:56 am this morning. No damage, he will be ready to go (photo by Rodney Meyering)

St. Petersburg, Fla. – With less than an hour from the start to the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and the Rocket Sports & Entertainment team is fired up.

Diligently working we have to admit that we do have a favorite we are pulling for in today’s main event.  On Monday we aired an interview with Tony Kanaan, the only driver booked for media week by Rocket Sports & Entertainment, and Rick Sassone was excited about the way the interview turned out.  Rick said, “Tony was great to talk with… It was an absolute pleasure and privilege to have Tony on the show.”

This is a special race for Tony for a few reasons.  Tony makes his home here in the sunshine state and last year he almost did not race.  Tony did not secure a sponsor until 5 days before the race.  Tony landed Geico as a title sponsor and this year has a few expanded sponsors.

And of course this year is the first return back to St. Pete after the Dan Wheldon tragedy in Las Vegas.  Dan also being a Florida resident he and Tony were close friends and former teammates.

Rick mentioned this morning he was going to visit the hospitality tent to grab the Brazilian beer that Tony mentioned on the show and to stop by the tent and try one.

The last we spoke to Rick he was leaving the Apex Brasil tent where there was no offer of the Brazilian beer.  Rick said, “I was surprised. I was under the impression they were marketing the beer intensely, but I was not even offered the name, well I guess Tony and I will plan better next time.  I just hope we catch up in victory lane today.”