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You Are Here: Home » Things to Do » Spectator Sports » Grand Prix Means Street Racing is Legal! »
Welcome Race Fans!
The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg returned on April 3-5, 2009 to kick off an exciting 2009 season IndyCar Circuit.
This was the fifth running of the event, with race action on a temporary street circuit in beautiful downtown St. Petersburg. Drivers raced at speeds in excess of 170 mph through the streets of St. Petersburg and the Albert Whitted Airport, overlooking the picturesque city waterfront.
Graham Rahal, who became the youngest driver ever to win an IndyCar race, was back in St. Petersburg to defend his title. Also racing in the 2009 Grand Prix was superstar Danica Patrick and her Andretti Green #7 racing team. Danica is the first and only woman to ever win a race in the IndyCar Circuit, winning the IndyJapan 300 in April of 2008. Adding to the excitement was the debut of team co-owner and 2008 Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee, Michael Andretti, as Danica's strategist for the 2009 IndyCar Series.
Junior Strous, a rookie, took the checkered flag for two days, beating Sebastian Saavedra by 0.4428 seconds. Strous is the third driver to sweep the Indy Lights races at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, joining Raphael Matos (2006) and Alex Lloyd (2007).
Racing and More
There was more action than just racing though. This year's three day event featured a variety of activities taking place along the magnificent waterfront. A fan favorite since 1969, the Festival of States Illuminated Night Parade and Fireworks started the weekend. Followed by an American Le Mans Series practice of a drifting exhibition, an air show, a driver autograph session, and the Michael Andretti Foundation Gala.
Sunday, the main event unfolded with concerts and air shows all morning long leading up to the exciting 2:30pm race start.
This family friendly event also included the Bright House Networks Speed Zone, located right next to Progress Energy Park. Kids can ride a Ferris wheel, see a clown, rock climb, get their face painted and much more!
More Information
This is a one-of-a-kind event for the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area and the entire southeast United States. More information can be found at www.gpstpete.com, by calling 727-824-7223 (ext. 225).
For a map of the race circuit, click here.
You don't want to miss this!
For the most up-to-date race information, please visit www.gpstpete.com.
Click here to see Mike Andretti
If you are interested in being a volunteer during this exciting event and an ambassador for our destination, please email volunteers@gpstpete.com with your availability.
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Copyright ©2009 St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. All rights reserved.