IndyCar’s St. Petersburg Grand Prix Signs Extension Through 2026
Race will continue to be held throughout the destination's downtown area
Posted On: June 9, 2021 By :The St. Petersburg Grand Prix, one of the most recognizable and popular stops on the IndyCar Series, will remain on the downtown streets and waterfront of the Florida destination through at least 2026 after the St. Petersburg City Council unanimously approved a two-year extension to the existing agreement with Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC.
The spring racing tradition has been a marquee event on the circut for 17 years; traditionally held as the series opener each year, the 2021 St. Petersburg GP was the second race of this year’s schedule on April 25 because of the pandemic.
“There is no better backdrop than downtown St. Petersburg and its picturesque waterfront for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg to showcase the NTT IndyCar Series,” said Kim Green, co-owner, chairman and chief executive officer of GSSP. “The success and continued growth of the event has only been possible with the overwhelming support and collaboration with the City of St. Petersburg’s Councillors, Mayor (Rick) Kriseman and his fantastic team.”
The event is scheduled to return to its traditional position on the calendar during the second weekend of March each year. The temporary circuit is a 1.8-mile, 14-turn configuration using the streets circling Pioneer Park, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts, The Dali Museum and extending onto the runways at Albert Whitted Airport, which overlooks the waterfront of Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina. Most recently it took 25 days to construct the circuit and the removal was done within six days.
“I am thrilled that the Grand Prix will be in the Sunshine City through 2026,” said Kriseman. “I also want to thank Kim (Green) and Kevin (Savoree), and everyone at the Grand Prix for not only organizing and promoting one of our city’s best events year after year, but for their dedication to our community.”
The event has also had an ongoing impact on the local community through fundraising efforts for the Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg. Over a four-year span via the MBA 5K Run, over $216,000 has been raised for the Police Athletic League and American Stage Theatre.
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