IndyCar Preview : 2011 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
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Sunday, March 27th, 2011
The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg kicks off the first race of the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series, with Will Power striving to repeat last year's win from the pole. A win by the 30 year old Australian driver would bring the fifth St. Petersburg win to Team Penske, having also won with Ryan Briscoe (2009) and Helio Castroneves (2006-2007). Power dominated the 2010 IndyCar road and street courses, winning five out of the nine non-oval races, ultimately capturing the Mario Andretti Trophy as the road course champion. Watch for Will Power to be out in front again this year.
Racing history in St. Petersburg
Racing on the streets of St. Petersburg goes back to the 1985, when the SCCA Trans-Am Series made their presence known along the normally placid waterfront. These races continued until 1990, when complaints about noise brought an end to the annual race. In 1996 and 1997, perhaps as a compromise, the Trans-Am Series raced on a course set up a number of blocks away from the water, around Tropicana Field. However, the course didn't have the appeal of the waterfront, and the streets went silent for another five years. In 2003, Champ Car brought IndyCar style open wheel racing to St. Petersburg, with a win by Paul Tracy reviving the waterfront course. A break in 2004 was followed by IndyCar Series races from 2005-2010.
Will this be the year for Ganassi?
It might be surprising that a Target Chip Ganassi Racing driver has never won an IndyCar Series race at St. Petersburg. 2010 followed that pattern. Dario Franchitti, the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series Champion, qualified in 13th position and finished 5th. Road course ace, Scott Dixon, qualified 3rd and led 21 laps, but failed to finish the race after contact on lap 73. However, Franchitti and Dixon should never be counted out, especially on road and street courses. Graham Rahal is also a new hope, now racing for Service Central Chip Ganassi Racing. Rahal won the St. Petersburg IndyCar Series race in 2008, then driving for Newman/Hass/Lanigan Racing, and posted a top ten finish last year.
The return of Sebastien Bourdais?
The 2008-2009 Formula One driver and 2004-2007 Champ Car Champion has expressed interest in returning to IndyCar racing, having tested recently with Dale Coyne Racing. Bourdais holds the one lap speed record at St. Petersburg, with a lap of 1:00.928 in 2003. In good equipment, Bourdais would definitely be a challenger for the win.
Broadcast Schedule
12:30PM EST : Sunday, March 27th
on ABC
Indrielle 14 months ago
The Florida statutes dictate that these Spring Brake Party and events are regulated by the local governing body, Since Pinellas county is a Spring Break destination, be mindful that you are ONLY in Pinellas county and that your sanctioned racing activities are limited to that venue and specifically to that county ONLY. The Honda racing league is sanctioned by the local authorities and statutes. Florida Tax payers are also stake-holders.
Sanctioned means: approved, accredited, licensed, commissioned. The racing league are visitors to our Sunshine state for Spring break; please be mindful of our young people and keep your activities in Pinellas county. The taxpayers of Florida have paid a very high price for this “sanctioned” activity AND remember racing is limited to the race track. As far as allowing 9 year olds into the Indycar garages and giving children pitt passes REMEMBER the SEMA regulations require restrictions to the age of 18 years old.
Keep your racing culture in check and keep your professional activities within the sanctions of the statutes of Florida…Child protection laws are very clear and since we don’t have public school drivers Ed in most counties be aware that once the adrenaline is turned on it can’t be shut off, for most teenage boys under 21; that is why we have adult entertainment restrictions in Florida.
There is always a life to be sacrificed in the illussion of the prestige.