Organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg announced that the 12th edition of the event will be held March 11-13, 2016, with the Verizon IndyCar Series headlining the race weekend.

The event is scheduled to run two weeks earlier than years past because of the Easter holiday.

“We are pleased to confirm our 2016 event dates,” said Kim Green, owner, chairman and CEO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. “While our place on the calendar is a little bit different, we look forward to bringing another great weekend of racing to St. Petersburg.”

Will Power reset the track record in qualifications and Team Penske teammate Juan Pablo Montoya won the race on the 1.8-mile, 11-turn street course in the Verizon IndyCar Series season opener March 29 in the first race featuring the new aerodynamic bodywork platforms supplied by Chevrolet and Honda.

"I am excited to welcome back one of the Sunshine City's best events, the Firestone Grand Prix," said St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman. "Every year, this race brings global attention to St. Petersburg, our neighborhoods, businesses, parks, restaurants, and our people. I invite everyone to once again embrace the race this March 11, 12 and 13 and join me in welcoming the drivers, their teams and race fans from around the world to the best city in Florida."

Support series races for the 2016 event will be announced in the coming months, with tickets going on sale this fall. To learn more about the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, visit www.gpstpete.com.