The Tradition

St. Petersburg in March is what INDYCAR does. The upcoming race (March 13-15, 2020) will be the 16th for the NTT IndyCar Series and the 10th year in a row as the season opener. It’s not a surprise to see someone familiar since many people have been regulars through the years. Like the banner at the pit entrance reads: “It All Starts Here!”

The Weather

Simply put, the weather is generally terrific, especially compared to what those in most of the country – and certainly the Midwest -- are experiencing in mid-March. Last year it was 79 sun-splashed degrees at the drop of the green flag. Palm trees line portions of the racetrack, and the view of Tampa Bay is easy on the eyes. Fact is, any race where the action can be seen from a boat is ideal for us.

The Experience

All NTT IndyCar Series races afford great fan access to the paddock, but the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg has one of the most intimate settings, with crews and their cars in close proximity. There’s quite the festival atmosphere, too, with food and drink offerings aplenty and displays for all ages. The sightlines along the waterfront are unmatched.

Downtown Proximity

The City of St. Petersburg has its “Embrace the Race” campaign, and the welcoming vibe is felt by all. Mayor Rick Kriseman is a tremendous supporter of the race, and he happens to be quite the racer, having won four consecutive “Mayor's Karting Challenges” held on the actual race circuit. (Sebastien Bourdais calls him “a fierce competitor … and a pretty good driver.” The area around the track has exponentially developed in recent years, with many restaurants and hotels within walking distance.

The ‘Other’ Race

The weekend action includes the opportunity to run (or walk) a 5K race on the actual track. The 8th Modern Business Associates 5K Run is set for Friday, March 13 at approximately 6 p.m. – online registration will be found here. The course enters the track’s layout at Turn 9 and runs the same direction as the race cars onto the runways of Albert Whitted Airport and through the downtown. For the fourth year, the Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg, which supports many programs serving local children and teenagers, will be the primary beneficiary of the event. This year’s goal is to have 1,000 runners and walkers.

Check out “The Countdown” video here.