New long-term deal in St. Pete?

[indycool]

It sounds like it for today..........

http://www.tampabay.com/sports/autoracing/

[indycool]

Drivers apparently like the new qualifying format........

http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-competition-booming/

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080406/SPORTS0107/804060389/1052/SPORTS01

[nigelred5]

I hope they do seal a long term deal. It's a nice course, on the waterfront and it's a nice blend of a street course and Airport course. It's also a nice time of the year to be in Florida. Not too hot and all of the college spring breakers have gone home.

[Hoop-98]

By Dave Lewandowski[/*:m:20iwexlt]
indycar.com[/*:m:20iwexlt]
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The IndyCar Series will return to the city by the bay through 2013.
Representatives from Andretti Green Promotions and the City of St. Petersburg announced a four-year extension of the current contract for the racing weekend through 2013. The promoters of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg also announced tentative agreements for multi-year extensions of partnerships with American Honda Motor Company, on behalf of its Honda and Acura brands, and the IndyCar Series pending approval of the City Council.
"We have a saying here that 'It's another great day in St. Pete,' '' St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker said. "It doesn't get much better than this."
The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg was the first non-oval event for the IndyCar Series in 2005, and the event has quickly grown into a "destination event on the IndyCar Series schedule," according to Indy Racing League founder and CEO Tony George said.


"Mayor Baker and all the people of St. Petersburg are wonderful hosts and have done an incredible job embracing this event," George said. "We are pleased that the city and AGP are continuing with this picturesque event."
Dates for the 2009 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the 1.8-mile, 14-turn circuit will be announced later, though Kevin Savoree, managing director of Andretti Green Promotions, stressed date equity. The event has offered on- and off-track entertainment – from the IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights races to daily concerts, air shows, a family fun zone and commercial displays. Savoree said attendance for the first two days was up significantly from 2007 and expects another large crowd for race day at the fan-friendly venue.


"We had a very big vision for this event when we first presented it to the city in 2004 and to be able to announce this agreement today is not only a milestone for our organization, but a great day for racing fans in the St. Petersburg area," Savoree said. "At Andretti Green, we look at this event in St. Petersburg as a franchise.
Baker, who grew up in Indianapolis, attended his first Indianapolis 500 when he was 9 years old. This year, the race weekend coincided with the city's annual Festival of States celebration, which dates to 1896. It was named the Festival of States for the 48 tourist societies, which seasonal tourists organized by their home states, participating in the annual parade.


"(The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg) is becoming, more and more, a tradition that is part of the fabric of our city," Baker said. "As children growing up become race fans, as people throughout the city get to know the sport, they see it as an improvement to the quality of life of our city. It's for that reason that I am thrilled to be able to say that the folks at this table have agreed that we think the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg should continue to come to St. Petersburg for the next five years."
Baker said the city will work with Tampa Devil Rays management regarding the proposed construction of a ballpark in the middle of the racing circuit. There are preliminary site plans to replace Al Lang Field, spring training home of the club, with a ballpark that could impact the current course configuration along Bayshore Drive.


"The community is discussing right now whether that stadium is going to be built or not," Baker said. "If it is going to happen, it would be subject to a referendum vote by the voters this November. While we are very much for the success of our baseball team, if that project is to go forward it has to go forward in such a manner as to ensure that the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg continued to succeed as well."

rh