Anna de Ferran, daughter of Gil, to perform in opening ceremonies at St. Petersburg

[Source: Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg press release]

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ST. PETERSBURG, FL, March 25, 2014 – Organizers of the 2014 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg have announced that Major Christopher L. Barnett and Anna de Ferran will sing during the opening ceremonies for the Verizon IndyCar Series race headlining the racing festival, March 28-30.

Major Christopher L. Barnett will sing the national anthem during the Verizon IndyCar Series race ceremonies. He is an Executive Office and C-37A Instructor Pilot for the 6th Air Mobility at MacDill Air Force Base, whose mission is to perform worldwide aerial refueling, airlift and special assignment missions for the United States and allied forces. Major Barnett has sung the national anthem at several events including the MacDill Air Force Base Air Show, University of South Florida Basketball and multiple military ceremonies.

Anna de Ferran, the 19-year-old daughter of Indy 500 winner and two-time IndyCar Champion Gil de Ferran, will sing “God Bless America” during the pre-race ceremonies. Anna started writing and performing at the age of 13 in her native England. She will give race fans a preview of her musical talent with special performances in the IndyCar Fan Village on Saturday, March 29 from 1:45 to 2 p.m. and 3:10 to 3:25 p.m.

“Our pre-race ceremonies are special and key to setting the tone for world class racing,” said Tim Ramsberger, President of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. “We are honored to have the immense musical talents of Major Barnett and Anna as part of our opening ceremonies. We know they will do a tremendous job in getting the crowds ready for the first IndyCar race of the season.”

Opening ceremonies for the Verizon IndyCar Series races will begin at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 30. Tickets to the 2014 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg are available now at GPSTPETE.com, by phone at 1-877-283-5385 and can also be purchased at the gates.