Go-karts, air show add to excitement at St. Pete

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

*

ST. PETERSBURG, FL, March 13, 2013 – For the first time in event history, spectators will have the opportunity to test their racing skills at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Event organizers have announced the debut of a go kart track that will be introduced as part of its entertainment offering, encouraging event-goers to put the pedal to the metal and take part in racing festivities of their own.

The specially-built go kart track will be located in the Bright House Networks Speed Zone at Gate 1, outside of the circuit between Turns 4, 5, 6 and 7 and will be open all three days, from 8 a.m. until gates close.

Also making its debut this year at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is the Air Boss Air Show, which takes to the sky on Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24 at midday. The Air Show features Patty Wagstaff, a three-time U.S. National aerobatic champion and inductee into the National Aviation Hall of Fame. The air show experience is like none other and is the perfect addition to an already thrilling and action-packed weekend.

“We are eager to jump-start a weekend of high-level racing and exhilaration on and off the track,” said Tim Ramsberger, President of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. “There is something for everyone to get excited about this year, from games and activities to world-class racing, we are gearing up for an unforgettable event and look forward another edition of the ‘world’s fastest spring break party’.”

In addition to karting and air shows, the event will feature numerous food stands, vendors and interactive games and activities. Fans can take a walk through the Bright House Speed Zone for 24,000 square feet of high-speed fun. The area includes interactive simulators, face painters, clowns, life size Rock ‘em Sock ‘em Robots, and numerous car and vendor displays.

Adding to the excitement off the track is the INDYCAR Fan Village. This element is the second fan area located between Turns 4 and 5 where guests will have the opportunity to interact with drivers through exclusive autograph sessions and meet and greets. The area will also feature various displays and official merchandise from series sponsors such as Honda, Firestone and National Guard.

Key sponsorships renewed for the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg has announced the renewal of key partnerships with sponsors that are at the core of the event. Multi-year contracts have been renewed with Honda, Firestone, Dex Imaging, Bright House Networks, St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater, each of them playing an important role in making the event and its numerous on and off-track activities possible.

Keeping in line with the momentum of sponsorship renewals, organizers also confirmed that both corporate VIP Pit Lane Suites and RV Club passes for the event are sold out. Tickets for the Trackside Club, advantageously located by Turn 10, are still available. The Club offers a trackside suite experience for individuals and small groups with this turnkey, economical hospitality option.

For more information on hospitality and tickets, visit GPSTPETE.com.