February 5, 2008...6:21 pm
St. Pete Grand Prix
The racing season is about to begin. No, not the series that begins its season at Daytona…I am talking about the series that finds its roots forty-plus years earlier. Open-wheel racing. Racing that is actually interesting to watch (of course if you are into that). Having spent many sunny (and rainy) afternoons at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the St. Pete Grand Prix is a little taste of home here in Florida. I have been to the SPGP race or the qualifying days prior every year since the IRL began racing the streets of Downtown St. Pete. It is a great event! Last year they added the ALMS to the lineup on Saturday.
I wish the ALMS would team up with the IRL on all their roadcourse/streetcourse events because the show in both series is incredible. The best feature of the St. Pete Grand Prix is its family friendly atmosphere. The first year was a bit rough for a family outing, but the following years have been excellent for the entire family. Some, I’m sure are not as happy about the alcohol policy, but I am sick of paying good money to attend sporting events that exhibit bad bad fan behavior (mostly b/c of excessive alcohol consumption) in front of my boys. The entire weekend has attractions for all ages. Last year my son hung out in the PS3 trailer while I watched some racing. We were also able to walk around to several locations around the race course to watch the action. Finally, the best thing about the SPGP. While at the event, I am always reminded that I have less than two months until I make the trip “Back Home Again in Indiana” to see the Indy 500.
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