Houston GP unveils ticket plans

Tammy Whatley of Beaumont, Texas, laid claim to the title of "biggest IndyCar fan" for the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston through an online contest. Accordingly, she was presented the first tickets to the inaugural event by IZOD IndyCar Series championship runner-up Will Power.

"I'm now her favorite driver," Power said.

The Team Penske driver and INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard were in town Oct. 11 as event organizers announced that tickets for the Oct. 4-6, 2013, event at Reliant Park will go on sale Nov. 15. A pre-sale will take place Nov. 13, which allows members of the “Checkered Flag Club" to purchase seats to the doubleheader race weekend.

Order tickets, sign up for Checkered Flag Club|| Circuit map

“We know that fans are excited for world-class racing to return to Houston, and we expect a strong demand for tickets," said Chuck Kosich, general manager of the Grand Prix. "We are also happy to make tickets available just in time for the holidays; we think that Grand Prix tickets will be a great gift idea this holiday season."

Grounds admission and reserved grandstand tickets will be available, and each will be available as single-day or three-day tickets. The “three-day SuperTicket" gives the spectator a premium seat in Grandstand 1 as well as a three-day pit pass.

Grounds admission tickets start at $10 for Friday for the on-track action and an early evening concert.

“It is our goal to make the Grand Prix an event that everyone in the Houston area can get excited about, including families," said Austin Crossley, managing director of the Grand Prix. “This event will be one of the most family-friendly sporting events in Houston, with free entry for children 12 and under all three days. Plus, with our Friday Grounds Admission tickets, a family of four can attend for only $20."

Tickets also are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or in person at the Reliant Stadium South ticket windows inside Budweiser Plaza.

Joining Shell Oil Company are new sponsors ABI Digital Solutions, ACE Hardware, Aztec Tents & Events, Courtyard by Marriott – Houston/Medical Center, Fast Trac Transportation, Hewlett-Packard, Hyatt Place Bush Intercontinental Airport, Hyatt Regency Houston, MSR Houston, Redstone Golf Course, and the SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Houston Medical Center/Reliant Park.