St. Pete crowd up

St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker said that this past weekend's IndyCar Series Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg "drew a bigger crowd than last year." Baker said that this year "topped last year's estimated crowd of 140,000 over three days." Baker said of the race, "I think it's set to be here forever." Race promoters "called the weekend a smashing success, so they definitely want to add another year to their contract with the city." The race is "already under contract to stay in St. Petersburg through 2013," and Andretti Green Promotions Manager Dir Kevin Savoree said that the race promoter "now plans to seek a one-year extension." Savoree: "We're thrilled with how the event has gone. It's been a fantastic weekend. All three days exceeded expectations" St. Petersburg Times