Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg — Pit Notes #1

St. Petersburg Awarded Opener for 2009 Indy Car Series
For the first time in the history of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, the event will be the opening race of the IndyCar Series. The 17-race IndyCar schedule also includes stops in Long Beach, Toronto and Chicago before closing out the season back in Florida at Homestead-Miami Speedway in October. The Acura Sports Car Challenge of St. Petersburg, the American Le Mans Series feature race, which will be run on Saturday, April 4, will be the second stop on the 2009 ALMS schedule. Both races will be carried live, with the ALMS event on ABC and the Honda Indy St. Pete race broadcast on Versus.

No Changes Planned to St. Petersburg Track
There are no planned changes to the 1.8-mile, 14-turn track through the streets of St. Petersburg for the 2009 event. Even with the construction of the Salvador Dali Museum, the vast majority of the event footprint will remain unchanged and fans attending the fifth annual event will be greeted by minimal changes inside the race circuit. Post-race ceremonies and concerts will once again be held on the Honda Plaza, adjacent to the Mahaffey Theater complex and the Bright House Networks Speed Zone will be in action near Progress Energy Park.

Ticket Prices Remain Unchanged for 2009 Event
Ticket prices for the 2009 event have not changed from last year’s pricing. General Admission ticket start at $25 and reserved seat tickets begin at $60. In addition to reserved seat and general admission ticket sales, the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is offering a free IndyCar Series paddock pass to groups purchasing 10 or more 3-day reserved tickets. Group purchases are only available through the HGPSP box office. Corporate hospitality and sponsorship packages are also still available. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Honda Grand Prix box office at (727) 898-INDY (extension 225), by visiting the event's website at www.gpstpete.com or through Ticketmaster.