St. Pete extends IRL deal for 2 years

ST. PETERSBURG – IndyCar racing will stay in town for at least two more years.

The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is returning to downtown St. Petersburg through 2009, Mayor Rick Baker announced Monday. Promoter Andretti Green Productions also set next year's race date for April 6.

The news ends any speculation that this year's race was the city's last. Andretti Green exercised a two-year option to extend the original contract.

"This race is going to happen on the first weekend in April for many years to come, " said Andretti Green co-owner Kevin Savoree. "We want people to mark their calendar 'St. Petersburg' and think, 'great car race.' "

Savoree would not say if the race, which is in third year, made a profit last month. But he said crowds exceeded expectations. More at SPTimes.com