Time drawing near for IndyCar season opener after second open testing in Birmingham

March 24, 5:48 PMTampa Bay Sports ExaminerTed Fleming

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ST. PETERSBURG – After rounds of open testing at Homestead-Miami Speedway and Barber Motorsports Park it is down to days when the IndyCar Series will be dropping in on the Sunshine City.

The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will be run on April 5 but trailers will be tucked into their respective spots by the 2nd with some officials and team members arriving even before that. For the first time since the IRL got the rights to the race from bankrupt CART (Championship Auto Racing Teams), it will be the season opener with hopes of it becoming as huge event as NASCAR’s Florida counterpart, The Daytona 500.

In recent seasons IndyCar kicked things off at Homestead-Miami and with an ever adjusting schedule that venue will not host a fall event. The track was host for the first open tests in February. Speeds were on a par with regular season ovals although the first race of the year is on a street course in the downtown section of this city.

Getting ready for the start of a previous Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
(Photo: Ted Fleming/File)

Despite the recession and not a lot of disposable cash around these days, officials have said ticket sales are ahead of last year’s all-time high. Single session up to three day admission range from $25 to $110 depending on location and what day or days you wish to attend. Access to the paddock is also available and all tickets are available through Ticketmaster or at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg website. Phone orders are also accepted by calling 727-898-INDY, extension 225.

Versus will televise the race in high definition beginning at 2:00 pm (Eastern) and radio coverage will air live on the IMS Radio Network. You can also catch the audio of the race on the IndyCar website.
 

Ted Fleming is the host of "Speaking of Sports" on Sarasota's WSRQ Sundays from 7-9 pm along with
Rays' Examiner Rob Quinn and Althea Pashman

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