March 8, 2011 (St. Petersburg, FL) – Preparations for the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg are well underway as the event announced today the addition of more “horsepower” to its entertainment line-up at a press conference in Andersen RacePark. The 2011 event will feature appearances from the world renowned Budweiser Clydesdales, along with full track drifting demonstrations and the Red Bull Air Show.
The iconic, eight-horse Budweiser Clydesdale hitch will parade through downtown St. Petersburg and make appearances at Grandstand 2 as part of the weekend’s festivities. The Clydesdales were formally introduced in 1933 to commemorate the repeal of Prohibition for beer and have been part of celebrations ever since, captivating millions with their strength and majesty.
“The World’s Fastest Spring Break Party will live up to its name by offering an entertainment package rivaled only by the high-level racing offered on the track,” said Tim Ramsberger, Vice President and General Manager for the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. “Race fans and families will enjoy a memorable weekend with entertainment and activities that are just as diverse as the crowd that comes to the race.”
Drifting will make its return to the streets of St. Petersburg as well. The high-powered motorsport demonstration features a technique where the driver intentionally over steers at a high speed, causing the car to lose traction yet still maintaining control of the car. Drifting demos will take place Friday, March 25 from 12:15-12:35 p.m., Saturday, March 26 from 11:20-11:40 a.m. and Sunday, March 27 from 9:20-9:50 a.m.
Also making a return to the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg for 2011 is the Red Bull Air Show, which will take to the sky throughout race weekend. The Red Bull Air Show will feature stunt aircraft, stunt helicopter and a sky diving team.
Fans can expect new things from the IZOD IndyCar Series that will bring them closer to the action with new pre-, during and post-event features. INDYCAR will debut the IZOD IndyCar Fan Village, an area located between turns 4 and 5 where fans will have the opportunity to interact with drivers and teams, test their skills in racing simulators and receive exclusive information digitally. INDYCAR will also debut its new, custom-designed mobile stage and will produce unique driver introductions during which each driver will be introduced individually according to country to increase the fan experience.
Fans can also take a walk through the Bright House Speed Zone for some fast fun. The 24,000 square foot zone will feature interactive simulators, driver autograph sessions, a cafe area provided by Lundy’s Catering and games from Bright House. Fans can enjoy the convenience of several beer gardens located throughout the site, as well as a floating bar on the marina at the Acura Yacht Club.
Speed enthusiasts will also enjoy the Honda product display located in front of the Mahaffey Theater. Honda will be bringing down its latest line up of cars and boats for fans to check out.
The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will also bring back the iconic and ever-popular Ferris Wheel to the 2011 event and will install six videoboards along with four timing/scoring towers throughout the track to enhance the overall fan experience.
The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg returns to the streets of downtown St. Petersburg, March 25-27, 2011, marking the start of the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series season and the beginning of a new era of open-wheel racing in North America with the Mazda Road to Indy giving young drivers a clear path all the way from karting to the Indy 500.
About the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is run on a 1.8-mile, 14-turn waterfront circuit that includes a combination of adjacent downtown streets circling Pioneer Park, the Progress Energy Center for the Arts, the Salvador Dali Museum and extending onto runways at Albert Whitted Airport that overlook the Bay and picturesque St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina.
Stay connected to all the latest information, visit:
Website: http://www.gpstpete.com/ www.gpstpete.com
Twitter: @GPSTPETE http://www.twitter.com/GPSTPETE
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gpstpete www.facebook.com/gpstpete
