Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg to open IndyCar season

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, one of the biggest event weekends in the Tampa Bay area, will serve as the opening race for the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series season for a sixth consecutive year. Verizon IndyCar Series officials made the announcement today, revealing the details of its 2016 schedule, which include 16 races spread across the United States and Canada.

"St. Petersburg is an incredible city and a fantastic place to hold a world-class INDYCAR race," said Kim Green of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and a recently settled resident of St. Petersburg. "Drivers and race fans enjoy coming to the city every March, and the picturesque waterfront serves as the perfect backdrop for the season-opening race. We are honored to have the opportunity to be the first race on the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series calendar."

"The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is a staple on the Verizon IndyCar Series schedule and we are pleased that it will kick off the season for the sixth straight year in 2016," said Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Company, the parent of INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "It’s the perfect way to start what is going to be an epic 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series season that includes the 100th Indianapolis 500 and continues the momentum INDYCAR has built over the past two years. St. Pete has become a destination event for INDYCAR stakeholders and fans and having the race broadcast again on ABC will provide tremendous exposure for the entire market. We’re thankful for the efforts of Green Savoree Racing Promotions and for the ongoing support of the entire St. Petersburg community. "

The Pirelli World Challenge, a fan favorite with its intense on-track competition, will complement the weekend’s line-up for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Young drivers looking to reach the Verizon IndyCar Series will also be showcased as the entire Mazda Road to Indy ladder series returns in 2016, which includes Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, the Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires and the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda. Additions to on-track programming will be announced in the coming months.

Ticket renewals for customers who attended the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in 2015 are available now. Tickets for the public will go on sale November 4 with pricing starting at $55 for three-day General Admission and $105 for Reserved Grandstand Seating. For full pricing information, visit gpstpete.com or call 1-877-725-8849.