IRL and ALMSÂ agreement extended 4-years in St. Pete
In addition, AGP also announced tentative agreements for multi-year extensions of partnerships with American Honda Motor Company, on behalf of its Honda and Acura brands, the IndyCar Series and the American Le Mans Series.
The current contract between the City and AGP runs through next year’s Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and the agreement announced today provides for a four-year extension of the existing contract. Dates for future events, including the 2009 date, have not been announced. It is anticipated the 2009 date will be announced later this year.
Now in its fourth year, the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is the first street-circuit race on the 2008 IndyCar Series schedule and is run on a 1.8-mile, 14-turn course through the streets of St. Petersburg.
Quote from Kevin Savoree, Managing Director, Andretti Green Promotions
“Since the inception of this event, our success has been largely due to the cooperative partnership AGP enjoys with the City of St. Petersburg, American Honda, the IndyCar Series and the American Le Mans Series. We had a very big vision for this event when we first presented it to the City in 2004 and to be able to announce this agreement today is not only a milestone for our organization, but a great day for racing fans in the St. Petersburg area."
Quote from Mayor Rick Baker, City of St. Petersburg
“The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg has emerged as the city’s weekend signature event. As another great day of racing begins today, we are looking forward to many more years to come."
Quote from John Mendel, Executive Vice President, American Honda Motor Company
“As the inaugural title sponsor of this event American Honda is thrilled to continue to bring the excitement of the American Le Mans Series and IndyCar racing to the people of St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay area."
Quote from Scott Atherton, President/CEO, American Le Mans Series
“We believe that the Acura Sports Car Challenge, as part of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, has become one of the signature races on the American Le Mans Series schedule. In addition to the setting, community support and organization of the race being exceptional, we believe St. Petersburg fans have truly come to identify with the excitement and world-class cars, drivers and teams the American Le Mans Series brings to the event."
Quote from Tony George, Founder and CEO, Indy Racing League
“St. Petersburg has become a destination event on the IndyCar Series schedule," said Tony George, founder & CEO of the IRL. “Mayor Baker and all the people of St. Petersburg are wonderful hosts and have done an incredible job embracing this event. We are pleased that the city and AGP are continuing with this picturesque event."