As the crisp, cold air of winter gives way to the warmth of spring, St. Petersburg is undergoing a massive transformation yet again. Roads will soon be closed, miles of fencing and cement barricades will be constructed and the sweet smell of ethanol will fill the air.
The screaming engines and squealing tires # welcome by some, yet loathed by many # can only mean one thing: The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg has returned yet again.
Although the city sees its share of complaints every year as a result of the race, it is an asset to St. Petersburg. The event draws in hoards of outsiders, putting more currency into the city’s circulation.
As a huge automotive enthusiast, I’ll admit that this is coming from a terribly biased source. However, aside from the often-despised early morning practice runs just blocks from Residence Hall One, the student population at USFSP seems to thoroughly enjoy sharing the streets of St. Petersburg with some of the world’s most talented racers.
Teams from across the country will begin practicing days prior to the qualifying laps in their respective race series, which will begin March 27. The weekend-long series will conclude with the final IndyCar Series race on March 29 at 3 p.m. The entire three-day span is filled with high-speed, adrenaline-fueled racing that transforms an otherwise quiet city into a bustling melting pot of race enthusiasts and famous drivers.
Regardless of your opinions on motorsports, attending the Grand Prix is a process just about anyone will enjoy. Food vendors are abundant, alcohol is available around every corner, the people-watching is fantastic and the experience is unforgettable.
With such a major event happening less than a mile from campus, it would be a crime not to go.
