Florida Governor Charlie Crist to Pace 2007 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

ST. PETERSBURG, FLA. (March 31, 2007) - Florida Governor Charlie Crist has been named the Grand Marshal for the 2007 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, race organizers announced today.
     Crist, a long-time St. Petersburg resident who has maintained a home near the track for many years, will ride in ceremonial pre-race pace laps with racing legend Johnny Rutherford prior to the start of the IndyCar Series race on Sunday, April 1.  Governor Crist also will participate in other pre-race activities.
Sunday's pre-race ceremonies for the IndyCar Series begin at 2 p.m. and the green flag drops on the race at 2:45 p.m.  The 100 lap-event will be carried live on ESPN.

    There are four Florida-based drivers participating in Sunday's race including 2006 winner Helio Castroneves, 2005 champion and St. Petersburg resident Dan Wheldon, Tony Kanaan and Scott Sharp.

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