Photo Credit: Phillip Wittke
ST. PETERSBURG, FL (March 25, 2012) – Under blue skies and a cool breeze coming off the Tampa Bay, Helio Castroneves won today’s season-opening 2012 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, making him a three-time winner on the 1.8-mile, 14-turn street course. Castroneves started fifth and led Scott Dixon across to the finish line by 5.5292 seconds. The victory marks his first win since Twin Ring Motegi in 2010.
Castroneves’ memorable win and emotional celebration on Dan Wheldon Way (Turn 10) was topped only by Holly Wheldon, the younger sister of St. Petersburg’s hero – Dan Wheldon, presenting the champion with his first place trophy.
“This event was a tremendous way to start the season and celebrate Dan’s legacy,” said Tim Ramsberger, Vice President and General Manager of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. “We had beautiful weather, extraordinary crowds and nothing but sunshine Sunday afternoon, providing us the opportunity to show the world what the city of St. Petersburg has to offer.”
“We could not have asked for a better weekend,” said Kim Green, co-owner of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. “It is an honor to be the opening event for the IZOD IndyCar Series for a second consecutive year. None of it would be possible without the dedication of our fans, staff, volunteers and partners. They are an instrumental part in making our event enjoyable and run as smoothly as it does.”
Five additional support series races joined the marquee IZOD IndyCar Series race to complement a jam-packed weekend with an event record of 10 races.
Winners of these support series races include:About the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg takes place March 23-25, 2012 and 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 the runways at Albert Whitted Airport, which overlook the Tampa Bay and picturesque St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina.
For more on the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, visit www.gpstpete.com. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GPSTPETE, Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/gpstpeteor Twitter via @GPSTPETE.
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