Pit Notes       
Issue No. 1 // February 19, 2008 
Media Contact:  Tip Nunn  // Tipnunn@comcast.net  // 303.526.0994
  Al Larsen // Alan.Larsen@andrettigreenracing.com // 727.824.7223 x222

Preliminary Event Schedule Released
Race organizers have released a preliminary schedule of events for the 2008 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.  The weekend of racing will feature the fourth running of the Honda Indy St. Pete on Sunday, the second running of the Acura Sports Car Challenge of St. Petersburg on Saturday afternoon and two Indy Pro Series races, with one held on Saturday afternoon and a second race on Sunday morning.  The biggest change in the schedule from previous years is the movement of the Acura Sports Car Challenge, the American Le Mans Series feature race, to Saturday afternoon.  Last year, the race had an early evening start.
     “After speaking with race fans after last year's event, we have consolidated our schedule and amplified our overall event experience this year,” said Tim Ramsberger, Vice President and General Manager of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. “The biggest changes were made on Saturday when now fans will be able to catch the Acura Sports Car Challenge and qualifying for the Honda Indy St. Pete all packed in between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.  It really strengthens a great day of racing.”
     The event schedule is rounded out with air shows scheduled all three days, drifting exhibitions on Friday and Sunday and driver autograph sessions scheduled for Friday afternoon with the ALMS drivers and Saturday afternoon with the IndyCar Series drivers.  Key times are:

Friday, 1:05 p.m.        Acura Sports Car Challenge of St. Petersburg Qualifying
Friday, 4:30 p.m.        Autograph Session with American Le Mans Series Drivers
Saturday, 10:55 a.m.  Honda Indy St. Pete Qualifying
Saturday, 12:55 p.m.  Start of the Acura Sports Car Challenge of St. Petersburg
Saturday, 3:45 p.m.    Autograph Session with IndyCar Series Drivers
Saturday, 4:45 p.m.    Start of the first Indy Pro Series race
Sunday, 10:45 a.m.    Start of the second Indy Pro Series Race
Sunday, 2:45 p.m.      Start of the Honda Indy St. Pete
All times subject to change.  Gates open at 8 a.m. daily.
 
Free Trial in IndyCar Series DownForce Fan Club Offered with Ticket Package
Race fans who purchase a pair of three-day reserved tickets to this year's Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will receive a 60-day free trial full membership in the IndyCar Series DownForce Fan Club.  Fan Club members receive passes to special members only events at select IndyCar Series races, as well as IndyCar memorabilia and special discounts and offers from the League.  The special ticket offer is available only through the Hand Grand Prix box office and purchasers must mention the “DownForce” promotion when they purchase their tickets.  To purchase tickets for this special offer, please call the Honda Grand Prix box office at 727.898-INDY x225. 

Three Things You May Not Know About the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (and the people who make it the World's Fastest Spring Break Party)

1. The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg was the IndyCar Series' first race ever to be run on a waterfront course.
2. You could win a chance to be part of Danica Patrick's pit crew at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg - or another of your favorite IndyCar Series events - through a promotion hosted by AirTran Airways.  For more information, go to http://www.airtran.com/danica/default.aspx.
3. IndyCar Series Driver Dan Wheldon, a self-proclaimed neat freak, currently owns more than 300 pairs of shoes.