The Verizon IndyCar Series will return to the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg through at least 2020, with race organizers Green Savoree Racing Promotions received approval today from the members of City Council to extend its license for the event.
The race moves up a couple weeks in 2016 to March 11-13, but will still be the season opener.
It will have similar dates in 2017 and 2018, at March 9-12 in 2017 and March 8-11 in 2018.
“We would like to express our sincere thanks to Mayor Rick Kriseman, members of City Council and all city staff for their support and approval of this extension,” Kim Green, Owner, Chairman and CEO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, said in a release.
“The City of St. Petersburg has a special place in the history of racing, and we look forward to running the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg here for years to come.”
St. Petersburg held its first Champ Car race in February 2003 and after a year’s hiatus, has been a staple on the Verizon IndyCar Series schedule since 2005.
Other than Long Beach and Toronto, St. Petersburg has established itself as a tentpole street race event on the calendar.