Sports
2022 Firestone Grand Prix St. Pete's Track Build To Lay Out The 1.8 Mile Circuit Begins
Mayor Ken Welch will tell drivers to start their engines at the NTT Indycar Series after race organizers selected him as grand marshal.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Firestone Grand Prix St. Pete 2022 race organizers gathered at the 'first block' track build ceremony Monday morning on Dan Wheldon Way to name the grand marshal of the Prix.
The organizers named Mayor Ken Welch as the honorary grand marshal for the Feb. 27-Feb. 27 event. Welch will say, "Drivers, start your engines," to the NTT Indycar series field while standing in front of the starting grid on the main runway of Albert Whitted Aiport, a news release said.
Welch will be involved in additional pre-race ceremonies during the event.
Find out what's happening in St. Petefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“I am honored to be named this year’s Grand Marshal for the St. Petersburg Grand Prix,” Welch said. “This event showcases so much of what our wonderful city offers — a pristine waterfront, warm breeze, plenty of sunshine, good people and loads of fun. I look forward to seeing you all on race day.”
Kim Green, CEO of Green Savoree St. Petersburg, said they are looking forward to introducing Welch to their fans and the entire NTT Indycar Series racing community during the 18th annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding.
Find out what's happening in St. Petefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The track build is in progress as crews lay out the 1.8 mile, 14-turn temporary circuit and festival grounds in downtown St. Petersburg near popular attractions such as the Dali Museum and the Mahaffey Theater.
Crews will move more than 20 million pounds of concrete blocks into place during the 25-day project. Hospitality suites and five bridges will also be built. The track map may be viewed here.
The three-day event has returned to normal after last year's had a limited attendance because of the coronavirus pandemic.
NBC will broadcast the 100-lap NTT Indycar Series' season-opening race as it closes out the schedule with an approximate 12:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Sun., Feb. 27.
For tickets and more information about the race, visit GPStPete. Tickets start as low as $25.
You can follow the event on social media using @spstpete and #FirestoneGP for the latest updates.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
