ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Over 100,000 people with a need for speed filled downtown St. Petersburg Sunday afternoon for the final lap in the Firestone Grand Prix.
Twenty-five racers competed in the Grand Prix. Mechanics started several hours earlier, ensuring their team’s vehicle performed at top shape.
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“We all try to find that extra half second or the extra tenth of a second to get past the next person because it’s a really close field out there,” Hunter Ahrendt said.
“It’s less than half a second between first and tenth place sometimes.”
The race runs 1.8 miles through the city, even using a runway of the Albert Whitted Airport for the track.
“This racetrack – unbelievable,” Kevin Saboree, owner of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, said. “Really great. Three long straightaways, tight corners, a technical section – the drivers love it.”
Organizers said it has become a popular place among competitors to start the 2026 season.
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“It’s been a little bit of a harsh winter up there and so to come down here and have 75-degrees and sunshine. It’s a pretty nice place to start.”
Organizers said the track comes complete with 18,000 feet of fencing, and concrete barriers took them 18 days to build.
They said after their last photo finish, they will have to pack it all back up within a week – and take their show on the road.
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