Race-side parkers pay $25

Parking spaces were at a premium Friday in downtown St. Petersburg with some private lots near the race course charging up to $25 per car for the day.

Although motorists complained about the price, the lots had plenty of business.

"Twenty-five bucks. That's a tough hit to take," said Pinellas Park racing fan Lee Racine, 39, who nevertheless ponied it up to park in a gravel lot near Third Avenue S and Third Street. "How much are we going to have to pay Sunday?"

Parking in city lots is $5, but those fill up quickly. Several hundred private lots typically charge up to $20 for an event like the Grand Prix, but $25 might be a new high.

For Sunday's main event, a shuttle service will run from Tropicana Field to the race site. The shuttle is free, but there will be a charge to park at the stadium.