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2006 Grand Prix

Who won the race? The city, mayor says

Sun-soaked fans fill the stands for Helio Castroneves' IndyCar victory.

By CARRIE WEIMAR
Published April 3, 2006

ST. PETERSBURG - As the drivers zoomed toward the finish of the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Mayor Rick Baker did a victory lap of his own.

People jumped to shake his hand and offer congratulations as Baker wandered through the stands. A woman in an orange bikini top wanted her picture taken with him; a little boy asked him to autograph his cap.

"I think people really like this race, don't you?" asked Baker, grinning.

After years of missteps, Sunday marked the first time in nearly a decade that someone has managed to stage an auto race in St. Petersburg for at least two consecutive years. And city and race officials are saying this year's race was even more successful than last year's.

The corporate suites sold out. The weather was glorious. After an exciting race, Helio Castroneves, a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, nabbed the victory. Scott Dixon and Tony Kanaan were second and third.

"It's only going to keep growing," said Baker, who lobbied hard to bring the Indy Racing League to St. Petersburg in 2005. "These people are going to go home and tell their friends and neighbors what a good time they had at a race. And next year we'll see those people here, too."

While attendance figures weren't available Sunday, Baker estimated about 100,000 people bought tickets over the three-day event.

No major disturbances were reported and no one was arrested for scalping, said Neal Seepersad, communications center supervisor for the St. Petersburg Police Department.

Chris Broffman, 30, of Seminole said he thought the race felt more crowded this year. A devoted fan, he's been coming to auto races in St. Petersburg since the 1980s.

"But the last two years, it's just been much better," Broffman said. "It's better put together. It's a much better experience."

His girlfriend, Sara Ryan, was at the race for one reason only: Danica Patrick.

Ryan is a huge fan of the 5-foot-2 driver. She got Patrick's autograph Saturday and bought a gray and pink Danica T-shirt Sunday to show her support.

"I just love her," said Ryan, 20. "She's so awesome. A female who can drive like that? She rocks."

By 2 p.m., more than 200 people were lined up to buy tickets at the kiosk at First Avenue and First Street S. Chris Lynch, 27, and his girlfriend, Dawn Pearson, 33, were among them.

Lynch, a St. Petersburg resident, had never attended an Indy car race. But he met several of the drivers Saturday night at the Martini Bar in BayWalk.

"After meeting them, I said, "We've got to go,"' Lynch said. "It sounds like a really cool race."

Not everyone had to fight the crowds for a good view of the race. Up on the 21st floor of Bayfront Tower, the guests at Sue Cooper-Street's elegant party could dine on shrimp, meatballs, bruschetta and pasta with pesto while watching the race from a living room window.

While many Bayfront residents are outspoken critics of the race and the noise it generates, Cooper-Street said she's an enthusiastic supporter.

Her guests agreed.

"I think it's very empowering for the city of St. Petersburg. It really shows us off," said Lisa Siver, who also lives in Bayfront.

"I hope all the people up North watching this are jealous," added Robin Doty, a guest from Coquina Key.

Not everyone was so pleased.

Emmanuel Roux, part-owner of the Garden and Redwoods restaurants on Central Avenue, said he was deeply disappointed by the lack of business generated by the race.

"The people go to the event and they come out and go to their cars and leave. Because everything they need is provided to them at the race," Roux said. "And all of our regulars are staying away."

Roux said the crowd at Redwoods Saturday night was as small as he's ever seen. He said he wished the city would do more to promote local businesses as part of the race.

"I don't really think the city values independent businesses," Roux said.

Also less than enthusiastic: the dozens of people who parked illegally in the University Village shopping center. Tow trucks were hauling away one car after another on Sunday.

A representative from A-1 Recovery wouldn't discuss how many cars had been towed.

But despite the complaints, most people said they were impressed by St. Petersburg and the three-day event.

Katie Guinta, 30, was too weary to generate much enthusiasm. She and her friends got to the race at 8 a.m. from their home in Spring Hill.

They shopped for T-shirts and collected autographs from drivers, but by midday, they were worn out from a lack of sleep and too many hot dogs.

"We have got to stop eating," said Guinta, as she relaxed in the shade.

Guinta said this was her first time at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. But it won't be her last.

"The cars are so cool," Guinta said. "The whole thing has been really awesome."

--Carrie Weimar can be reached at 727 892-2273 or cjohnson@sptimes.com

[Last modified April 3, 2006, 12:53:08]