Now in its fourth official year, the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg has grown so much that it's become a must for auto racing enthusiasts. A 1.8-mile, 14-turn street circuit race that winds through downtown St. Petersburg and along its waterfront, the Honda Grand Prix — while considered a nuisance by some area residents — provides a hefty boost to the local economy and includes all manner of amusements. Among the highlights are daily air shows at Albert Whitted Airport; the Bright House Speed Zone, a recreational area located between Al Lang Field and Pioneer Park that features racing simulators, face painting for the kids, a rock climbing wall, a Euro bungee jumper and autograph signings by IndyCar Series drivers; daily drifting exhibitions and practice and qualifying sessions along the race course; the Acura Sports Car Challenge — an American Le Mans Series feature race — on Saturday afternoon; and Indy Pro Series races on both Saturday and Sunday. Everything comes to a head on Sunday, with a live noontime concert by Gym Class Heroes at the Honda Plaza (directly adjacent to Mahaffey Theater) and the main event race — the Honda Indy St. Pete — to follow at 2:45 p.m. April 4-6, 8 a.m.-dusk daily, downtown St. Petersburg, $85-$110 three-day reserved seating passes ($55-$80 ages 12 and under)/$45 three-day general admission passes ($20 kids)/$60-$80 Sunday-only reserved passes ($35-$55 kids)/$40 Sunday-only general admission. For a complete schedule of events and more info, visit gpstpete.com.
