ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Now back in its spot at IndyCar's season opener, the Firestone Grand Prix kicked off qualifying runs just after sunrise on Friday morning.
For the last two years, revised scheduled and COVID-19 restrictions brought in limited crowds.
What You Need To Know
- Grand Prix of St. Petersburg kicked off Friday morning
- COVID limited during the past two years, this year's event could see record crowds
- 2022 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg: What you need to know
St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch stated we could see a record crowd for this year's event that rivals the estimated 140,000 people who visited in 2019.
This year, the paddock area is open for fans to interact with the drivers and get a closer look at the work being done on cars.
The event relies heavily on a team of volunteers who return each year. Eric Stockwell is one of roughly 130 volunteers that runs access control. He says on his team, volunteers come from all over the state and as far a Michigan.
"I'd like to do it as long as I can," he said. "Hopefully another 10 years."
Stockwell started volunteering for the annual racing event in 1985, back when it was the 'race around the pier'. He stayed with the event as it evolved into the Firestone Grand Prix in 2005. His favorite part, he says, is when the national anthem plays ahead of the IndyCar races. He's a St. Petersburg native and feels this event shows off everything his city has to offer.
"I was born in St. Pete and I like the fact when they say it on television that its St. Petersburg, not the Tampa Bay Area but St. Petersburg," he said with a smile.
Races run through Sunday evening at the 1.8 mile street course in downtown St. Pete.