Official 2023 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Program

Robert Palmer

RP Funding Founder

Often working late into the night. And up before the sun. We celebrate the skilled tool smiths feverishly fine-tuning in busy garage bays as the unsung heroes of the sport. Ensuring that every bolt is tightened to its precise torque specs. Making the slightest, one-tenth-of-a-turn adjustment to extract one more renewable fuel-powered ounce of performance. Meticulously balancing and mounting the slick, Firestone FirehawkTM race tires that keep the winged road machines gripped to the tarmac through up to 5G forces. We salute these pit lane MVPs. Our brothers and sisters in wrench-wielding arms. And we’re honored to be part of this callused-fingers fellowship. Teammates and technicians. Keeping not just NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers on street circuits, road courses, short-ovals, and superspeedways. But also the vehicles being driven by families, delivery drivers, and carpoolers on tree-lined avenues and express lanes. By offering expert recommendations on the best name brand tires, along with informative and transparent total car care. A commitment and camaraderie we share, dedicated to ensuring that both motor racers and everyday motorists stay firmly in the Driver’s Seat.

To those who keep drivers on the track. And the road.

Front Runner in

Turbocharging the INDYCAR fan experience

At Moffitt, our research teams are fast-tracking innovative cell therapies and clinical trials that are providing survival outcomes up to 4 times the national averages. We’re accelerating the science for early detection and here at the Firestone Grand Prix we’re offering free screenings for skin, head, neck and oral cancer. Just visit our mobile site Sunday March 5 from 10am – 2pm.

On behalf of the entire team at Green Savoree Racing Promotions, welcome to the 2023 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding, the 19th annual running of this event in spectacular downtown St. Pete.

We are excited to kick off the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season once again right on the waterfront of beautiful St. Petersburg! A special thank you to Firestone, our title sponsor since 2014. We’re honored to have just announced Firestone’s commitment to extend its support for another two years through the 2025 event. Also, RP Funding returns as the presenting sponsor for a second consecutive year. The commitment from both of these great organizations makes this world-class event possible.

A jam-packed weekend of racing is in store for everyone in attendance with a mix of open-wheel and sports car competition. The Mazda MX-5 Cup and SRO GT America sports car series will get things started on Friday and Saturday, each with doubleheader races featuring fender-to-fender action. Catch the rising stars of the USF2000 and USF Pro 2000 Championships as they work their way up the open-wheel ranks. Both development series will also compete in doubleheader races. Finally, INDY NXT by Firestone will warm up the crowd on Sunday morning before the NTT INDYCAR SERIES battles for 100 laps in its season-opening event. Check out the schedule for more details on all the on and off track festivities. Enjoy the wide-array of food and drink offerings available across the site featuring many local flavors. Our version of “gasoline alley” is also lined with displays and exhibits to interact creating a festival experience.

Mayor Welch and his team at the City of St. Petersburg are tremendous hosts who help us bring this event to life each year from assisting with the track build to the logistics surrounding the race weekend. This event happens because of their support. Over 500 volunteers also offer their time to make this event run smoothly. Their dedication to key specialty areas are appreciated by our entire team.

Most importantly, we thank each and every one of you, our loyal fans. It’s going to be a great weekend for racing here at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding, so get ready. We’ll see you at the green flag!

Kevin Savoree President and COO Green Savoree Racing Promotions

Kim Green Chairman and CEO Green Savoree Racing Promotions

Dear INDYCAR fans:

Welcome to this weekend’s Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding, a long-standing, fan-favorite race on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule. INDYCAR is committed to delivering a comprehensive fan experience through outstanding entertainment and thrilling competition as our drivers take on all obstacles presented by St. Petersburg’s challenging, 1.81-mile temporary street course.

For the 13th time, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding opens the season, a 17-race journey featuring the stars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. It’s also serving as the green flag for a new era for our newly rebranded official development series – INDY NXT by Firestone.

Whether this is your first INDYCAR race weekend or you have been attending this race for years, we are excited for you to witness the spectacle of the sport. This weekend is a destination event, so we urge you to take in as much as possible and enjoy it all.

In addition to the close and unpredictable competition on the track that makes for a true proving ground as elite athletes compete for the most challenging championship in motorsports, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES will be one of the most sustainable racing series in the world.

Our partners at Shell have created a 100% Renewable Race Fuel which debuts this weekend and Firestone will use a tire made from rubble produced by the sustainable desert shrub guayule as the alternate tire not only in St. Petersburg but other street circuits as well.

You should find that the NTT INDYCAR SERIES offers some of the most daring and defiant athletes in sport, including reigning series champion Will Power, young and emerging stars like Alex Palou, Pato O’Ward and Colton Herta and record-chasing legends in the making such as Scott Dixon and four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves. The rising talents of the sport, such as Hunter McElrea, Jamie Chadwick, Jagger Jones, Kyffin Simpson, Christian Rasmussen and Ernie Francis Jr., will be showcased in thrilling, competitive INDY NXT by Firestone action.

While at this beautiful facility, we invite you to download the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA on your smartphone to get behind-the-scenes driver features, live timing and scoring, in-car cameras and more information to help you follow the action. Also, follow the NTT INDYCAR SERIES online at INDYCAR. com, on Facebook, Twitter and TikTok (@INDYCAR), and keep track of INDY NXT by Firestone at indynxt. com or on Facebook, Twitter and TikTok (@indynxt)

Thank you for your continued support. INDYCAR appreciates your attendance this weekend. We are glad you can experience the speed, action and excitement that defines the series.

Enjoy the weekend!

Mark Miles President and CEO, Penske Entertainment Parent company of INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway

WE ARE INNOVATIVE WE ARE INCLUSIVE WE ARE IMPACTFUL WE ARE IN-TOUCH

WE ARE... EMBRACING THE RACE!

St. Pete is proud to host the kick off to the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, presented by RP Funding.

Nicknamed “The Sunshine City,” St. Pete, FL is one of America's fastest growing cities. Offering beautiful weather year-round, world-class museums and galleries, local dining, professional sports, a wellness focused community, and some of the nation's top ranked parks systems - St. Pete is quickly becoming one of the most talked about cities in Florida and beyond. With its laid back, small town vibe and big city attitude - St. Pete is now a major hub for high-caliber talent, business investment, and innovation with focus on inclusive progress.

Follow us on social media @stpetefl or visit us online at stpete.org.

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STAFF LISTING

Event Staff

Deven Keady, Christopher Kersey, Ben Valentine Operations & Event Control

Jim Tario, Nate Long, Nathan Young, Kris Boatwright, Weston Bell Track Operations

GREEN SAVOREE RACING PROMOTIONS

Executive Staff

Kim Green Chairman & CEO, Green Savoree Racing Promotions

Kevin Savoree President & COO, Green Savoree Racing Promotions

Michael Morrisey

Executive Vice President & CFO, Green Savoree Racing Promotions

Jeff Atkinson Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Green Savoree Racing Promotions

Ryan Cash, Giles Dowden, Craig Kersey, Chad Seufert, Matthew Borkan, Jerry Jensen, Jared Rose Sales & Client Services

Steve Bidlack, Jenna Hood, Jack Carney, Gaven Stewart, Christian Ryan Marketing & Communications

Mike Raven, Tammi Sipes, Gwen Duffy, Anita Karklins

Ticketing & Credential Center

Brian Sipes, Paul Alterio Safety & Security

Nathan Savoree Accounting

Scott Ellsworth Race Control

Todd Lewis PA Announcer

Volunteer Team Leaders

Eric Stockwell Access Control

Ian Boyle Ceremonies

Jason Adler, Lisa Hoyland

Credential Center & Paddock Redemption

Josh Derringer, Michael Hullet, Jace Kole, Nancy Lafleur, Tony Presley Grandstands

Rusty Wood Hospitality

John Hehn Information Services

Jayme Evans, Bart Graham

Media Center

Scott Lescard

Photography

Gary Lewis Showcar

Don Rambajan Volunteer Services

David Crump Yacht Club

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Tim Rutledge

Group Publisher & CEO

EDITORIAL

Anna Rutledge

Special Projects Editor

Adam Gordon Associate Editor

George Webster

Motorsport Editor

DESIGN + PRODUCTION

Queue Gonzalez

Creative Director

Patrick Dinglasan

Production / Senior Art Director

Edward Shintani

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Richard Robles

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Jason Redmond

Motorsport Marketing Manager

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RUNNERS AND WALKERS REJOICE!

The 5K run made a comeback this year with new title partners in Wellcare and Ambetter Health.

The Wellcare Ambetter Health 5K on the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Track returned on Thursday (March 2), before race cars took to the track on Friday. An anticipated 1,000 runners and walkers planned to participate with all proceeds benefiting the Police Athletic League (PAL) of St. Petersburg.

"At Wellcare and Ambetter Health, we are always looking for opportunities to promote health and wellness in the communities we serve," said Shawn Holt, chief sales officer,

Wellcare and Ambetter Health, ahead of this year’s 5K. "We are excited to join the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg 5K team and look forward to seeing everyone at the track and raising funds for the Police Athletic League.”

PAL programs foster relationships between local youth and police officers. Stated more specifically, its mission is to prevent crime among youth through recreation, education and athletics. The organization’s initiatives range from affordable after school programs to summer camps. Each program is designed with the conviction that if young people are

reached early enough, they can develop strong, positive attitudes toward police officers in their journey through life, leading them to maturity and good citizenship.

“The Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg is excited to see this impactful event return to our city, and we are extremely grateful to our partners for their continued support," said Heather Robb, executive director, Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg. “Since 2016, contributions from the Firestone Grand Prix and proceeds from the 5K have surpassed $210,000, which helps PAL provide

enriching activities and experiences to at-risk children living in our community.”

"After a four-year hiatus, our team was thrilled to announce the return of the Wellcare Ambetter Health 5K on the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Track. We are grateful to Wellcare and Ambetter Health in helping us bring back this exciting community event that kicks off the race weekend,” said Kim Green, co-owner, chairman and CEO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St.

Petersburg presented by RP Funding. “We look forward to hosting over a thousand walkers and runners on the track again next year as we raise money for a great local organization in PAL."

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding is honored to be able to play a small part in the community by helping with the life-changing work happening every day through the efforts of PAL. More information about the event can be found at gpstpete5k.com.

Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding

FROM DESERT SHRUBS TO STREET RACING:

BRIDGESTONE TO EXPAND USE OF SUSTAINABLE GUAYULE RUBBER IN 2023 NTT INDYCAR® SERIES

Bridgestone accelerates advancing sustainability in INDYCAR with new initiatives

Bridgestone will introduce new initiatives aimed at advancing sustainability in the 2023 NTT INDYCAR® SERIES. As the series’ exclusive tire supplier, Bridgestone will feature Firestone Firehawk race tires made with natural rubber derived from the guayule desert shrub as the alternate tire in all five street circuits of the 17-race season. The guayule alternate tire made its competition in the 2022 Big Machine Music City Grand Prix in Nashville in August 2022. Additionally, the majority of race tires used this season will be manufactured at the energy-efficient Advanced Test Produc-

tion Center (ATPC), which has now received International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS recognition for its transparency and traceability of sustainable raw materials. Finally, the company will utilize sustainable monomers, made with recycled plastics, in all its race tires for the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500.

GUAYULE RACE TIRES FOR 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES

The Firestone Firehawk Race tire will be featured as the alternative tire at the Firestone Grand Prix (March 5) in St. Petersburg, Fla., Streets of Long Beach (April 16), Streets

of Detroit (June 4), Streets of Toronto (July 16) and the Music City Grand Prix (Aug 6) in Nashville, Tenn. For the 2023 season, Bridgestone will supply more than 1900 tires using a sidewall material made exclusively with rubber derived from the guayule woody desert shrub grown on the company’s own farm in Eloy, Arizona.

Guayule is part of Bridgestone’s plan to achieve carbon neutrality and make tires from 100% sustainable materials by 2050. The company is targeting commercial production of guayule-derived natural rubber by the end of the decade.

ADVANCED TIRE PRODUCTION CENTER WITH ISCC+ CERTIFICATION

Bridgestone completes its farm to track sustainability initiative by manufacturing all Firestone Firehawk race tires at the newly ISCC+ certified ATPC in Akron. The certification was awarded to the facility on November 2, 2022 for its transparency and traceability of sustainable raw materials including bio,

Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding

bio-circular and circular-based material to replace synthetic rubber. The ATPC is the third Bridgestone facility in North America to be awarded the designation, behind the Aiken County Passenger/Light Truck Plant and Polymer Engineering Pilot Center in Akron. Sustainable practices in its manufacturing facilities are a critical element of Bridgestone’s sustainability commitments, including its aim to achieve carbon neutrality and tires made with 100% sustainable materials by 2050.

SUSTAINABLE BUTADIENE FOR TIRE PRODUCTION

This year at the Indy 500, all race tires – for practice, qualifying and race– will incorporate sustainable monomer made from recycled consumer plastics in creating the synthetic rubber compound in the tire. The new monomer will replace the standard monomer used in the tires’ production at the ATPC and will be supplied by Shell, the race series’ official fuel, oil and lubricant sponsor.

FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG PRESENTED BY RP FUNDING

Firestone is proud to celebrate an extension of its title sponsorship of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding. This year’s race marks the Firestone brand’s tenth year as the entitlement sponsor as the season-opening race, and the new multi-year deal will extend that relationship through 2025.

The Firestone brand’s history in the Tampa/St. Petersburg market dates back 90 years to the opening of its first area retail location. The Firestone Complete Auto Care store location on Kennedy Boulevard in downtown Tampa opened in 1933 and continues to be a trusted provider of tire and automotive service for customers in the area.

THE FIRESTONE FAN EXPERIENCE RETURNS

Race fans at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding can once again have fun at the Firestone Fan Experience located in Albert Whitted Park just south of Woodie’s bridge near turn 11. The popular interactive area features unique, hands-on activities that include racing simulators, and capture your Firestone Show Car Experience with an epic video. As always, fans also can stock up on Firestone swag like cooler backpacks, sunglasses, t-shirts, and more, plus register to win a set of Firestone tires.

Race fans can keep up with Firestone Racing by following @FirestoneRacing on Twitter and Instagram.

DALE COYNE RACING INDYCAR FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG

Aveteran-led Coyne program of race engineer Craig Hampson and the legendary Sebastien Bourdais won back-to-back races on the streets of St. Petersburg in 201718. But this year, Coyne features the youngest driver combination in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with second-year IndyCar driver David Malukas and rookie Sting Ray Robb.

At 21, Chicago-native Malukas returns for his second season at Dale Coyne Racing. His teammate is also 21, Idaho native Robb, who has graduated to IndyCar after successfully climbing IndyCar’s ladder system, including last year in what is now known as the INDY NXT Series Presented by Firestone.

At 68, Coyne intends to showcase this youthful talent behind the wheel of his powerful Hondas.

“It’s a different approach for us,” Coyne said. “It’s different than what we have done in the past. I have to sharpen my pencil. I have to be more involved now.

“Before, you trusted the veteran [driver] you had to lead the youngster. Now, you have to throw a little bit of everything you have learned from those veterans over the years

and use that to be sure these guys are going in the right direction.”

Five years ago, the right direction at St. Petersburg was charted by a veteran team leader. Hampson’s engineering expertise combined with Bourdais’ tenacity as a racing driver was a powerful combination on the streets of St. Pete.

“It was close to the top [moment] of my career. We have won several INDYCAR races – half of them on strategy and half of them just being fast. That really was a combination of both. He had one where he spun early in the race and went all the way to the back. The

other one, he didn’t qualify well and started in the back. We took gambles in the race to get him in the top five in each of those races.

“When Sebastien smells the front of the field, he goes after it hard. It was a combination of both of those. He really had that fire in his eyes. He was very professional and very experienced. He was frustrated [to be] at the back, so we took a gamble in the race to jump him forward. We got lucky twice and he took care of the rest.”

Last year, Dale Coyne Racing featured two-time Indianapolis 500 winning driver Takuma Sato of Japan and a then-20-year-old rookie Malukas. The team owner hoped the combination of a veteran with a young driver would help Malukas learn, but the season got off to a rough start, as the rookie crashed out on Lap 23 in his St. Petersburg debut.

Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding

Honda team owner Dale Coyne is hoping to recapture past success in the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg with the youngest driver combination in the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

Words by Bruce Martin/Speed Sport

But it was a slow start to what would prove to be a fast season for the rookie. The highlight was a second-place finish in the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at World Wide Technology Raceway outside St. Louis.

“The way last season started, everything was new, and it started off a bit rough, but later in the season we found a very good setup for street races,” Malukas said. “We had our success on street courses. At Detroit and Toronto, we made the Fast Six and at Nashville we were battling for top positions at the end of the race. We have a very good car when it comes to street circuits and I’m looking forward to using that setup at St. Pete.

“There are going to be good opportunities. I think it will be a pretty good battle.”

Malukas believed the combination of a veteran driver working with a rookie helped him in 2022. Ironically, this year Malukas is the veteran and Robb is the rookie.

“I’m the veteran of the team but it doesn’t feel like it,” Malukas said. “I have just one season under the belt. It’s still going to be a good duo. With Sting Ray, our driving styles are very, very similar. After his test at Sebring and the preseason test at Thermal, you can put our data together and it’s almost exactly the same. I think we will work very well together and have the right car.”

According to Coyne, Robb landed his ride because of a successful test at Sebring, Florida during the offseason. Coyne liked what he saw in the driver who spent last season at Andretti Autosport in INDY NXT, finishing second in the championship, and gave him the seat in his Honda. Coyne believes the two young drivers will work well together because they can relate to each other.

“David and I are going to complement each other a lot because we have gone through recent stages in our careers at the same time,” Robb said. “He made the transition from INDY NXT to INDYCAR last year. I’ve already learned a lot from him, the things he learned that he didn’t know he was going to have to deal with that I’m able to take on a little bit earlier because I saw what he did.

“With Dale Coyne at the helm, that makes it more interesting because he has that sage knowledge and knows years of experience that will allow David and I to grow quicker.

“It allows us to be a bit more ambitious because we don’t have to deal with the history of what should we be doing? We are started at Ground Zero, but we know what we are capable of accomplishing. David and I are

going to be complementing each other on the way we set up the car. We have similar driving styles, and that will help us get the car in the right direction.

“As far as the ins and outs of the series, Dale will be the guy that leads us through that.”

Malukas and Robb go all the way back to the karting days when they were still kids. That has created a bond between the two.

“We’d see each other at the track and were always competitive; now we are in IndyCar together,” Robb said. “Our relationship is pretty good because we each know where the other came from. We don’t have to get to know each other because we already do. It helps a lot. As the season continues, we will grow closer together and our communication will improve as with any other series.

“It’s cool to see. It’s nice that you are living the dream with someone else that you know is living their dream. We are in similar position. It’s not too often that drivers get to share that with someone of similar age and stage of their career.”

Robb believes the two can push each other because they are both young. It’s similar to the way he benefitted from his teammates at Andretti Autosport in INDY NXT.

Malukas says the two drivers can ask questions and give each other advice with an open mind. Last year, Malukas was able to learn

from a successful veteran in Sato, but also observe what drivers such as Scott Dixon, Will Power and Scott McLaughlin were doing on the track during the course of a race.

“I could learn so much just by following them,” Malukas recalled. “The way their line changes when they are trying to save fuel with tire saving, there is so much to it.

“Part of it is trying to catch on as quickly as possible, but at the same time, the more time, the more practice, the more you learn.

“Even now, there is so much to learn about race strategy for this season. I plan on helping Sting Ray as much as possible with all the information that I learned last season because the quicker I can get him to being comfortable with the car, the quicker we can help each other.”

Malukas is impressed by the way Robb remains determined through a race stint. During breaks in an INDYCAR weekend, Malukas was able to watch the INDY NXT action and was impressed that Robb was able to keep a cool head, overcome setbacks and forge ahead to battle for the podium.

As the man who oversees this youth movement on the team, Coyne believes Malukas will become a better driver by helping Robb adapt to INDYCAR.

“David being the elder statesman this year will help him mature faster,” Coyne said. “He realizes he is being looked up to as well. It will help him. Their driving styles are the same, which is a nice thing to have. I’m looking forward to what they can do this year.”

Malukas is proud to be part of this youth movement. He looks at Coyne as a sage leader who can impart his wisdom to two young drivers willing to learn.

“I think it’s really good to help get the younger generation in with more opportunities into IndyCar,” Malukas said. “You see all these veterans like Scott Dixon and Will Power, it’s very cool to be racing against them. But it’s nice when Dale can give the opportunity and the perfect environment to people like me. Everything is fresh.

“IndyCar is such a big deal. When I came into it, I was nervous and shocked because it was all a big, big thing. But a team like Dale Coyne Racing can make you feel so comfortable, make you feel at home and make you feel like family. It is the perfect environment to show my potential and give 110 percent without having too much pressure on me.

“I’m proud to be part of the crew and hopefully be part of a bigger trend to have Dale Coyne helps these younger drivers.”

WELCOME TO ST. PETE GT AMERICA

POWERED BY AWS

The 2023 GT America powered by AWS race season begins on St. Petersburg, Florida streets, March 3-5. An array of GT3 and GT4 entries are represented by top manufacturers, including- Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Callaway, Chevrolet, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche.

The 1.8-mile, 14-turn street course sees the return of the GT America powered by AWS series for the second year in a row, with the series in its third season. The field of 23 is

divided into two classes this season, with 12 GT3 cars creating the SRO3 Class and the remaining 11 GT4 chassis creating the GT4 Class. The lineup is full of SRO Motorsports America veterans, sure to create close racing on the unforgiving course.

GT3 GLEE

There is just something about the SRO3 Class that makes fans pay attention. Maybe it’s the fact that there are seven Mercedes-AMG GT3 entries singing in unison on the grid or the unmistakable low growl of the Audi R8 LMS and Callaway Corvette awaiting redemption. Either way, it's race action that shouldn’t be missed.

Overall, GT America powered by AWS was the closest championship under the SRO Motorsports America banner in 2022. SRO3 Class Champion George Kurtz returns with CrowdStrike by Riley in his No. 4 CrowdStrike Mercedes-AMG. Vice Champion Jason Daskalos and Daskalos Motorsports are ready for

a rematch. This time Daskalos has upgraded machinery, driving the No. 27 Vintage 423 CRP Racing Mercedes-AMG. Last year he ran an Audi R8 Ultra. The lone Audi R8 LMS Evo this year is the No. 14 GMG Racing entry of longtime World Challenge racer James Sofronas.

The No. 70 MISHUMOTORS Callaway Corvette of Micro Schultis finished third in the championship in 2022 and will aim to turn last year’s consistency into this year's winning strategy. However, he’ll continue to fight off top talents such as Memo Gidley, Scott Smithson, Anthony Bartone, Andy Pilgrim and Jeff Burton, all behind the wheel of a Mercedes-AMG GT3. Not to mention Alex Vogel and Andy Wilzoch in their Porsche 911 GT3-R and Derek DeBoer in the Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3.

GT4 AND MORE

The GT4 Class never leaves an audience wanting. It’s one of the fastest-growing racing platforms in North America for a good reason. The cars are nimble and fast. The GT4 chassis will excel on the streets of St. Petersburg. While the engine output is lesser than that of the big brother GT3 race cars, the ambition and competition are equally as thrilling.

The 2022 GT4 Class Champions Ross Chouest returns in his No. 50 Westport Aston Martin. He finished last year with two wins, and he’ll want to start the year by adding to that trophy collection. However, St. Petersburg local and fellow Aston Martin driver Jason Bell may stand in his way after winning on his home track last year and finishing the season as vice-champion and champion in 2021. Gray Newell, Moisey Uretsky and Todd Coleman round out competitors also representing Aston Martin on track.

Bell is not alone in knowing the streets of St. Pete well. Also local to the area is Team ACP Tangerine, with the No. 152 Tampa Bay Air BMW entry driven by Steve Weber and the No. 12 Team ACP, All Country Paving National BMW of Kenneth Goldberg. They’ll keep a keen eye on the lone Mercedes entry of RENNtech Motorsports and Thomas Johnson. No one will count out Carrus Callas Raceteam and the Toyota Gazoo Racing GR Supra GT4 of Nicholas Shanny or the return of Blackdog Speed Shop and Tony Gaples in the Chevrolet Camaro GT4.R. Thomas Collingwood and BGB Motorsports will raise the banner for Porsche in the No. 69 Atlantic Cultivation, Suncoast Autowerks Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport.

STAY CONNECTED, STAY TUNED

The weekend schedule, live timing and scoring and session reports are available at gtamerica.us. Check out race live streams for free on YouTube at GT World.

Finally, get up-to-the-minute info on the GT America powered by AWS social channels on Facebook @srogtamerica, Instagram @gt_america and Twitter.

THE STREETS OF ST. PETE CAN’T TAME MAZDA MX-5 CUP

The only street course on the 2023 Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires® schedule, the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg ranks as one of the drivers’ favorite tracks.

Surrounded by concrete walls that leave no room for error, Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup drivers still find a way to use every inch of the pavement as they chase down a win on the 1.8-mile circuit.

This series is known for close racing, lots of drafting and incredible finishes. The catalyst for these amazing 45-minute races is the MX-5 Cup car. It’s the same road-going Mazda Miata you can buy at a dealership, only after these leave the assembly line in

Japan, they head to Flis Performance in Daytona Beach, Florida, to be converted into a true race car. Several components on the car are sealed to ensure even competition and a cost-saving platform.

It’s not just the top step of the podium a trophy and championship points these drivers are fighting for, it’s their shot at $6,000 for a race win and payouts that continue all the way to 10th. That’s just a small part of the more than $1 million on offer from Mazda this season, including $250,000 for the series champion and $80,000 for rookie of the year.

No driver in the field has more Mazda MX-5 Cup wins at St. Pete than Selin Rollan (No. 87 Hixon Motor Sports) and it could be because he knows every inch of the Albert Whitted Airport runways. A native of the Orlando area,

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Rollan is a flight instructor working toward his commercial pilot’s license. He flies in regularly to have lunch at The Hangar.

Defending series champion Jared Thomas (No. 96 JTR Motorsports Engineering) was a winner at St. Pete last year by 1.5 seconds, an unheard-of feat in MX-5 Cup considering the average margin of victory across the 2022 season was 0.65-second.

There’s never been a repeat champion in MX-5 Cup, but if Thomas adds a St. Petersburg win to the win he scored at Daytona in January, he’ll be repeating the path that lead him to the title last year.

The point leader coming into St. Petersburg, Tyler Gonzalez (No. 51 Copeland Motorsports) has a strained relationship with the street circuit. Last year he showed he had enough

speed to win but was held back with mechanical issues. Look for the St. Cloud, Florida driver at the front of the pack this year.

Returning St. Pete race fans may remember one MX-5 Cup driver in particular; Woody Heimann (No. 82 JTR Motorsports Engineering) who didn’t complete a full lap in Race 2 because he rolled upside down in Turn 1. Thankfully, he got out of the car on his own and was okay. He is back and coming off of

his best MX-5 Cup weekend ever; finishing in the top 10 in Race 2 at Daytona.

Both MX-5 Cup races at St. Pete will be streamed live on RACER.com. If you like what you see and want to catch up with some of last year’s races, all of them are archived on the IMSA YouTube page. For more info check out www.mx-5cup.com and follow @mazdamx5cup on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

THE DOOR IS OPEN

It will be a tall order to match the level of excitement that unfolded during last year’s USF2000 Presented by Cooper Tires season. An intense three-way battle waged throughout the 18-race campaign and was decided only at the last gasp, when preseason favorite Michael d’Orlando edged out Myles Rowe in a dramatic series finale at Portland International Raceway. Rowe’s Pabst Racing teammate Jace Denmark also had been in the thick of the contest until faltering at the final hurdle.

All three protagonists have now graduated onto the next level of the USF Pro Championships ladder, USF Pro 2000 Presented by Cooper Tires. So, the door is wide open for a new rising star to scoop the champion’s scholarship prize, valued at a staggering $433,200, to continue their career progression in 2024.

Unusually, the top 11 finishers from last year’s USF2000 field have all moved on

to pastures new, leaving Jacob Douglas (Exclusive Autosport) as the top returning driver. Formerly a front-runner in karting and Formula Ford in his native New Zealand, Douglas, 17, made solid progress during his rookie season of USF2000, which included three top-five finishes.

Jorge Garciarce (DEForce Racing) and Simon Sikes (Pabst Racing) also return after placing 13th and 14th, respectively in the 2022 title-chase, albeit under entirely disparate circumstances. Garciarce, from Guadalajara, Mexico, faced a steep learning curve during his rookie season in the U.S., while Sikes, from Augusta, Ga., made only eight starts, always running competitively, before his budget ran dry.

Sikes has joined the perennial front-running team, Pabst Racing, for what will likely prove to be a pivotal season in his young career.

“As a returning driver with experience at St. Pete, my aim is to lead the championship after the first round,” says Sikes, a two-time

Words by Jeremy Shaw • Images provided by Gavin Baker/Road to Indy

SCCA National Champion. “It’s a strong field with good competition so we are going to have to keep our heads down and work hard to make it happen.”

Fellow former Team USA Scholarship winner Andre Castro, from New York, N.Y., also will return to the Streets of St. Pete, joining Future Star Racing for its USF2000 debut alongside fellow series veteran Trey Burke, from Alvin, Texas.

Additional contenders with experience in Tatuus USF-22 cars include Canadian Mac Clark (DEForce Racing), VRD Racing teammates Nikita Johnson, who hails from nearby Gulfport, Fla., and Danny Dyszelski, from Belmont, S.C., and Evagoras Papasavvas (Jay Howard Driver Development), from Loveland, Ohio.

Clark made a sensational, winning debut in the 2022 season finale at Portland

after scooping the inaugural USF Juniors

Presented by Cooper Tires championship and a scholarship valued at over $220,000 to ensure graduation onto the next step of the ladder. Johnson, who placed third in USF Juniors – and still is only 14 years old – also impressed in sporadic USF2000 outings.

Over half of the field is made up by rookies, among them highly rated Australian Lochie Hughes (Jay Howard Driver Development), who won six times en route to winning the 2022 F4 United States Championship powered by Honda; Sam Corry (VRD Racing), from Cornelius, N.C., who took second in USF Juniors; and teammate Noah Ping, from Buford, Ga., who finished third in F4.

The mix of talented veterans and rookies bodes well for another intriguing season of competition, beginning with this weekend’s Grand Prix of St. Petersburg double-header event supported by Cooper Tires and Discount Tire.

Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding

Pabst Racing is often to the fore on the St. Pete streets.

Simon Sikes was fastest during the USF Pro Fall Combine Test at Indianapolis.

Mac Clark steps up after winning the USF Juniors title.

Nikita Johnson accepts his second-place trophy from Dan Andersen at Portland.

NEW FACES, SAME STORY

The premier driver development program in North America has a fresh look for the new season, which kicks off this weekend on the unforgiving Streets of St. Petersburg. Under the hood, so to speak, not much has changed. Uniquely in the world of auto racing, each step on the ladder still offers a scholarship to its champion to ensure graduation to the next level. And the overall goal

for every young driver is a seat at the top table – a ride in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

But outwardly, one year after INDYCAR took over as promoter of the top rung on the ladder, INDY NXT, the next steps have been rebranded under the umbrella of the USF Pro Championships. The uppermost of these, USF Pro 2000 Presented by Cooper Tires, has attracted a strong entry to this weekend’s double-header Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

Words by Jeremy Shaw • Images provided by Gavin Baker/Road to Indy

which features support from Discount Tire and Andersen Interior Contracting.

It is the largest field for the opening round of the championship since 2014 and is jampacked with talent.

Most of the leading contenders from 2022 have stepped up to INDY NXT, including series champion Louis Foster, who ultimately claimed a scholarship valued at over $614,000 to advance his career. So, who will follow in his footsteps?

The highest placed returning driver is Brazilian Kiko Porto, who won once on his way to seventh in the title-chase after securing the USF2000 Presented by Cooper Tires crown in 2021 with Texas-based DEForce Racing.

Mexico’s Salvador De Alba ended the season just one point behind Porto, with two victories to his name, and this year has joined the Canadian-owned Exclusive Autosport team which guided Foster to the championship. De Alba’s performances in 2022 were

especially impressive given that almost all of his previous experience has been gained in stock cars.

De Alba is joined at Exclusive by Yuven Sundaramoorthy, from Delafield, Wis., who recorded three podium finishes in 2022, and highly rated Swedish rookie Joel Granfors, who cemented his credentials by finishing second in the GB3 (formerly known as British Formula 3) Championship.

Jack William Miller (Miller Vinatieri Motorsports), from Carmel, Ind., Jordan Missig (Pabst Racing), from Channahon, Ill., and Ireland’s Jonathan Browne (Turn 3 Motorsport) also seek to profit from their earned knowledge of the attractive Tatuus PM-22 chassis.

A talented crop of rookies includes Michael d’Orlando (Turn 3 Motorsport), from Hartsdale, N.Y., Myles Rowe (Pabst Racing with Force Indy), from New York, N.Y., and Jace Denmark (Pabst Racing), from Scottsdale, Ariz. The trio fought a sensational battle for

last year’s USF2000 crown. Denmark and Rowe split the two wins here in St. Petersburg, but it was d’Orlando who finally claimed the top spoils, just six points clear of Rowe.

And judging by the form showed 12 months ago by rookie Foster, who finished on the podium in both USF Pro 2000 races despite having never driven on a street circuit before, keep a close eye, too, on the likes of 2018 German Formula 4 Champion Lirim Zendeli as he attempts to rekindle a career that already has taken him to the lofty heights of the FIA Formula 2 Championship; TJ Speed Motorsports teammate Francesco Pizzi, from Rome, Italy, who won the 2020 UAE Formula 4 Championship and last month earned an LMP2 class victory on his sports car debut at the Rolex 24 At Daytona; and Japanese-American Reece Ushijima (Jay Howard Driver Development), who has achieved success in Europe during the formative stages of his young career.

Michael d’Orlando steps up after winning the USF2000 title.

Brazil’s Kiko Porto won once last year as a USF Pro 2000 rookie.

Jack William Miller set the pace during testing at Indianapolis last fall.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

HORSE SOLDIER BOURBON WATERSIDE CLUB

SPEED ZONE

FIRESTONE NTT INDYCAR SERIES PADDOCK / SUPPORT SERIES PADDOCKS

The Paddock is like the “locker room of motorsports” by comparison to football, basketball, baseball or hockey. It is better known as the “garage” area in the racing industry. Whenever the cars are not on the race track during an event weekend, they will be found inside the Paddock. While the Firestone NTT INDYCAR SERIES Paddock requires the purchase of a Paddock Pass, the support series paddocks are completely FREE.

How many race tracks let you watch from the water? This floating bar area looks exclusive, but it is actually open to everyone! Have a couple cold beverages mingling with other #FirestoneGP fans and watch Turns 10, 11 and 12 from Tampa Bay. Just cross the Woodie’s Wash Shack bridge to get there.

FIRESTONE FAN EXPERIENCE

While you’re headed to the Horse Soldier Bourbon Waterside Club through Albert Whitted Park, stop by the Firestone Fan Experience where you can find giveaways and fan activities.

Looking for some family-friendly fun? Walk through the Speed Zone! Check out all the activations with family fun, games and interactive activities. If you’re looking to do a little shopping, check out the merchandise tents with the official Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding gear, INDYCAR collectables, race team gear and more.

WOODIE’S WASH SHACK COOL DOWN MISTERS

It gets hot out there exploring the Firestone Grand Prix grounds! Cool off by checking out one of TWO cool down misters brought to you by our friends at Woodie’s Wash Shack. Maybe stop by their booth as well for some free swag.

AMERICAN LEGION

Swing by the American Legion display where there will be a prize wheel with chances to win fun stuff like race car pens, a magnet of Alex Palou, cell phone wallets and more! There will be a kiosk where fans can send a Thank You Message from their favorite IndyCar driver to a veteran. There will be a BE THE ONE die cut where we are asking all fans to sign their pledge to Be The One to Save A Veteran. Be the one to ask, listen and help. All our efforts help to reduce veteran suicide.

STELLA ARTOIS PARTY PIT

A General Admission fan favorite viewing area! Watch the race cars enter the pits from a beer garden that is quite literally trackside. The Stella Party Pit is an unobstructed General Admission viewing area that is accessible by Grandstand 2.

DAN WHELDON WAY AND VICTORY CIRCLE MONUMENTS

On March 7, 2012, the City of St. Petersburg dedicated and renamed a roadway - Dan Wheldon Way - to honor race car driver and city resident Dan Wheldon, who lost his life in a racing accident at the end of the 2011 INDYCAR season. Wheldon was the first Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding winner and a two-time Indianapolis 500 champion. Additionally, on March 21, 2013, the Dan Wheldon and Victory Circle Monuments were unveiled to memorialize the life and legacy of Dan Wheldon aka “Lionheart” and capture the rich history of INDYCAR racing in St. Petersburg. Dan’s wife Susie and his two sons, Sebastian and Oliver, along with past Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding winners Dario Franchitti, Graham Rahal, Will Power and Helio Castroneves were at the dedication ceremony of the new monuments located at Bay Shore Dr. and Albert Whitted Park (outside Turn 10 of the race circuit and positioned just southwest of Dan Wheldon Way). Each year’s winner has the honor of permanently placing an engraved plaque bearing his name on the monument as an annual tradition of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding in Dan Wheldon’s memory.

Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding