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Business at the Track: A diverse group of companies, non-profits and government groups have chosen to invest in the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. According to Green Savoree St. Petersburg, ULC, owners of the event, sponsorship support for the 2011 edition of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is up significantly over 2010. These impressive figures come after only six years of racing in the IZOD IndyCar Series. What do sponsors see in the event and how are they justifying the significant investment to their respective organizations/investors?
What are some of the most creative ways companies are “activating” their sponsorship of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg? Women's Interest: Women have achieved a series of accomplishments in professional motorsports. In 2008 at the Indy Japan 300, Danica Patrick became the first female driver to win an INDYCAR race. At the 2011 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Danica will be one of four women competing in IZOD IndyCar Series race. What does it take to be a female race car driver? Why is it so difficult for women to break into the industry? Fitness Aiming for the top spot in motorsports doesn't just depend on your car; it depends on your physique too. According to the American College of Sports and Medicine, race car drivers demonstrate physiological responses in competition similar to that of elite athletes performing in team sports. What kind of fitness training does a race car driving undergo to prepare for race? Technology The IZOD IndyCar Series is known as "the fastest seat in sports", producing approximately 650 horsepower and reaching top speeds of 230 mph (370 kph). With the INDYCAR race car accelerating from 0 to 100 mph in less than three seconds - nine seconds quicker than it takes a Porsche 911 Turbo street car - the open wheel cars of the series feature the best engineering technologies available. How does the technology in INDYCAR race cars stack up against the race cars from NASCAR and Formula 1? Who is behind the research and development of these technologies? Environment Since 2008, the IZOD IndyCar Series has run on 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol, leading the way to greener motorsports by becoming the first major series to run exclusively on renewable fuel. With the support of its teams, partners and race tracks, the series is embracing a variety of practices that will help make it more environmentally sustainable. What else is the IZOD IndyCar Series doing to make its races "greener"? Hispanic Market Indy car racing has a longstanding history in Hispanic countries, seeing its popularity rise with the success of many drivers over the years. This continues to be the case as the IZOD IndyCar Series is home to many successful drivers, including superstars Helio Castroneves and Tony Kanaan. How has the popularity of Indy car racing grown in correlation with the success Hispanic drivers have found in the IZOD IndyCar Series? Travel and Tourism St. Petersburg, Florida, serves as the backdrop for the seventh annual Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Located on a peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, the fourth largest city in Florida has served as a longtime vacation destination for American and international tourists. The city is home to the Mahaffey Theatre, the St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina, as well as the brand new Salvador Dali Museum. What impact does the race have on tourism in St. Petersburg? How do local plan to accommodate tourists during race weekend? |
