Preview at St. Pete

In a little more than five months, the streets of Baltimore will be transformed into a world-class race course.  It may have been hard to feel the energy while you were idling on Pratt Street last winter, but now that it's spring and the Indy Car season is officially underway, it's time to get acquainted with those racing superstars coming our way this summer.

St. Petersburg is the first stop on the 17 race circuit, which consists of road courses, street races, an airport, and oval tracks (which includes the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500.)

At 9:30 this morning, the "World's Fastest Spring Break Party" shifts into gear with a variety of media and fan friendly activities that comprise the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

Among the attractions in this family-friendly weekend are the Budweiser Clydesdales, who will be trotting  (but presumably not racing) around town, a parade of the cars, and a 5K walkathon for charity in addition to the music and parties that abound.

Not all the attractions are confined to the ground, as Red Bull will be performing their stunt and daredevil air show, the US Special Operations Command will be demonstrating free fall parachuting, and the T-28 Warbird Aerobatic Formation Demonstration Team will give a flyover during the National Anthem.

If you want to get a taste of what will be coming to Maryland, you can follow the practices and races on line through streaming video by going here:

http://motorsportslive.blogspot.com/2010/03/honda-grand-prix-of-st-petersburg-live.html

Here are some race particulars:

Date - Sunday, March 27th

Time & TV Schedule - 12:00PM Eastern -Green Flag;  Live network coverage -12:30PM Eastern -ABC Television

Course Type - 1.8 Mile Street Course

Distance - 100 Laps / 180 Miles

Practice Sessions - Friday, March 25th -10:15AM-11:15AM Eastern & 3:00PM-4:00PM Eastern / Saturday, March 26th - 10:10AM -11:10AM Eastern / Warm-Up Session - Sunday, March 27th -8:40AM-9:10AM Eastern

Qualifications - Saturday, March 26th -2:30PM -3:50PM Eastern

2010 Pole Sitter - Will Power - Lap Time -1:01.6026 / Speed -105.190

2010 Winner - Will Power

So take some time out from March Madness to get acquainted with the speed demons who will be joining us this summer.  It's a high octane happening.