ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Feb. 13, 2025) - The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding announced today a multi-year extension with Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital to continue as the race’s official healthcare partner through 2028. The healthcare organization has served as an integral partner of the annual motorsport event for many years, providing on-site care to both race fans and participants.
At every Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding, Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital’s healthcare professionals are on-site and prepared to provide medical services to thousands of spectators and over one hundred race car drivers. Emergency medicine physicians, registered nurses and nursing assistants are stationed on the festival grounds each day on call and ready when needed with all the necessary medical supplies.
A key aspect of race weekend operations and fan safety is the work performed annually by nearly 500 volunteers in 15 specialty areas. Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital provides volunteer team leaders with free training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the run-up to the event, equipping these workers with crucial lifesaving skills. Yesterday, a group of Grand Prix volunteers participated in CPR certification training at Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital in St. Petersburg to prepare for the upcoming race event on Feb. 28 - March 2, 2025.
“Cardiac arrest affects more than 365,000 people outside of medical facilities every year in the United States,” said Lorraine Parker, chief nursing officer at Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital. “We are happy to equip race-day volunteers with CPR training so they can provide lifesaving care right away, to anyone who may need it.”
“Orlando Health has been an invaluable partner of this event for decades. The well-being of all that visit our event is, of course, something we take very seriously. The professionals at Orlando Health are always ready to provide expert care and guidance when called upon,” 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 are grateful that this partnership will continue for years to come as we strive for a safe and fun atmosphere.”
The 2025 race weekend will feature plenty of high-speed action along the picturesque downtown St. Petersburg waterfront. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES headlines the event as the premier open-wheel series in North American opens its season in St. Pete for the 15th time on Sunday, March 2. The racing schedule will also feature the sport’s rising stars as INDY NXT by Firestone, USF Pro 2000 Presented by Continental Tire and USF2000 Presented by Continental Tire speed through the downtown streets. Additionally, Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin will provide fender-bending sports car competition.
On Thursday, Feb. 27, before the racing gets underway, two community events - INDYCAR Party in the Park and the 5K Run on the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Track - will kick off the event festivities in downtown St. Petersburg at North Straub Park. Free and open to the public, INDYCAR Party in the Park will feature driver appearances, music, giveaways, food trucks and more. Fans will be able to get up-close to race cars from all the series running during the race weekend in the park from 4-7 p.m. ET.
Additionally, runners and walkers have a unique opportunity to “race on track” during the 5K Run on the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Track set for 5 p.m. ET on Feb. 27. The race starts and ends on Bayshore Drive NE, adjacent to North Straub Park. Participants can register now at gpstpete5k.com while supplies last with all proceeds benefiting the Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg.
Both 3-Day and Single Day Grandstand and General Admission tickets are available starting as low as $30. For complete pricing, schedule and festival information, visit gpstpete.com. Follow the event on social media using @gpstpete and #FirestoneGP for the latest updates. Joining the E-Club also provides insider access to the latest news and offers. | 