853 photos
Since 2009, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg has served as the season opener, with the exception of 2010, when it was the second race of the season (but the first on U.S. soil), and 2020, when the race instead served as the final race of the season. The 1.8-mile, 14-turn (5 lefts, 9 rights) circuit incorporates streets of downtown St. Petersburg and a section of runway of Albert Whitted Airport. After the long frontstretch, there's a tight right-hander into Turn 1 and then a quick left-hand turn. Plenty of drivers have gotten into trouble in these two turns over the years. There are two other long straights with heavy braking zones that afford opportunities to overtake.
© Action Sports Photography, Inc.