“We love it.”
From a competitive standpoint, they love the challenge that comes with the combination street course and airport runway that makes up the race track. It has different surfaces and grip levels.
“St. Pete is such a good track,” second-year IndyCar driver David Malukas told SPEED SPORT. “Although it’s a street circuit, it also has the airport facility. The streets are very smooth for a street circuit.
“It’s challenging to start. You only get a few practice sessions in the beginning of the weekend. It’s tough to get it going, but with all the years we have been there, the team knows about it, and we go out for the track walk. They quickly get you going with it.
“It’s not only the track surface, but also the paint. When you go into that braking zone in turn one, it’s very slippery,” Malukas added. “As a rookie, it’s a very tough race, but that is a good place to start — start off with the toughest and get easier from there.
“That is what makes St. Pete so special, all of the differences you have.”
It’s also special because of the location and all that the Florida Gulf Coast has to offer.
“The environment, St. Petersburg is such a wonderful city, being in Florida, the people are wonderful there, it’s the season opener,” Malukas said. “It’s a collection of reasons that makes St. Pete so special.
“I love St. Pete. It’s the best place to get the season started.”
This story appeared in the Feb. 22, 2023 edition of the SPEED SPORT Insider.
