P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The Friday looked like a Saturday. The Saturday looked like a Sunday. And Sunday? It looked like nothing I’ve seen at St. Petersburg for decades. Having been on the ground for IndyCar’s Floridian s…
The atmosphere at the St. Petersburg IndyCar season-opener in 2025 was unlike anything seen in decades, resembling the glory days of the past with increased attendance every day. The event harkened back to the era of big-name drivers like Dario Franchitti and Danica Patrick when the American Le Mans Series shared the spotlight. The presence of a younger demographic and more women at the venue signals a promising shift towards expanding IndyCar’s fan base. While it’s too early to determine if this was a one-time occurrence or the beginning of a major transformation, the positive energy and momentum throughout the weekend give cause for optimism regarding the series’ future. With growing crowds, increased merchandise sales, and a more enthusiastic paddock, there’s a tangible sense of positive change and excitement in the air for IndyCar.
