The 2005 Grand Prix of St. Petersburg marked a watershed moment in American open-wheel racing; the IndyCar Series’ first race on anything other than an oval. After 9 years the series decided to take on Champ Car directly, bolted new bodywork on the Dallara’s and took to the streets.
11 years later and St. Pete is the traditional season opener for the IndyCar Series, and the schedule has a healthy mix of ovals, road courses and street circuits like St. Pete.
Below is the 2005 race in its entirety. It was won by a jubilant Dan Wheldon, who lead an Andretti sweep of the first four places and was flanked on the podium by best friends and teammates: Tony Kanaan and Dario Franchitti. Wheldon is now remembered at St. Pete by a permanent monument just outside of turn 10 and the famous street sign proudly proclaiming Dan Wheldon Way.
Enjoy.
Image: Steve Swope
