Some notes from wandering around the track this morning and some quotes from driver interviews.

The Grand Prix is back to full concessions and vendor booths. In 2021 food and vendors were fewer than normal. Sadly, Wild Bill’s Root Beer stand is still missing. The crowd came late,but is now a healthy Friday attendance. The late arrivals have may been because of the late start for the first Indycar practice.

Some photos from the paddock:

Herta Sets Plaque

Colton Herta took his place permanently in St. Petersburg racing history as he placed his plaque on the winner’s monument just behind Dan Wheldon Way. Of the now twelve names on the stone column, six are no longer racing in the series.

Herta’s nameplate completes the front side of the winner’s stone.

I’ll be back later with some driver quotes from this morning and a practice wrapup.

Indy lights just completed their qualifying session. Hunter McElreay won the pole.