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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Beth Herendeen, 727-893-7465 or 727-434-9882

IRL, CART PARTNERSHIP A WIN-WIN FOR ST. PETE RACE

St. Petersburg, Fla. (February 22, 2008) - In response to today's announcement regarding the unification of the Indy Racing League and the Champ Car World Series, St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker issues the following statement:
"St. Petersburg enjoys its reputation as one of the premier races in the Indy Racing League. As we prepare for the fourth annual Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in 2008, this announcement adds fuel to make a great race even better."

"St. Petersburg has had the distinction of hosting both a Champ Car race in 2003 and an Indy Racing League event for the years 2005, 2006 and 2007. This area of Florida loves the sport of racing. We've got many enthusiastic fans of both Champ Car and the IRL, and we welcome them all to this year's event on April 4, 5 and 6, 2008."

"Unification of the Indy Racing League and Champ Car is great news - a win-win for both organizations and certainly a win-win for the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg."