In addition to being the season opener, the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg holds a special place in the hearts of IndyCar fans as it marks the return of high-speed racing after the off-season break. For drivers, it presents a unique challenge, as they must navigate through the narrow and winding streets of downtown St. Petersburg at speeds of over 150 miles per hour. The track layout includes a mix of long straightaways and tight corners, which require drivers to have precise control of their cars to avoid collisions and maintain high speeds. With its vibrant atmosphere and exciting racing, the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is a highlight of the IndyCar calendar, and it’s no wonder why it draws thousands of fans from all over the world each year.
The much-anticipated opening race of the 2023 IndyCar season proved to be a nail-biter from the very beginning. The Grand Prix of St. Petersburg was marred by a chaotic accident on the very first lap, which led to a red flag and left several drivers shaken.
A big crash at the start of the @GPSTPete.
Devlin DeFrancesco got airborne after being hit by Benjamin Pedersen. #INDYCAR pic.twitter.com/1v3z5C6zq6
— INDYCAR on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) March 5, 2023
Among those involved in the pile-up were big names like Felix Rosenqvist, Helio Castroneves, and Simon Pagenaud, as well as up-and-comers like Santolino Ferrucci, Devlin DeFrancesco, Sting Ray Robb, and Benjamin Pedersen. Despite the setback, the drivers and their teams remained determined to continue the race once the track was cleared and the safety checks were completed. The incident served as a reminder of the risks that come with the high-speed, high-stakes world of IndyCar racing, but it also showcased the resilience and determination of the drivers who are willing to push themselves to the limit for the sake of the sport.
After being struck by Pedersen, DeFrancesco’s car launched into the air, performing a somersault before landing back on the track. Miraculously, Conor Daly managed to steer clear of the ensuing chaos by taking the outside track.
“While I’m okay physically, it’s definitely not the way you want to begin a season,” he told Racer.
DeFrancesco, who had been cleared by medical staff, expressed his disappointment at the unfortunate incident. “While I’m okay physically, it’s definitely not the way you want to begin a season,” he told Racer. He also revealed that they had raised concerns about Turn 3 to IndyCar due to its slippery conditions and several accidents that had already occurred during the weekend. Unfortunately, his fears became a reality when he was hit by the No. 55 car. “I saw Helio spinning ahead of me and anticipated the impact. It was a wild ride,” he added. All in all, it was a less-than-ideal start to the 2023 season.
At the beginning of the race, Andretti Autosport’s drivers had a strong start, occupying the first and second positions. Roman Grosjean had secured the pole position prior to the start of the race, while Colton Herta was positioned next to him on the starting grid.
The current IndyCar Series champion is Will Power, who claimed the title in the previous season. Meanwhile, Marcus Ericsson emerged as the winner of the Indianapolis 500 in the previous year.
