My First IndyCar Experience at the St. Pete Grand Prix – A New Chapter for Speed And Styled
This past weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to attend my very first IndyCar race at the St. Petersburg Grand Prix. As someone who has attended five Formula 1 Grand Prix events, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the IndyCar scene, but I was quickly blown away by not just the action on the track, but the accessibility, the incredible kindness, and the sense of community that defines IndyCar. It truly felt like a whole new world of motorsport—one that I can’t wait to be part of again.
One of the highlights of the weekend was being invited to a private garage tour with Andretti Global. Getting up close to the team’s inner workings was surreal! It gave me an incredible behind-the-scenes look at the mechanics, the strategy, and the attention to detail that goes into preparing a car for such a high-stakes race. Being able to walk through the garage and see everything firsthand really cemented just how special IndyCar is.
What struck me immediately about IndyCar was how much more accessible the sport is compared to Formula 1. IndyCar fans are incredibly passionate, but there’s a welcoming, down-to-earth vibe that makes it so much easier to connect with people. Everyone—from fans to drivers to team members—was approachable, eager to chat, and genuinely happy to have you there. Whether I was strolling through the paddock, attending driver meet-and-greets, or just soaking up the atmosphere, I felt like I belonged. There’s no sense of exclusivity here; instead, it’s all about inclusion, and that’s something truly special about IndyCar.
When it comes to style, I noticed a fun mix of casual outfits and more fashion-forward looks, but across the board, there was a creativity and flair that I hadn’t seen at other motorsport events. Fans expressed their love for the sport through their personal style, and that made the whole event feel fresh and lively. It wasn’t just about looking good—it was about feeling good while supporting your favorite drivers and teams. In the paddock, I saw it all—from bold, racing-inspired outfits to sleek, high-fashion takes on motorsport style. The fashion energy was just as high as the racing energy, and that was such a cool thing to experience firsthand.
One of the best parts of the weekend was connecting with so many amazing people. As an aspiring motorsport reporter, I had the honor of meeting Will Buxton, someone who has long been an inspiration for me. Will's genuine kindness and encouragement left a huge impact on me, and it was truly motivating to meet someone who’s made such a big mark in motorsport journalism. But it wasn’t just the big names that made my experience special—it was the content creators, fellow fans, and even the team members themselves, all of whom were so down-to-earth and welcoming. Every person I met was more than happy to share their thoughts, insights, and stories, making me feel like I was part of this incredible community. It’s one of those experiences where you leave with new friendships and a deeper love for the sport.
Looking back at my experience at the St. Pete Grand Prix, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. As the founder of Speed And Styled, I’ve always aimed to blend the world of motorsport and fashion, and this weekend solidified that vision. IndyCar truly represents the perfect combination of high-speed action and style—both on and off the track. But beyond that, it’s the people who make it unforgettable. The kindness, the camaraderie, and the welcoming nature of everyone involved are what made this experience so meaningful. It’s one thing to love motorsport, but it’s another to feel like you’re part of a global family.
Speed Meets Style: The Fashion of Motorsport
Race Day Look: Stylish and Practical for St. Pete’s Heat
When it comes to race day attire, it's all about balancing style and comfort—especially for an event like the St. Petersburg Grand Prix, where the sun and heat are no joke. Riley nailed it with her outfit choice. “It’s important to keep the heat in mind, but still look put-together,” she said, and that’s exactly what she did.
For paddock day, she wore a gorgeous baby blue pinstripe set that was not only stylish but also breathable, which was perfect for the Florida heat. The light fabric kept her comfortable while maintaining a sophisticated look all day. She paired it with a black Louis Vuitton bucket bag—super chic and spacious enough to carry all her race day essentials. To tie everything together, she added gold jewelry, which elevated the whole outfit without overpowering it.
She knew how to blend comfort with style while staying cool in the St. Pete sun. Her outfit was the perfect mix of practical, and polished, and it was the ideal look for soaking in the Grand Prix atmosphere.
Race Day Look: A Thrifted, Hand-Stitched Set Inspired by PPG Livery
For this race weekend, Riley Girmann wore a one-of-a-kind matching race set made out of an old duvet cover and sheet she found at the thrift store. "I’m not a sewist by any means, so everything was hand-stitched and it took forever," she says with a laugh. "But I just didn’t want the fabric to go to waste, so thank god it worked out perfectly!" Her determination paid off, as the outfit turned out absolutely stunning. She wore this set specifically for the St. Pete Grand Prix because she was a guest of the Newgardens. “Ashley wrote a children’s book about IndyCar that I illustrated, and I wanted to wear something that matched the iconic PPG livery,” she explained.
For shoes, she chose a pair from Melissa, which she calls “the only heels I’d recommend for a full day at the track.” They’re "super comfortable and stable enough to not worry about falling." The perfect combination of style and function for a full day of racing excitement. To complete the look, her jewelry is from the Larissa Loden x See You On The Internet collab— simple but bold pieces that really tie everything together.
Race Day Look: Comfort Meets Style
When it comes to attending a race, Sisi has learned that fashion and function go hand in hand. “I need to be comfortable, so I always go for a cute/comfy style with good shoes since there’s a lot of walking,” she explains.
For race day, she struck the perfect balance between effortless style and all-day comfort, opting for a pair of Free People jeans—chic yet easy to move in—paired with a classic Abercrombie top. To complete the look, she laced up their trusty Sambas, a staple for any motorsport weekend. With hours spent navigating the paddock, grandstands, and fan zones, having the right shoes can make all the difference.
Because at the end of the day, the best race day outfits aren’t just about style—they’re about feeling confident, comfortable, and ready for whatever the weekend brings.
Race to Glory: The Victors of the Track
Alex Palou (Winner)
Alex Palou had an exceptional race, securing the win after leading 26 laps. His performance was a perfect blend of strategy and skill, as he managed to stay ahead of the competition despite the close battles throughout the race. Palou’s consistency and flawless pit stops were key to his victory. As the first race of the 2025 season, this win was a significant statement for Palou and Chip Ganassi Racing. With a confident drive, he showed why he’s considered one of the top contenders this season.
Scott Dixon (2nd Place)
Scott Dixon put in a solid performance, finishing in second place behind his teammate Alex Palou. Dixon was strong all weekend, managing to keep his car competitive and navigating the tight corners of the St. Petersburg street circuit with ease. The 6-time series champion showcased his experience, making calculated moves and maintaining his position near the front. While he didn’t quite have the pace to challenge Palou for the lead, Dixon’s steady drive ensured a well-deserved podium finish and valuable points to start the season.
Josef Newgarden (3rd Place)
Josef Newgarden continued his streak of impressive performances by finishing in third place. Newgarden was a constant presence at the front of the field, but despite his best efforts, he couldn’t break into the top two. His driving was aggressive but controlled, and he managed to fend off pressure from other competitors throughout the race. Team Penske's strategic decisions helped keep him in contention, and he’ll be leaving St. Petersburg with a solid podium finish and an eye on improving for the next race.
Pato O’Ward (Biggest Mover)
Pato O'Ward put on an impressive display of driving talent during the 2025 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, earning the title of Biggest Mover after making up several positions throughout the race. Pato started in P23 but was relentless in his pursuit of bettering his position. Using bold overtakes and strategic decisions, he climbed through the field with impressive speed and precision. His pace on both the straights and in the corners was exceptional, and he made the most of every opportunity to move forward. Though he didn’t quite make it to the podium, O'Ward’s drive was outstanding, demonstrating his determination and skill to finish strong in P11 after starting so far back. It was a performance that proved his resilience and ability to navigate through the pack under pressure.
