The Grand Prix of Houston will be back at the Reliant Park on October 4 to 6, 2013! Officials of the event disclosed that it will return to Reliant Park in 2013 with the IZOD IndyCar Series. The officials also disclosed that the event will then be known as Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston, thanks to a multi-year title sponsorship deal between Shell Oil Company and event promoter Mi-Jack Promotions.Reliant Park successfully hosted the Grand Prix in 2006 and 2007, attracting big crowds. In a press conference, Michael T. Lanigan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston, promises that the 2013 inaugural festival of speed would be “better than ever,” with the IZOD IndyCar Series making its debut in Houston and the title sponsor in Shell and Pennzoil.
The press conference was graced by Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, City of Houston Mayor Pro-Tem Ed Gonzalez, Shell Oil Company President Marvin Odum, IZOD IndyCar Series CEO Randy Bernard, Chairman of the Grand Prix Local Organizing Committee George DeMontrond, IZOD IndyCar Series driver Helio Castroneves, and IZOD IndyCar Series team owner Roger Penske.
During the same press conference, Bernard outlined the reasons why his IZOD IndyCar Series chose to award the Bayou City a spot on the schedule. Bernard said that when they look at growing the schedule of the IZOD IndyCar Series, one of their top objectives is to showcase their racing in major U.S. cities, which in turn helps their sponsors, team owners and television package. Bernard noted that Houston, being the fourth largest city in the United States, is a great fit for the IZOD IndyCar Series. He further described the Reliant Park to be a” tremendous venue."
