The First Checkered Flag: Willy T. Ribbs and St. Petersburg’s Grand Prix Debut

On November 3, 1985, Willy T. Ribbs won the inaugural St. Petersburg Grand Prix, a high-octane street race that drew thousands to the downtown waterfront. Bayfront streets became a temporary circuit, lined with cheering crowds and roaring engines, showing St. Petersburg in a bold new light.

Ribbs (pictured) faced little challenge, pulling far ahead in the Trans-Am race, while an estimated 50,000–60,000 fans still enjoyed the day. The opening 100-mile Can-Am race delivered plenty of passing and lead changes, though some moves ended in spins and minor crashes.

“There are only a couple of places on the course to pass,” Ribbs said. “But when the pressure is on, people tend to make up their own passing places.” Peter Greenfield and Dan Marvin were eliminated by risky moves, colliding with walls or each other. Unlike earlier in the weekend, no one was injured Sunday. Doug Bethke and Sandra Aspy remained hospitalized from prior crashes.

As Ribbs celebrated, dark clouds gathered and rain fell, a dramatic close to a weekend that drew roughly 80,000 spectators. That first race laid the foundation for the modern Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, a signature event that still celebrates speed, sound, and sunshine on the waterfront.