Whether they’re a fan of Indy Car racing or not, no one can argue with the impact Grand Prix racing has on the city in which it’s held. Whether it’s decibels or dollars, racing has a significant effect.

Take St. Petersburg, Florida, where a recent Indy Car race was held, for example. The most pressing issue for many St. Pete residents was sound. Indy cars are very loud and the raucous races were held from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm every day. Depending on where residents live, decibel (dB) levels ranged from 110 to 122. How loud is 122 dB? A typical conversation occurs at about 60 dB. Washing machines produce 75 dB. A power tool generates about 100 dB. And the shots can cause immediate hearing loss, with the sound reaching 140 to 190 dB, depending on the weapon.

Because permanent hearing loss occurs with prolonged exposure of 85 dB or more, it’s safe to say that the race is dangerously loud, even for non-attendants. But does the Grand Prix also have a positive effect?

Only if you consider income over $5 million to be “good.”

This figure was one of the results of the 2005 Saint Petersburg City “Saint Petersburg Honda Grand Prix Economic Impact Study”. The study was conducted to document the economic impact of the 2005 race on the city. It found that, according to estimates provided by various media outlets, 70,000 spectators attended the three-day event in April.

According to the study, “The combined economic impact of visitor spending on business lodging, seasonal residents, hikers, and people visiting friends and family (out-of-county attendees) related to the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is $ 5,131,070”.

This figure reflects only the spectators of the event and excludes the impact generated by the organizers, sponsors and crews. These groups are likely to add significantly to the total amount according to Dave Goodwin, Director of Economic Development. “Race teams and their entourages and racing media are in town for several days, many staying in local hotel rooms, dining at local restaurants and visiting local shops and businesses.” All of this adds up to thousands of dollars more spent in St. Pete.

And that impact will be repeated every year that the race is held. Of the 70,000 spectators at the 2005 race, 85.7% of the attendees specifically attended the race. 6.4%, or 4,480, stayed in commercial accommodation for an average of two nights. And they all said they’d be back for the 2006 race.

Rick Mussett, development manager for the city of St. Pete, feels the positive impact is far greater than the quantifiable $5 million. “The real life [Indy Racing League] and ESPN reported that the 2005 race was broadcast in 203 countries and territories and was viewed by 309 million households,” Mussett stated in an email. “That’s probably the biggest impact of the race on the city’s global exposure that gives a significant boost to our image!”

Goodwin agrees. When asked if the race has an economic impact beyond the immediate days of the race, he said the Grand Prix “could be the best two-hour economic development/tourism commercial that the city doesn’t pay for” due to its broadcast. at EPSN. “Anything that showcases the city and entices the viewer to visit, move or start a business adds to the economic base of the city.”

In addition, Goodwin said the city’s Economic Development department and the Tampa Bay Association take advantage of international coverage of the race to host foreign press and professional site selectors. These people “then fan out to tell the story of St. Petersburg and the surrounding region,” says Goodwin.

Regardless of how you like or dislike the Grand Prix noise pollution and three days of cacophonous activity, its long-term positive impact on the city of St. Pete cannot be denied. From the dollars immediately spent by fans and teams to the invaluable international exposure, Grand Prix racing is great for the local economy.