Whether Indy Car race fans or not, none can dispute the impact Grand Prix races have on the city in which they are held. Whether it is decibels or dollars, the races have 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 the sound. Indy cars are very loud and the raucous racing took place from 8:30 AM until about 5:00 PM each day. Depending on where residents live, decibel (dB) levels reached 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 gunshot can cause immediate hearing loss, with sound reaching 140 to 190 dB, depending on the weapon.

Because permanent hearing loss occurs at extended exposure of 85 dB or more, it's safe to say the race is dangerously noisy, even for non-attendees. But does the Grand Prix produce a positive effect as well?

Only if you call over $5 million in revenue "good.”

This figure was one result of the City St.Petersburg's 2005 "Honda Grand Prix of St.Petersburg Economic Impact Study.” The study was done to document the economic impact of the 2005 race on the city. It found that, according to estimates provided by various media sources, 70,000 spectators attended the three-day event in April.

According to the study, "the combined economic impact of the expenditures of visitors in commercial lodging, seasonal residents, day-trippers, and people visiting friends and relatives (out-of-county attendees) related to the Honda Grand Prix of St.Petersburg is $5, 131,070.”

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

And that impact will be repeated each year the race is held. Of the 70,000 2005 race spectators, 85.7% of attendees came specifically for the race. 6.4%, or 4,480, stayed in commercial lodging for a median of two nights. And all of those said they would be back for the 2006 race.

Rick Mussett, St.Pete's City Development Administrator feels the positive impact is much greater than the quantifiable $5 million. "The IRL [Indy Racing League] and ESPN reported that the 2005 race was broadcast in 203 countries and territories and viewed by 309 million households,” Mussett stated in an e-mail. "That is probably the race's greatest impact on the city—worldwide exposure that gives a significant boost to our image!”

Goodwin agrees. When asked if the race has an economic impact beyond the immediate race days, he said the Grand Prix" might be the best 2 hour economic development/tourism commercial the city doesn't pay for” due to its broadcast on EPSN. "Anything that showcases the city and incites the viewer to visit, relocate to, or start a business adds to the economic base of the city.”

Additionally, Goodwin said the city Economic Development department and the Tampa Bay Partnership take advantage of the race's international coverage to host foreign press and professional site selectors. These people "then fan out to tell the story of St. Petersburg and its surrounding region,” says Goodwin.

Regardless of one's like or dislike of the Grand Prix's noise pollution and three days of cacophonous activity, there's no denying its long-term positive impact on the city of St.Pete. From immediate dollars spent by fans and crews to the priceless international exposure, Grand Prix races are great for the local economy.