The 2018 Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is off and running. 

Thousands of race fans will descend on downtown St. Petersburg this weekend for the city's annual Indy Car event. 

Drivers will roar around the downtown streets at speeds up to 140 mph. 

In fact the event has become so popular, sponsor Firestone has extended its deal with the race through 2020. 

During the weekend, there will be 11 different races, including qualifying, culminating with the main race on Sunday afternoon.

The race fan experience also will include the Fan Village with interactive games and exhibits and live entertainment. 

Practice on the 1.8-mile, 14-turn temporary street circuit that encompasses city streets and a runway of adjacent Albert Whitted Airport begins at 11:20 a.m. ET Friday, with another slated for 3:10 p.m. 

A third practice is set for 11:10 a.m. Saturday, ahead of Verizon P1 Award knockout qualifying at 2:20 p.m. All of those sessions will stream live on RaceControl.IndyCar.com and will be available on the INDYCAR Mobile app.

Live coverage of the 110-lap race on Sunday starts at 12:30 p.m. ET on ABC and the Advance Auto Parts INDYCAR Radio Network.

The following St. Petersburg roads are closed for the weekend: 

•First St. from First Ave. N. to Sixth Ave. S. 

•First Ave. S. from First St. to Bayshore

•Beach Dr. from Central Ave. to First Ave. S.

•Bayshore Dr. SE from Central Ave. to Dali Blvd. (Fifth Ave. S.)