Ready to experience the thrill of speed and competition? Right here, we stand at the former site of the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston. This annual auto race once roared to life on a street circuit.
From 1998, this area reverberated with the echoes of racing engines. For four years, the Championship Auto Racing Teams or CART held races on Houston’s downtown streets. These streets ran adjacent to the George R. Brown Convention Center. Back then, Texaco sponsored the event. It was known as the Texaco Grand Prix of Houston. Construction halted the race in 2002.
In 2005, the Champ Car World Series announced Houston’s return to racing. The 2006 event took place on May 13. It marked the second round of the Champ Car schedule. This time, the race moved. It was held on a 1.7-mile temporary street circuit. This circuit was located at the Reliant Park complex. Uniquely, it became the first street course race at night in Champ Car history. The American Le Mans Series also held an event. It was called the Lone Star Grand Prix.
For 2007, JAG Flocomponents sponsored the street course. It was renamed JAGFlo Speedway at Reliant Park. But the night racing concept was abandoned. These races occurred during the day.
Though a handshake deal sought to revive the event in 2011, it fell through. But IndyCar officials announced the event’s return in 2013. Royal Dutch Shell sponsored it. The course was a tweaked version of the 2006–2007 layout.
The 2013 event witnessed a dramatic final lap. Dario Franchitti’s car launched into the air after contacting Takuma Sato’s car. Franchitti’s car crashed into the fencing injuring 14 people. Franchitti suffered serious injuries. These injuries forced his retirement from racing.
In 2014, IndyCar and Mi-Jack Promotions canceled the Houston race. Scheduling issues caused this cancellation.
During its Champ Car days, the paddock was inside Reliant Arena. In 2006, teams like Newman/Haas and Team Australia occupied the northern side. Meanwhile, Forsythe and Rocketsports were on the southern side.
Sébastien Bourdais holds the record for most wins. He secured two victories. Team KOOL Green and Newman/Haas Racing share the team record with two wins each. Reynard stands out as the most successful manufacturer with three wins. Bourdais also holds the lap record. He completed a lap in 58.018 seconds in 2007.
While the Houston Grand Prix is no longer held here, its legacy remains. It reminds us of the thrilling races and unforgettable moments. The echoes of roaring engines still linger in the air.