The racing season has finally arrived with the start of practice on Friday at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg where Ryan Hunter-Reay posted the fastest time around the 1.8-mile downtown street circuit.

“Finishing first overall today is not a bad way to start the season,” Hunter-Reay said.  “We’re still in the early days and will need to all put our heads together at Andretti tonight and figure out how we’re going to make these cars go faster tomorrow.”

James Hinchcliffe was second fastest, and Will Power was third.

The new for 2018 universal aero kits proved to be a new and exciting challenge for the drivers and teams taking part.

Hinchcliffe said, “The 2018 cars is very different, I can tell you that.  I think you’re going to hear that a lot over the weekend and a lot over the year as we go to the tracks for the first time with it.”

While there was no prize money or points awarded on Friday, many fans turned out to watch the festivities of the event which is now in its 14th consecutive year of running and 15th overall.

HumansOfRacing.com interviewed various fans throughout the day and compiled a video above for your enjoyment.