Motorsports like Formula 1 and the World Endurance Championship have always had the allure of a high-class style of living. Lavish parties, traveling amongst the world’s finest hotels, champagne spraying, and luxury watches such as Steve Mcqueen’s Tag Heuer Monaco worn in his 1970 film, “Le Mans,” all flash through the mind when motorsport is brought into the limelight as people imagine themselves soaring past the checkered flag. For Cigar smokers who are also racing fans, these events can bring the excitement of racing and the enjoyment of cigar lounges, bars, breweries, and more across the United States and the world.
The first weekend of March this year featured the IndyCar season opener at the “Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.” Nestled on the peninsula outside of Tampa, Florida, St. Petersburg is home to the world-famous Dali Museum and Tampa Bay Automobile Museum and a plethora of elevated lounges and restaurants where visitors can embrace the luxurious lifestyle of a Grand Prix. Instead of a track, the 1.8-mile course is a section of downtown streets adjacent to the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, where many luxury yachts call home. The back straight of the tracks is part of the Albert Whitted Airport Runway, where these 750-horse-powered engines can be used to their maximum potential. With such a scenic location, the track is reminiscent of the famous Monaco Grand Prix.
Downtown St. Petersburg is also home to several excellent cigar lounges, all within walking distance of the track entrance. Most hotels near the track are also within a 30-minute drive to historic Ybor City, one of the most historically significant cigar epicenters in the United States. A cigar-smoking racing fan can fly into Tampa International Airport the morning before festivities start and hitch a ride directly to the J.C. Newman Cigar Factory, La Faraona Cigar Factory, Tabanero Cigars, and many others.
Thursday afternoon kicks off the Grand Prix festivities with a Parc Exposé at North Straub Park just North of the track. Participants can run a 5k, indulge in craft foods and beverages, listen to a live DJ, and get exclusive tours of cars from the drivers of IndyCar and other supporting series, such as Indy NXT, USFP 2000, and the Mazda MX-5 Cup. As the festivities wind down, the park is across the street from several fine dining restaurants and “Cigar Paradise,” a boutique cigar lounge.
The “Cigar Paradise” open area provides lounge and high-top seating inside and outside the establishment, allowing one to soak up the immaculate spring weather after roaming festivities. Their humidor is expertly crafted with only the finest premium tobaccos, including their signature house blends, which are unique compared to the rest of their selection. When walking through the doors, you are greeted by a knowledgeable tobacconist who will help you decide your selection and your planned drinks.
Their cocktail menu features unique twists on many traditional cocktails, perfectly balancing familiar notes and a completely new experience. Their signature drink, a smoked old-fashioned, is expertly smoked in a box with cherry wood, perfectly accenting a robust Maduro. If you prefer wine, their selection features bold reds and refreshing whites, all at an affordable price point. Their open setup allows a remote worker to work uninterrupted, a sports fan to watch the latest game on their large televisions, or a group of friends to engage in conversation without worrying about excessive noise. “Cigar Paradise” has it all and is an easily remembered stop during your Grand Prix weekend. The lounge is also adjacent to a Cuban-style café and an excellent fine dining restaurant, “Juno & the Peacock,” all worthy of visits.
On Friday morning, echoes of finely tuned engines echo through the city streets as the various featured racing series. A weekend pass will allow access to the grounds from when the gates open at 7 am to when the last gate closes long after the conclusion of the last event. Sitting just two blocks from the south gate of the track is “Central Cigar/ Ruby’s Elixir,” a cigar lounge and bar that features nightly live music. The cigar lounge portion features an extensive bar and humidor spanning the length of the facility.
“Central Cigar” opens at 10 am, allowing you to watch the qualifying sessions while you indulge in a morning smoke. This family-owned business frequently hosts locally and internationally renowned cigar brands, encouraging you to stop by throughout the weekend to talk cigars and racing to the many patrons of both establishments. This lounge is located within a block full of live music, art, and food, and it is perfect for exploring after a long day at the track.
As the race weekend shifts from practice sessions to qualifying and race sessions, your time on track could be extensive. Both of the aforementioned establishments are open late into the evening. However, an evening on track may inspire you for a quiet evening. For this purpose, there is the “Black Leaf Wine and Cigar Lounge.” This exclusive lounge contains lounge seating and a “wine card” to experience some of the finest wines from around the world. The humidor also features a range of brands enticing to new cigar smokers and aficionados. During the race weekend this year, they ran limited hours and required reservations, so ensure your spot well in advance.
No matter your taste or preferred ambiance, St. Petersburg offers a robust array of options, from rooftop bars to intimate lounges, all within a walkable distance of one of North America’s most outstanding open-wheel racing events. If you are a cigar aficionado who enjoys the thrill of motorsport, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is a must-attend event.
Erick Huertas
Erick Huertas is originally from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and was introduced to the social aspect of cigars during his schooling in San Antonio, Texas. Around this time, he also developed a growing interest in writing and photography, using his phone camera and notepad to capture the world around him.
Erick solidified his passion for photography and adventure when he completed the Trans-American Trail in the summer of 2021 with his Land Rover Discovery 3. Since his 2021 expedition, he has been interviewed on several podcasts and has written extensively about the open road.
In 2023, Erick became involved in Grassroots motorsports by covering local Rallycross through the Northwest Rally Association, local autocross, and other events. In late 2023, he debuted as a photographer in the American Rally Association and has since covered events with Pan American Superbike and Formula E.
When not traveling, Erick can be found on Whidbey Island, Washington. You can contact Erick via email at erickhuertasphotography@gmail.com, on Instagram at @_ebhphoto, or on his website: www.erickhuertas.smugmug.com
