American Spirit Team Johansson racer Jimmy Vasser

American Spirit Team Johansson practices pit stop

Jimmy Vasser launches from his pit to scrub-in the 'rain' tires

... then returns to the pit for adjustments to the car

... and removal of the wet-weather tires

Newman Haas Racing's Bruno Junqueira

Danica Patrick in flip-flops (inappropriate) on Rahal Letterman's pit wall

Joel Camathias from Lugano, Switzerland has landed in sunny Florida

Dale Coyne Racing team prepares a car for Joel Camathias

Camathias's first laps on a Champ Car track

City of Lugano, Switzerland decals are on the car during later qualifying

Bayshore Drive in Saint Petersburg sees fastest-ever traffic

another Champ Car rookie racer, PK Racing's Patrick Lemarié

Walker Racing's Darren Manning is belted-in and ready to go

Walker Racing's Darren Manning departs his pit

Darren Manning at speed on the 'far side' of the track

through turn 11

Rookie Mario Haberfeld suits-up

Haberfeld learns the track and his Cosworth-powered Lola

Thiago Monteiro is mentored by his boss, Emerson Fittipaldi

Monteiro getting up to speed in a Champ Car