ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Team Penske and sponsor Verizon unveiled sleek new liveries for cars driven by Juan Pablo Montoya and Will Power this season in the Verizon IndyCar Series.

The cars feature a glossy silver look with red and black accents, along with the new Verizon logo prominently placed on the sidepod and engine cover.

The primary differences are in the car numbers, mirrors and camera mount above the air intake. Montoya’s car No. 2 is black with a red outline and the two mirrors and camera mount on his car are black. Power’s No. 12 is red with a black outline and the mirrors and camera mount on his car are red.

Power will be in the Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet at all 16 races this season, while Montoya will run the colors in nine.

“I think it looks great,” Montoya, the reigning Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg winner said, from the paddock. “It’s nice. In a way, it kind of reminds me of the old Marlboro cars (that Team Penske used to run) – both cars looking the same and small details to make the difference between the cars. It looks amazing.”

Asked if the new liveries look fast, Montoya quipped, “As long as they’re up front, they can look however they want.”

Hinchcliffe joins his hometown Blue Jays for spring training game

Schmidt Peterson Motorsports driver James Hinchcliffe, a native of suburban Toronto, met up with his favorite Major League Baseball team in the Florida sunshine March 10. Hinchcliffe attended the Blue Jays’ spring training encounter with the New York Yankees at George Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.

Before the game, Hinchcliffe met new Toronto catcher Russell Martin, who presented the "Mayor of Hinchtown" with a Blue Jays jersey embroidered with his name and car number on the back. Hinchcliffe recently struck up a friendship with new Jays relief pitcher Drew Storen, but Storen didn't make the trip to Tampa for the game.

Firestone extends agreement to serve as St. Pete race title sponsor

Grand Prix of St. Petersburg officials announced that Firestone has entered into a multiyear extension of the agreement to serve as title sponsor of the Verizon IndyCar Series race on the streets of the city on Tampa Bay. Firestone assumed naming rights in 2014 and the extension runs through 2018.

"Firestone has been a valued and key sponsor for many years, and together we have been able to bring this event to new heights," said Kim Green, owner, chairman and CEO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, organizer of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. "They are a fundamental part of the race weekend and we are thrilled to continue our partnership and growing the event with their support."

Firestone, whose involvement in motorsports dates back more than a century, also is the official tire of the Verizon IndyCar Series, the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race presented by PennGrade Motor Oil, the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach and the Grand Prix of Boston powered by LogMeIn, as well as title sponsor of the Firestone 600 at Texas Motor Speedway.

“Everyone at Firestone is proud to continue our sponsorship of this outstanding event,” said Lisa Boggs, director of Bridgestone Americas Motorsports. “The Firestone Grand Prix is a marquee weekend on the Verizon IndyCar Series schedule and the perfect venue to kick off the season. The dedication of the Green Savoree team and the support of the St. Petersburg community are second to none, and we are honored to continue this partnership.”