An overtime NFL game Sept. 29 between the host Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks didn’t hamper the start of building out the circuit for the Oct. 4-6 Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston.

In fact, moving barriers and fencing into place was free advertising for the event as 71,756 spectators were leaving Reliant Stadium.

Director of operations Martyn Thake has crews working around the clock to construct the 1.683-mile, 10-turn temporary street course, which includes four pedestrian bridges, for track activity.

The race weekend features a 90-lap IZOD IndyCar Series race on both Oct. 5 and 6 and a Firestone Indy Lights race Oct. 5.

Indy cars raced at Reliant Park in 2006 and '07. Eight of the 24 drivers entered this weekend have competed at Reliant Park though on a slightly different configuration and surface. Sebastien Bourdais, who will drive the No. 7 Dragon Racing car this weekend, won both races.

Of note: Graham Rahal was runner-up in '07 (his first Indy car podium finish). James Hinchcliffe (third place) and Simona De Silvestro competed in the 2007 Champ Car Atlantic Series race.

The top 10 of the 96-lap race May 13, 2006 (* -- competing this weekend):

1. Sebastien Bourdais* -- Started fifth (1:59.57.021; 81.154 mph average)
2. Paul Tracy -- Started third (1:59.58.259)
3. Mario Dominguez -- Started from pole
4. Nelson Philippe -- Started ninth
5. Justin Wilson* -- Started seventh
6. Andrew Ranger -- Started 13th
7. Will Power* -- Started 10th
8. A.J. Allmendinger -- Started fourth
9. Christiano da Matta -- Started 14th
10. Bruno Junqueira -- Started second

The top 10 of the 93-lap race April 22, 2007 (* -- competing this weekend):

1. Sebastien Bourdais* -- Started from pole (1:45.32.136; 89.356 mph average)
2. Graham Rahal* -- Started sixth (1:45.36.955)
3. Robert Doornbos -- Started 13th
4. Oriol Servia* -- Started fifth
5. Simon Pagenaud* -- Started seventh
6. Mario Dominguez -- Started ninth
7. Bruno Junqueira -- Started 10th
8. Ryan Dalziel -- Started 15th
9. Alex Tagliani -- Started 11th
10. Justin Wilson* -- Started third

A full program of complementary activities, including an Oct. 4 concert by Creedence Clearwater Revisited, for ticket-holders is scheduled on the grounds. Get information and tickets HERE.

Click it: Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston entrant list