News Summary
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is set to make its inaugural appearance in St. Petersburg, coinciding with the Firestone Grand Prix weekend. Scheduled for February 28, 2026, this race marks a historic milestone as it will be the first time the series competes on a street circuit. The new 1.8-mile course will provide fans with an exhilarating racing experience, combining both NASCAR trucks and IndyCar events for a thrilling weekend of motorsport.
St. Petersburg to Host Historic NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race in 2026
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will make its historic debut in St. Petersburg with a race scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026. This inaugural event will unfold as part of the 22nd annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg weekend, which runs from February 27th to March 1st, 2026.
The new 1.8-mile street course will wind along the scenic waterfront of St. Petersburg, offering fans a unique racing experience featuring both IndyCar and NASCAR trucks racing on the same circuit. This marks a significant milestone for the NASCAR Truck Series, as it will be the first time this third-tier series will compete on a street circuit in its 31-year history.
Supporting Details of the Inaugural Race
The addition of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race in St. Petersburg is a strategic move by NASCAR as they explore market support in the Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg area. This race, along with another street event planned at San Diego’s Naval Base Coronado in June 2026, showcases NASCAR’s efforts to expand its presence in diverse venues.
As a series known for its modified pickup trucks, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is celebrated for delivering thrilling finishes and serving as a developmental platform for emerging drivers aiming to advance to higher tiers of NASCAR. The combination of this series with the traditional open-wheel racing of the IndyCar Series is expected to elevate the excitement of the Grand Prix weekend.
A Celebration of Racing and Family Entertainment
The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is renowned as a major sporting event, often considered the “spring break” opener for the IndyCar series. Over the years, it has drawn tens of thousands of fans, creating a vibrant multi-day celebration that emphasizes world-class racing alongside a family-friendly atmosphere.
In 2026, race fans can look forward to an exhilarating weekend packed with racing excitement. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race will occur on the same day as IndyCar qualifying, allowing spectators to experience close-quarters Truck Series racing followed by the intense competition of the IndyCar Series on March 1.
Broadcast and Ticketing Information
Both the NASCAR Truck Series and the NTT IndyCar Series races will be broadcast by FOX Sports, ensuring that fans can follow all the action from home. Tickets for the 2026 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will go on sale in the fall, with updates available through the official event website.
Background Context on Racing in St. Petersburg
Over the years, the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg has solidified its reputation as a premier destination for high-profile sports events, blending the excitement of racing with an engaging atmosphere for families and fans alike. The introduction of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series into this established event further enhances St. Petersburg’s status as a key location for competitive motorsport.
With the upcoming debut of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, racing enthusiasts in St. Petersburg can anticipate an unforgettable weekend filled with diverse racing experiences and thrilling competition on February 28, 2026.
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HERE Resources
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series to Debut on Street Course
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series to Debut in St. Petersburg
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Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
