News Summary
NASCAR has announced a new race for the Craftsman Truck Series, to be held in St. Petersburg. This will mark the first truck race on a street course and will be part of a weekend featuring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The event promises a full day of motorsport action, including qualifying sessions. As anticipation builds for this historic addition, fans can look forward to picturesque views along Tampa Bay, with both races broadcasted on FOX Sports.
St. Petersburg, Florida – NASCAR announced the addition of a new race for the Craftsman Truck Series scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026. This highly anticipated event will be held at the 22nd annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, marking the first time in the series’ history that trucks will compete on a street course.
The St. Petersburg event will also feature the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, which will headline the weekend with its season-opening race on Sunday, March 1, 2026. This year marks the 16th occasion that the IndyCar series has kicked off its season in St. Petersburg, with the reigning champion, Alex Palou, having begun his championship journey with a victory at last year’s Grand Prix.
The introduction of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series into the St. Petersburg weekend is expected to provide an exciting new experience for racing fans. Alongside the truck race, the Saturday event will include IndyCar qualifying sessions, allowing for a full day of motorsport action for attendees. This partnership offers NASCAR’s development series a valuable opportunity to present their talented drivers to a broader motorsports audience.
The Craftsman Truck Series race is anticipated to boost the exposure of NASCAR’s truck racing division while aligning its schedule more closely with NASCAR’s national series. Historically, NASCAR has included street courses, particularly within its Cup Series, which has helped teams refine their strategies and preparations for higher levels of racing competition.
Fans attending the Firestone Grand Prix will be treated to picturesque views of the race along Tampa Bay and the St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina. Both the NASCAR and IndyCar races will be broadcast on FOX Sports, allowing a larger audience to engage with the weekend’s motorsport events.
Tickets for the 2026 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg are set to go on sale in the fall of 2025, generating excitement among fans eager to experience this unique racing event. For those looking for the latest updates concerning the event, organizers are encouraging visitors to check the official Firestone Grand Prix website for announcements and additional details.
The addition of the NASCAR Trucks is not only a boost for the event but also signifies a growing collaboration between different racing series, aimed at enhancing the motorsports landscape in the United States. As the 2026 season approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a thrilling weekend of racing in St. Petersburg.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- NASCAR News
- Wikipedia: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
- St. Peterising
- Google Search: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series 2026
- Jayski
- Google Scholar: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
- Business Observer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NASCAR
- OutKick
- Google News: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
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.
