IndyCar News: St Petersburg GP adds NASCAR Truck race to weekend

On Wednesday, NASCAR unveiled the 2026 Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) schedule, highlighting a thrilling shared weekend with IndyCar on the streets of St. Petersburg.

The NCTS will race on the scenic 1.8-mile seaside street course on Saturday, joined by other racing series. IndyCar will hold sessions throughout the weekend, culminating in its season-opening race on Sunday afternoon, the centerpiece of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

This marks the NCTS’s first-ever street course event, presenting a unique challenge for drivers navigating the demanding layout.

Kim Green, co-owner of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, expressed excitement: “Adding the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series to Saturday’s lineup elevates the Firestone Grand Prix. Fans will enjoy a packed day with IndyCar qualifying and this historic Truck Series race, all leading to the IndyCar season opener on Sunday.”

The NCTS and IndyCar have shared weekends before, notably at Texas Motor Speedway from 1997 to 2019. IndyCar also paired with the NASCAR Cup Series at Indianapolis Motor Speedway from 2020 to 2023. In 2026, while the NCTS races in St. Petersburg, the Cup Series will compete at Circuit of the Americas.

The joint IndyCar-NCTS weekend is set for February 27 to March 1, 2026. IndyCar’s full 2026 schedule remains pending, with speculation about a potential race in Mexico City still unresolved.