Dario Franchitti Set for Surprise NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Return at St. Petersburg Street Race – Rumor
St. Petersburg, FL – In a stunning development that’s sending shockwaves through the motorsports world, three-time Indianapolis 500 winner and four-time IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti (pictured) is reportedly gearing up for a comeback to NASCAR’s Craftsman Truck Series.
–by Mark Cipolloni–
The 52-year-old Scottish racing legend is expected to compete in the series’ inaugural street course event on the temporary circuit in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, on February 28, 2026 – just one day before the NTT IndyCar Series season opener on the same track.
According to motorsports journalist Tony Donohue and multiple reports, Franchitti has been in discussions with Toyota for a one-off entry in the Truck Series race, marking his second career start in the division nearly two decades after his lone appearance in 2007. The team remains unconfirmed, though speculation points toward a potential partnership with one of Toyota’s aligned outfits, such as Tricon Garage or Halmar Friesen Racing, or possibly an additional entry.
Franchitti’s return comes at a historic moment for the Truck Series, which will make its debut on a street circuit as part of the expanded Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg weekend (February 27-March 1, 2026). The 1.8-mile waterfront layout, long a staple of IndyCar’s season kickoff, will host the trucks on Saturday, followed by IndyCar qualifying and the main event on Sunday. This collaboration between NASCAR and IndyCar elevates the event into a diverse motorsports festival, blending the brute power of stock car trucks with the precision of open-wheel racing.
The retired Franchitti, who hung up his helmet after a serious crash in 2013, has stayed active in the racing world through historic events like the Goodwood Revival and occasional testing. His road and street course prowess—highlighted by multiple IndyCar wins on similar circuits—makes him a intriguing wildcard for the trucks’ first foray into temporary street racing. Franchitti’s previous NASCAR experience includes a brief stint in the Cup Series (2008) and Xfinity Series, plus that single Truck start at Martinsville Speedway in 2007, where he drove for Chip Ganassi Racing.
If confirmed, Franchitti’s entry would add star power to an already anticipated weekend, drawing crossover fans from both IndyCar and NASCAR. At 52, he’s aiming to fulfill a long-held dream of competing in NASCAR again, this time on a track type where his skills could shine brightest.
Official confirmation from Franchitti, Toyota, or NASCAR is pending, but sources indicate an announcement could come soon as teams finalize their lineups for the 2026 season opener. Fans eager for this blast from the past won’t have long to wait—the green flag drops in less than two months.