Season Opener Meets Street Race History
The 22nd Annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg roars back to Florida’s Gulf Coast February 27 – March 1, 2026, launching the new season of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in spectacular fashion.
Set against the shimmering backdrop of Tampa Bay, the 1.8-mile, 14-turn temporary street circuit weaves through downtown St. Petersburg, around Pioneer Park, past the Duke Energy Center for the Arts (Mahaffey Theater) and The Dali Museum, before blasting onto the runway at Albert Whitted Airport. It’s fast. It’s technical. And it remains the only IndyCar race held in Florida.
For the 16th time, St. Pete opens the IndyCar season — and in 2026, it adds even more horsepower to the weekend lineup. Click HERE for full schedule.
IndyCar Headlines a Seven-Race Weekend
The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg marks Round 1 of 18 on the 2026 IndyCar calendar. As the traditional season opener, it sets the tone for championship ambitions from the very first green flag.
Street circuits demand precision: minimal runoff, unforgiving concrete walls, and rapid transitions between tight corners and flat-out sections. Drivers must balance aggression with patience — particularly on the airport runway section, where overtakes often materialize under heavy braking.
With Firestone serving as title sponsor since 2014, tire strategy will once again play a defining role in how the race unfolds on Sunday, March 1.
NASCAR Trucks Make Street Course History
For the first time in series history, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series will compete on a temporary street circuit.
The OnlyBulls Green Flag 150 at St. Petersburg (Saturday, February 28) marks Round 3 of 25 on the 2026 schedule — and represents a bold evolution for the series.
Traditionally known for oval racing and select road courses, the Trucks now tackle tight city streets bordered by concrete barriers and Florida palm trees. Expect heavy braking zones, tight overtaking attempts, and limited margin for error. It’s a significant moment for NASCAR’s development ladder and a crossover opportunity for fans of open-wheel and stock car racing alike.
Live national coverage airs on FOX beginning at 12 noon ET.
Sports Car & Development Series Add Depth
The 2026 event features seven total races across five series, blending elite open-wheel competition with emerging driver development categories and grassroots sports car action:
- INDY NXT by Firestone (Sunday, March 1)
- USF2000 Presented by Continental Tire (Doubleheader)
- Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin (Doubleheader)
The Mazda MX-5 Cup brings wheel-to-wheel sports car racing to the waterfront, delivering tight pack battles and spec-series parity that often produces dramatic finishes. For fans who appreciate pure driving talent, the MX-5 Cup races are must-watch events streamed globally.
Meanwhile, INDY NXT and USF2000 continue to serve as critical rungs on the Road to Indy ladder, giving fans a preview of tomorrow’s IndyCar stars.
Community Events & Special Experiences
Beyond racing, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg transforms downtown into a motorsport festival.
5K Run on Track – February 26
Runners and walkers can “race” the actual circuit starting at 5:00 p.m. ET on Bayshore Drive NE. Proceeds benefit the Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg (PAL). Since 2017, more than $423,000 has been donated through event contributions and 5K registrations.
INDYCAR Party in the Park – February 26
A free fan event at North Straub Park (4–7 p.m. ET) featuring race cars up close, driver appearances, food trucks, and community engagement.
Nearly 500 volunteers across 15 specialty areas help bring the weekend to life — reinforcing the event’s deep local roots.
TV, Streaming & Radio Coverage
Fans can follow every lap across multiple platforms:
NTT INDYCAR SERIES
- Live Sunday, March 1 on FOX (12 noon ET)
- Practice & qualifying on FS1/FS2
- Radio: INDYCAR Radio Network & SiriusXM Channel 218
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series
- Live Saturday, Feb. 28 on FOX (12 noon ET)
- Radio: NASCAR Radio & SiriusXM Channel 90
Mazda MX-5 Cup
- Global streaming at IMSA.com/tvlive
USF2000
- Global streaming at usf2000.com
Why St. Pete Matters
The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is more than a season opener — it’s a statement weekend.
- It launches the IndyCar championship fight.
- It introduces NASCAR Trucks to a new street racing challenge.
- It showcases sports car and development talent on an international stage.
- It remains Florida’s only IndyCar event.
From open-wheel precision to stock truck aggression and spec-series sports car battles, St. Petersburg delivers a motorsport showcase that blends speed, strategy, and spectacle along one of America’s most picturesque waterfront circuits.
IMAGES: IndyCar
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