St. Petersburg, Florida will host the first-ever NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series street race on Saturday, February 28, 2026, as part of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg weekend. The event marks a historic moment for the series, representing its inaugural venture onto a street course in over 30 years of competition.
Qualifying for the OnlyBulls Green Flag 150 was canceled due to rain, resulting in the starting lineup being determined by NASCAR’s rule-book metric. Connor Mosack of Spire Motorsports will start from the pole position. Thirty-six teams will participate in the race, filling the entire field.
The entry list includes notable drivers with experience in other racing series, including former IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti, driving for TRICON Garage, and former IndyCar winner James Hinchcliffe, similarly piloting a Spire Motorsports Chevrolet. Other drivers competing include Ben Rhodes, Chandler Smith, Wesley Slimp, Landen Lewis, Jake Garcia, Adam Andretti, Justin Haley, Daniel Dye, Tyler Ankrum, Andres Perez de Lara, Butterbean Queen, Colin Braun, Stewart Friesen, Tyler Reif, Kaden Honeycutt, Kris Wright, Mini Tyrrell, and Ty Majeski.
The addition of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race to the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg weekend is intended to enhance the event’s entertainment value, according to Kim Green, co-owner, chairman, and CEO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, the organizers of the Grand Prix. Green stated that Saturday’s schedule will be “packed for our fans with entertainment,” alongside INDYCAR qualifying.
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES will headline the weekend with its season-opening race on Sunday, March 1, 2026, marking the 16th time the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg has served as the series’ opening event. Last year’s race saw Alex Palou, the eventual INDYCAR champion, secure a victory.
Tickets for the 2026 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will go on sale this fall. Further updates regarding the event are available at gpstpete.com.
