Next year, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will make its way back to St. Petersburg, Florida, for a March 6 showdown that will sit directly under the umbrella of the NTT IndyCar Series’ Firestone Grand Prix. The race will take place on a 1.8‑mile, 14‑turn street circuit that winds around Pioneer Park, offering a tight, urban layout that has proven popular with fans and drivers alike.
A Strategic Return to the Bayfront
The 2026 edition was deemed a success, drawing high spectator attendance and earning praise from series leadership. Kim Green, co‑owner and chairman/CEO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, highlighted the event’s energy, noting that the grandstands were packed and the atmosphere was electric. The positive reception has set the stage for a deeper integration between the two series.
Layne Riggs, the Truck Series points leader, captured the 2026 OnlyBulls Green Flag 150 in St. Petersburg, a victory that underscored his growing influence in the division. Riggs expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming event, citing the vibrant crowd and the unique challenge of the street circuit as reasons he looks forward to defending his momentum.
Across the track, Alex Palou continued his dominant run in the IndyCar Series, winning the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg for the second consecutive year on March 1. The win marked Palou’s fifth race victory of the 2026 season and reinforced the IndyCar weekend’s appeal, which now includes the Truck Series date the following day.
The alignment of the two races creates a motorsport weekend that promises a full slate of on‑track action, from the gritty, short‑track feel of the Truck Series to the high‑speed road‑course competition of IndyCar. Organizers hope the combined draw will further cement St. Petersburg’s reputation as a key stop on the North American racing calendar.