Former INDYCAR Driver James Hinchcliffe to Make NASCAR Debut in Truck Series

Hinchcliffe will compete in the inaugural NASCAR Truck Series race at St. Petersburg on Feb. 28.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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James Hinchcliffe, a former INDYCAR driver turned FOX Sports broadcaster, is set to make his NASCAR debut by competing in the inaugural NASCAR Truck Series race at St. Petersburg, Florida on February 28. Hinchcliffe will drive the No. 77 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports.

Why it matters

This move represents a significant career shift for Hinchcliffe, who has primarily competed in open-wheel racing throughout his career. His NASCAR debut will be closely watched as he looks to expand his motorsports experience and reach a new audience.

The details

Hinchcliffe, 39, won six races in his 11-year INDYCAR career before retiring at the end of the 2021 season. He has since transitioned into a broadcasting role with FOX Sports, covering INDYCAR events. For his NASCAR debut, Hinchcliffe will compete on the street course in St. Petersburg, which he says will be a "baptism of fire" given the lack of room for error.

  • Hinchcliffe recently tested at Sebring International Raceway on the same day as Dario Franchitti.
  • Hinchcliffe will continue his INDYCAR broadcasting duties with FOX Sports, calling the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg a day after his NASCAR Truck Series debut.

The players

James Hinchcliffe

A former INDYCAR driver who won six races in his 11-year career before retiring at the end of the 2021 season. He has since transitioned into a broadcasting role with FOX Sports, covering INDYCAR events.

Spire Motorsports

The NASCAR team that Hinchcliffe will drive for in his debut, fielding the No. 77 Chevrolet.

Jeff Dickerson

The co-owner of Spire Motorsports, who joked that Hinchcliffe had never watched a NASCAR race before.

Dan Towriss

The co-owner of Spire Motorsports, who worked with Hinchcliffe to make the NASCAR debut happen.

Dario Franchitti

The former INDYCAR driver who tested at Sebring International Raceway on the same day as Hinchcliffe.

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What they’re saying

“I am super excited to run my first truck race at St. Pete. When they announced the trucks would be running there, I knew I had to try to make something happen because I just love this track and I have always wanted to try something in the NASCAR world.”

— James Hinchcliffe (foxsports.com)

“It will be a baptism of fire. Having my first race in a truck being on a street course with no room for error, but these races always look like so much fun, so I am really looking forward to the opportunity.”

— James Hinchcliffe (foxsports.com)

“James had an amazing open-wheel career with wins and poles across all kinds of formulas, but I'm not even sure he's ever watched a NASCAR race.”

— Jeff Dickerson, Spire Motorsports Co-Owner (foxsports.com)

What’s next

Hinchcliffe will continue his INDYCAR broadcasting duties with FOX Sports, calling the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg a day after his NASCAR Truck Series debut.

The takeaway

Hinchcliffe's NASCAR debut represents a significant career shift for the former INDYCAR driver, as he looks to expand his motorsports experience and reach a new audience. His performance in the inaugural NASCAR Truck Series race at St. Petersburg will be closely watched by fans and industry insiders alike.