IndyCar Star Hinchcliffe Makes NASCAR Debut This Weekend

Hinchcliffe to drive in inaugural Craftsman Truck Series race on St. Petersburg street course

Feb. 27, 2026 at 2:23pm

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James Hinchcliffe, a six-time NTT IndyCar Series winner and former Indy 500 polesitter, is set to make his NASCAR debut this weekend in St. Petersburg, Florida. Hinchcliffe will pilot the No. 77 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports in the inaugural Craftsman Truck Series race held on the same street course slated for the 2026 IndyCar season opener the following day.

Why it matters

This event marks a significant point for Hinchcliffe as he transitions from open-wheel racing and commentary to active competition in NASCAR, providing fans with a unique crossover racing experience. The race will also feature four-time IndyCar champion and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti, making his first NASCAR appearance in 18 years.

The details

Hinchcliffe will replace full-time Cup driver Carson Hocevar for the Truck Series event on the 1.8-mile, 14-turn temporary street circuit. The alignment allows Hinchcliffe to gain NASCAR experience while spotlighting crossover talent during a rare weekend featuring both IndyCar and NASCAR events at the same venue. The Truck Series has never before held a street race, making this event a milestone for the series.

  • The OnlyBulls Green Flag 150 will air live on Fox starting at 12:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
  • The 2026 IndyCar season opener will take place on the same St. Petersburg street course the following day.

The players

James Hinchcliffe

A six-time NTT IndyCar Series winner and former Indy 500 polesitter who is making his NASCAR debut this weekend.

Dario Franchitti

A four-time IndyCar champion and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner who is making his first NASCAR appearance in 18 years.

Carson Hocevar

A full-time Cup driver who is being replaced by Hinchcliffe for the Truck Series event.

Spire Motorsports

The team that Hinchcliffe will be driving for in his NASCAR debut.

TRICON Garage

The team that Dario Franchitti will be driving for in his NASCAR return.

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What’s next

The 2026 IndyCar season opener will take place on the same St. Petersburg street course the day after the Truck Series race.

The takeaway

This crossover event between IndyCar and NASCAR showcases the growing interest in driver talent transitioning between the two premier motorsports series in North America, providing fans with an exciting and unique racing experience.