NASCAR Trucks, IndyCars Clash in Historic St. Pete Crossover

Unprecedented street race event blends distinct racing styles and fanbases for a motorsport spectacle.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 6:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 2026 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will mark a landmark crossover event as the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series shares a full race weekend with the NTT IndyCar Series on the 1.8-mile downtown street circuit. This first-of-its-kind collaboration aims to blend the fanbases and cultures of the two premier American motorsport series, offering fans a unique opportunity to experience the contrasting speed and power of open-wheel IndyCars and stock trucks.

Why it matters

The St. Pete crossover represents a strategic effort by IndyCar and NASCAR to expand their reach, attract new audiences, and strengthen their commercial appeal through collaborative programming. Merging these distinct racing disciplines on one stage challenges traditional rivalries, encourages cooperation, and hints at a future where American motorsports evolve through unity rather than separation.

The details

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is venturing onto a street course for the first time, facing the unforgiving concrete walls and sharp turns of the St. Petersburg circuit that have long defined its unforgiving reputation. The visual and performance differences between the lightweight, high-speed IndyCars and the heavier, more durable NASCAR trucks will create a stark contrast in racing styles and capabilities on the same track.

  • The crossover event will take place from February 26 through March 1, 2026.
  • The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race, the OnlyBulls Green Flag 150, is scheduled for Saturday.

The players

IndyCar

The premier open-wheel racing series in North America, known for its high-speed, technologically advanced cars and prestigious events.

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

A stock car racing series featuring pickup trucks, known for its close-contact, durable racing and loyal fanbase.

Chandler Smith

A rising star in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, currently leading the championship with momentum from recent victories.

Frankie Muniz

The former child actor known for his role in "Malcolm in the Middle" is making his first full-time season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, attracting mainstream media attention and sponsorship opportunities.

Dario Franchitti

A four-time IndyCar champion and St. Petersburg race winner, Franchitti will compete in the NASCAR Truck Series event, symbolizing the merging of racing disciplines.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are heavier, and we have more horsepower... INDYCARs, they are super, super fast... They are going to make us look like we are running on bicycles, but it's just completely different things.”

— Daniel Suárez

“Basically, it's like a giant boat with a bunch of lead in it [NASCAR] versus a fighter jet on wheels [INDYCAR], basically between the two.”

— Cody Ware

“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

“This will be my first ever Grand Prix in St. Petersburg. Can't wait to see these great drivers in action and make some new friends.”

— Jon Gruden, Super Bowl-winning coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This historic crossover event between IndyCar and NASCAR represents a strategic alignment of motorsport cultures and commercial interests, challenging traditional rivalries and hinting at a future where American racing grows through unity rather than separation.