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Plenty of IndyCar Storylines on First Day at Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
From practice to qualifying, the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season opener was packed with action.
Feb. 27, 2026 at 11:44pm
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The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season kicked off with a busy first day at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. From practice sessions to qualifying, the event was filled with numerous storylines and on-track action as drivers and teams prepared for the season opener.
Why it matters
The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is a highly anticipated event that marks the start of the new INDYCAR season. As one of the most popular street courses on the calendar, the race in St. Pete always provides an exciting start to the year with plenty of drama and intrigue.
The details
Friday's schedule included two practice sessions and qualifying, giving teams and drivers their first chance to get up to speed on the challenging street circuit. Several top drivers, including reigning champion Alex Palou, were among those who laid down fast laps in practice, setting the stage for a competitive qualifying session later in the day.
- The first practice session took place at 8 a.m. Eastern Time.
- A second practice session was held in the afternoon prior to qualifying.
The players
Alex Palou
The reigning NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion, who is looking to defend his title in 2026.
What’s next
Qualifying results will determine the starting grid for Sunday's Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, the first race of the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.
The takeaway
The opening day of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg provided a glimpse of the exciting season to come, with top drivers and teams already jockeying for position as the new INDYCAR campaign gets underway.
