But the grand prix gained broader motorsports appeal with the addition of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series to the lineup.<\/p>\n
The makeshift pickups \u2014 the third tier of racing in the popular stock-car league \u2014 will race on a street circuit for the first time in 32 years. The green flag waves at noon Saturday for the OnlyBulls Green Flag 150, the third race of the season.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a crossover moment that should draw both traditional IndyCar fans and NASCAR loyalists curious how the trucks handle the track\u2019s 14 tight turns.<\/p>\n
\u201cSt. Petersburg seems like it has some high\u2011speed, high\u2011risk corners that are really tight,\u201d said Connor Mosack, who\u2019ll steer the No. 7 Chevrolet truck. \u201cI think a lot of guys will probably get into trouble there.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd something that\u2019s unique about the trucks and street courses is how sensitive the fenders and bodies are. Any kind of small mistake where you kiss the fence a little bit, or make contact with other trucks, it can really harm your day.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Frankie-Muniz-Grand-Prix-300x158.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Former child actor Frankie Muniz has a regular ride on the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with the Reamu Brothers Racing\u2019s No. 33 Ford. Photo: NASCAR.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a course that can even drain the best of the best. Two-time winner Will Power, for example, is looking for a better finish this weekend compared to last year. Actually, he\u2019s looking for a better second lap. A crash in Turn 3 seconds after the start ended his day.<\/p>\n
\u201cSt. Pete has always been one of my favorite tracks,\u201d Power said. \u201cIt\u2019s a technical street circuit, and you have to be sharp from the start of the weekend. After nearly 20 years of going to St. Pete, I know what it takes to be competitive.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beyond the racing, the weekend functions as a waterfront festival. Fans can access the paddock, attend autograph sessions, take part in a 5K run, explore sponsor setups and soak in some sun (weather permitting \u2014 see Saturday\u2019s forecast).<\/p>\n
Ear protection is optional, but worth considering.<\/p>\n
For serious racing fans, this is an early-season tone-setter. Momentum can shape championship runs, and street races often produce surprise podiums and bold strategy calls.<\/p>\n
For casual attendees, it\u2019s the rare chance to feel the speed and reverberation up close \u2014 cars screaming at 170 mph along the Bayshore Drive straightaway and drivers threading through corners that normally carry park, pier and museum commuters.<\/p>\n
The machines begin buzzing Friday morning with practice laps and qualifying for support series.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re going, here\u2019s a guest guide to get you into gear.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Facts and figures<\/p>\n
Event: The 22nd annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, featuring the season-opener of the NTT IndyCar 18-race season and first-ever NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series street race.<\/p>\n
When: Racing begins Friday. NASCAR Trucks race at noon Saturday. NTT IndyCar race at noon Sunday.<\/p>\n
Where: downtown St. Petersburg waterfront.<\/p>\n
Course: Temporary 1.8-mile, 14-turn street course. Start\/finish on Albert Whitted Airport runway, north (around Dali Museum) onto First Avenue South, east on Second Street South, north to Beach Drive, east on Central Avenue (around Pioneer Park), south on the Bayshore Drive straightaway, east onto Dan Wheldon Way.<\/p>\n
Defending champion: Alex Palou, for Chip Ganassi Racing.<\/p>\n
Grand marshal: Jon Gruden.<\/p>\n
Fast seat in sports: Actor Rudy Pankow will lead the field in the back of a special two-seater before the green flag.<\/p>\n
Support series races: Indy NXT, USF2000, Mazda MX-5 Cup.<\/p>\n
Other activities: Autograph sessions, fan zone activities, 5K run, Party in the Park.<\/p>\n
Forecast: Friday \u2013 partly cloudy with a high of 78. Saturday \u2013 rain with the potential for thunderstorms; high of 72 with a 40% chance of rain at the start of the truck race. Sunday \u2013 sunny with a high of 78.<\/p>\n
Tickets: Available in various prices, packages and locations. Tickets are nonrefundable; all efforts will be made to compete in rain.<\/p>\n
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Racing schedule<\/p>\n
FRIDAY<\/p>\n
8 a.m. \u2013 USF2000 practice<\/p>\n
8:55 a.m. \u2013 Mazda MX-5 Cup practice<\/p>\n
10 a.m. \u2013 USF2000 qualifying<\/p>\n
10:50 a.m. \u2013 Mazda MX-5 Cup qualifying<\/p>\n
11:30 a.m. \u2013 USF2000 Race 1<\/p>\n
12:30 p.m. \u2013 Indy NXT practice<\/p>\n
1:35 p.m. \u2013 NTT IndyCar practice<\/p>\n
4:00 p.m. \u2013 NASCAR truck practice<\/p>\n
5:05 p.m. \u2013 NASCAR truck qualifying<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
SATURDAY<\/p>\n
7:30 a.m. \u2013 Mazda MX-5 Cup Race 1<\/p>\n
8:35 a.m. \u2013 Indy NXT practice<\/p>\n
9:35 a.m. \u2013 NTT IndyCar practice<\/p>\n
11:35 a.m. \u2013 NASCAR truck drivers introductions<\/p>\n
12:23 p.m. \u2013 NASCAR Craftsman Truck OnlyBulls Green Flag 150 (80 laps) (TV: Fox)<\/p>\n
3:45 p.m. \u2013 Indy NXY qualifying<\/p>\n
4:35 p.m. \u2013 NTT IndyCar qualifying<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
SUNDAY<\/p>\n
9:05 a.m. \u2013 NTT IndyCar warmup<\/p>\n
10:06 a.m. \u2013 IndyCar NXT race (45 laps) (TV: Fox)<\/p>\n
11:20 a.m. \u2013 NTT IndyCar drivers introductions<\/p>\n
12:29 p.m. \u2013 NTT IndyCar Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (100 Laps) (TV: Fox)<\/p>\n
3 p.m. \u2013 USF2000 Race 2<\/p>\n
4 p.m. \u2013 Mazda MX-5 Cup Race 2<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Parking<\/p>\n
Tropicana Field:\u00a0Lots 6 and Lot 7, $30 per day, includes free shuttle to and from race site.<\/p>\n
City garages: $25 per day. Now includes Central Garage, enter on First Avenue North between 13th and 15th Street, with SunRunner access (eastbound stops at 13th\u00a0Street and First Avenue South, return routes drops at First Avenue North and 13th Street North.<\/p>\n
Motorcycles: $10, along the west side of First\u00a0Street South between First\u00a0Avenue South and Central Avenue.<\/p>\n