St. Petersburg Grand Prix Set to Kick Off 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Season
Race Weekend Begins February 27th
St. Petersburg, Florida, is gearing up to host the Firestone Grand Prix from February 27th to March 1st, marking the official start of the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. The event promises a premier motorsports festival held on the downtown streets of St. Petersburg.
Key Events and Schedule Highlights
The race weekend schedule includes:
- Friday, February 27th: NTT INDYCAR SERIES – Practice 1
- Saturday, February 28th: NTT INDYCAR SERIES – Practice 2 & Qualifications
- Sunday, March 1st: NTT INDYCAR SERIES – Warmup & Race
Notable Announcements
Several announcements have generated excitement leading up to the Grand Prix:
Rudy Pankow To Kick Off NTT INDYCAR SERIES Season in Fastest Seat in Sportsgpstpete.com – February 25, 2026
Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden has been named the Grand Marshal of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Meyer Shank Racing and SiriusXM’s Tom Petty Radio are also kicking off the INDYCAR season in St. Petersburg.
Track Details
The Streets of St. Petersburg circuit is a 1.8-mile, 14-turn track (5 lefts, 9 rights) that incorporates downtown streets and a section of the Albert Whitted Airport runway. The track presents challenging turns and overtaking opportunities for drivers.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 season opener is anticipated to be a competitive event, with anticipation building for a potential rivalry between 2025 champion Alex Palou and runner-up Pato O’Ward.
Inside Line: Wishes for St. Petersburg? One member of the Inside Line panel wants to see fireworks between 2025 champion Alex Palou (photo, top) and 2025 runner-up Pato O’Ward (photo, bottom) during the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg this Sunday….indycar.com
Fan Resources
Fans can uncover additional resources, including a spotter guide, starting lineup, qualification order, and pit assignments, on the INDYCAR website.
FAQ
When does the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg take place?
The event runs from February 27th to March 1st, 2026.
Where is the race held?
The race is held on the streets of downtown St. Petersburg, Florida.
Stay tuned to 247sports.news for continued coverage of the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.