By blending major motorsports disciplines into one marquee weekend, this year’s Grand Prix will strengthen its position as one of the most diverse and innovative events in racing and offer fans more variety, more action and even more reasons to be part of the St. Pete tradition.
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES season starts in St. Petersburg for the 16th time as its opening event. More than two dozen of the world’s most elite drivers will take on the 1.8-mile, 14-turn street course, pushing their Indy cars to the limit over 180 miles of competition in Sunday’s main event, which kicks off shortly after noon.
Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou, the defending winner and four-time champion, will return in pursuit of another victory. He will face a deep roster of past St. Petersburg winners looking to challenge him, including Pato O’Ward (2024), Marcus Ericsson (2023), Scott McLaughlin (2022), Will Power (2010, 2014) and Graham Rahal (2008).
The newest feature of the Grand Prix weekend will be the first ever NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on the downtown St. Pete street course, in which drivers will make history by racing colorful NASCAR trucks fender-to-fender and side-by-side in a completely new environment. It will take place on Saturday, the 28th, just after noon. The series will also be on course for practice and qualifying sessions beginning on Friday, the 27th.
INDY NXT by Firestone returns with the next generation of open-wheel talent, while USF2000 will showcase even more rising stars climbing the racing ladder to INDYCAR. Sports car fans will also get their fix with the competitive, door-to-door battles of the Mazda MX-5 Cup.
With so many disciplines sharing the track, every session brings a new style of racing, making the weekend one of the most dynamic and entertaining in motorsports.
“We’re thrilled to once again welcome fans to beautiful downtown St. Petersburg for the season opener,” said Kim Green, co-owner, chairman and CEO of Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC, organizers of the Grand Prix. “Each year this event brings incredible energy to the city and we’re excited to deliver another unforgettable race weekend, including NASCAR Truck racing on a street course for the first-time ever.”
For years, the Grand Prix has transformed the city into a vibrant gathering place for race weekend. In 2026, the influx of teams, vendors and fans arriving in Pinellas County and throughout the region is expected to bring record crowds, providing a strong economic surge to the area. According to a study commissioned by Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, the 2023 Grand Prix generated an economic impact of approximately $61 million and the past two years’ events drew even more spectators.
The INDYCAR race broadcast will reach a global television audience in over 200 countries with millions of viewers worldwide. A live national broadcast of Sunday's INDYCAR race will air on FOX (locally on FOX 13 Tampa Bay) and Saturday’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will also be broadcast on FOX. The world will see St. Pete’s spectacular waterfront track winding through downtown, past the marina and the iconic Dali Museum.
Tickets and event information can be found at gpstpete.com
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
Race Weekend Kickoff Activities
The racing action begins on Friday, February 27th, but the fun officially gets underway on Thursday, the 26th, with two community events. As in previous years, runners and walkers will get the unique opportunity to access part of the racecourse during a 5K Run & Walk benefiting the Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg. The 5K will start on Bayshore Drive NE, adjacent to North Straub Park, where the annual INDYCAR “Party in the Park” will be taking place at the same time. The party is free and offers a chance to get up close to the race cars, get driver autographs and enjoy other interactive features. Visit gpstpete5k.com to register for the 5K Run & Walk.
Additional Fan Activities
Festivities will also include a Speed Zone with interactive games and exhibits, a Fan Village, beer gardens, the Horse Soldier Bourbon Whiskey Waterside Club floating bar in the bay (access by crossing the bridge near Turn 11), driver autograph sessions and other special events. Paddock access is free on Friday, the 27th.
Tickets & Info
Both reserved grandstand seats and general admission tickets are available. Upgrade options include Pit & Paddock Passes and the Rookie Racers program to give the youngest fans, ages 5 to 12, a unique experience.
Social Media
Follow along with all the action on Facebook, X and Instagram @gpstpete and tag using #FirestoneGP.
Call for Volunteers
More than 450 dedicated volunteers are needed to support the Grand Prix. Those interested in being a part of this great event should be available for the entire race weekend, able to attend training sessions and be age 18 or older. For more information, visit gpstpete.com/volunteer
Getting to the Race
A Park & Ride shuttle lot, special rates from the SunRunner rapid-transit bus system, the Downtown Looper and the Central Avenue Trolley will all be available. Specific details and pricing on downtown parking and public transportation will be available at gpstpete.com
