The best way to watch 2026 IndyCar and NASCAR at St. Pete: Weekend schedule, begin time, TV

The 2026 IndyCar season is about to get underway with the season-opening Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Alex Palou enters because the defending champion, and the dominant Chip Ganassi Racing driver eyes a fifth crown.

There are a number of faces in new locations, together with veteran Will Energy, who leaves Penske for a brand new residence at Andretti. David Malukas will take Energy’s place as the motive force of the #12, and there are three rookies competing full-time. These new challengers are Mick Schumacher, Dennis Hauger, and Caio Collet.

IndyCar will likely be joined by the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Collection at St. Pete, because the third stage of NASCAR takes on a road course for the primary time in its 30+ years of existence. Former IndyCar stars Dario Franchitti and James Hinchcliffe will likely be on the grid, as will IMSA veteran Colin Braun. 

Current Headlines
Learn Additionally:

What’s the IndyCar and NASCAR Truck at St. Pete weekend schedule?
Friday, February 27

12:30pm EST — Indy NXT observe — FOX SPORTS 2

1:35pm EST — IndyCar Follow #1 — FOX SPORTS 2

4pm EST — NASCAR Craftsman Truck Collection observe — FOX SPORTS 2

5pm EST — NASCAR Craftsman Truck Collection qualifying — FOX SPORTS 2

Saturday, February 28

8:30am EST — Indy NXT observe — FOX SPORTS 1

9:35am EST — IndyCar Follow #2 — FOX SPORTS 1

12pm EST — NASCAR Craftsman Truck Collection race (80 laps) — FOX

3:05pm EST — Indy NXT qualifying — FOX SPORTS 2

4:30pm EST — IndyCar qualifying — FOX SPORTS 2

Sunday, March 1

9:05am EST — IndyCar warmup — FOX SPORTS 1

10:05am EST — Indy NXT race (45 laps) — FOX SPORTS 1

12pm EST — IndyCar pre-race — FOX

12:22pm EST — Inexperienced flag for IndyCar Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (100 laps) — FOX

Scott McLaughlin, Group Penske

Photograph by: Penske Leisure

How can I watch the IndyCar season-opener at St. Pete?

Climate forecast

Whereas Sunday seems clear, there’s a 50% probability of late afternoon thunderstorms on Friday, with that probability rising to over 80% all through the day on Saturday. 

Who’s racing this weekend?

There are 25 vehicles on the St. Pete entry record, and notably, no Prema because the staff focuses on restructuring after some current upheaval. 

 

We wish your opinion!

What would you wish to see on Motorsport.com?

– The Motorsport.com Group