In a significant schedule update for 2026, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will make its debut on the St. Petersburg Street Circuit, competing on the same layout used for the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/motorsports/indycar/”>IndyCar season opener. This marks a notable addition to NASCAR’s road racing events, especially as the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/motorsports/nascar/cup-series/”>NASCAR Cup Series prepares to drop its only street race next year. The Truck Series’ visit will coincide with the IndyCar Grand Prix weekend, creating a distinctive motorsport event on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.
A Diverse and Scenic Racing Weekend Awaits Fans
The St. Petersburg race weekend already features a wide range of competitions, including IndyCar‘s premier open-wheel event, support races like Indy NXT and USF 2000 Pro, as well as the Mazda MX-5 Cup. Adding the NASCAR Truck Series provides yet another dimension to this vibrant motorsport festival. The circuit itself offers a picturesque setting, with a backstretch lined by boats and a layout reminiscent of Monaco’s famous street race. This environment offers fans close-up views and thrilling action across multiple racing disciplines.
Challenging Street Circuit for Truck Series Vehicles
Street circuits are known for their tight and technical nature, and the St. Petersburg course is no exception—particularly through turns two and three, where the narrow layout demands precision. The larger and less agile trucks will face unique challenges navigating these sections, creating a potentially dramatic racing spectacle. The contrast between the heavyweight trucks and the nimble open-wheel and sports cars on the same weekend will showcase a variety of driving skills and vehicle capabilities.
Additional Schedule Highlights for the Truck Series in 2026
Alongside the new St. Petersburg street race, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will return to Rockingham Speedway and Lime Rock Park, both tracks where the series ran successful events this season. The series will also participate in a tripleheader weekend at a temporary street circuit set up at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, further expanding the variety of venues featured in the 2026 season.