IndyCar - St. Petersburg

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg returns for the 2026 IndyCar season as the series opener. This premier open-wheel racing event takes place on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, where drivers compete on a challenging temporary street circuit that combines downtown roads with a section of Albert Whitted Airport's runway. The St Petersburg Street Course hosts 100 laps of competitive racing that showcases the talents of top IndyCar teams and drivers.

St Petersburg Street Course Layout and Characteristics

The St Petersburg Street Course measures 1.8 miles in length and features 14 turns, with nine right-hand turns and five left-hand turns. The circuit uses both asphalt and concrete surfaces throughout its layout. Drivers navigate tight technical sections at Turns 1 through 3, where the narrow racing line often creates intense competition. The track includes 90-degree right-hand corners at Turns 8 and 9 along Central Avenue SE and Bay Shore Drive SE.

A long straight runs alongside Tampa Bay, allowing cars to reach speeds exceeding 170 mph. The circuit also includes a chicane at Turns 11 and 12, followed by a right-hand hairpin at Turn 13. Turn 10 presents a sharp left corner that follows the street around the bay. The pit lane sits next to the runway and exits into Turn 2. This FIA Grade 2 facility requires significant infrastructure to transform public streets into a race track, including thousands of feet of concrete barriers and safety fencing.

Race Format and Technical Specifications

The 2026 race covers 100 laps on the St Petersburg Street Course. Teams use the Dallara IR12 chassis with universal IR-18 aerodynamic bodywork. Competitors choose between Chevrolet and Honda engines, both 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 units. Firestone provides the tires for all competitors, and the series uses 100% fuel-grade ethanol.

Teams continue to develop lighter chassis components while working with current technology. Safety features include LEDs on rear wing endplates for better visibility in various conditions and redesigned brake rotors for improved cooling. The broadcast will air on FOX, bringing the action to fans across the country.

Participating Teams and Drivers

Major IndyCar teams compete at St. Petersburg, including Team Penske, Chip Ganassi Racing, Arrow McLaren, and Andretti Global. The full entry list becomes available closer to race weekend. Several past St. Petersburg winners typically return to compete on this street circuit. The NTT IndyCar Series fields demonstrate the highest level of open-wheel racing in the United States.

Support Racing Series

The St. Petersburg race weekend features multiple racing series beyond IndyCar. Indy NXT provides a showcase for rising open-wheel talent. USF2000 and the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup also compete during the weekend. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series joins the event schedule for 2026, adding stock car racing to the street circuit program.

Event History and Background

St. Petersburg first hosted racing in 1985 with a Trans-Am Series race on a downtown waterfront circuit. Indy cars arrived in 2003 under CART sanction. The race became part of the IndyCar Series in 2005. The 2026 running marks the 22nd consecutive year of the St. Petersburg Grand Prix in its current successful format. The event overcame three earlier failed attempts before establishing its permanent place on the calendar.

Team Penske has achieved particular success at St. Petersburg with 11 wins at this street circuit. Will Power holds the record for the most pole positions at this track. The race draws an estimated 200,000 fans and brings international attention to St. Petersburg.

Fan Experience and Atmosphere

The event includes an IndyCar Series Fan Village where attendees can explore interactive displays and games. Beer gardens provide social gathering spaces throughout the circuit. The IndyCar Party in the Park offers additional entertainment options. The waterfront setting along Tampa Bay creates a distinctive backdrop for street circuit racing.

The St. Petersburg IndyCar race offers fans at the circuit and viewers at home an opportunity to watch top-level open-wheel racing on a demanding street course. The combination of high speeds, technical corners, and close racing on the St Petersburg Street Course makes this season-opening event a significant moment for teams and drivers beginning their championship campaigns.