St. Pete Prepares for Historic 2026 IndyCar and NASCAR Doubleheader: Full Weekend Schedule and How to Watch

Auto Racing · By Marcus Chen · February 26, 2026
St. Pete Prepares for Historic 2026 IndyCar and NASCAR Doubleheader: Full Weekend Schedule and How to Watch

The streets of St. Petersburg are set to host a landmark event in American motorsport, as the 2026 racing season opens with a high-octane doubleheader combining both IndyCar and NASCAR action. Fans will witness top drivers from both series navigating the famed St. Pete street circuit across a packed weekend of racing, marking a momentous collaboration between the disciplines.

The 2026 St. Petersburg Grand Prix weekend stands out for uniting open-wheel and stock car racing at a single venue, a rare move that is already generating buzz across the motorsports community. For those eager to catch every race, Motorsport.com has provided a comprehensive viewing guide, including the full schedule, start times, and televised coverage details.

  • Date: March 6-8, 2026
  • Location: Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida
  • Events: IndyCar Series race, NASCAR stock car race, support events

The weekend's action kicks off with practice and qualifying sessions for both series, leading up to the main events. Fans can expect a dynamic mix of high-speed precision from IndyCar's open-wheel machines and the thunderous spectacle of NASCAR stock cars tackling the same temporary circuit.

The collaboration is drawing significant attention not only for its novelty but also for the logistical challenges and competitive intrigue it presents. Both series bring unique racing styles and fanbases, promising a festival-like atmosphere on and off the track.

For those planning to watch from home, the television schedule ensures comprehensive coverage. Motorsport.com outlines all the details:

  • Friday, March 6: Practice and qualifying for IndyCar and NASCAR, featured live on major sports networks and streaming platforms.
  • Saturday, March 7: Additional qualifying rounds, support series races, and fan events. NASCAR race live broadcast in the afternoon.
  • Sunday, March 8: Main event – IndyCar Series race with live coverage, followed by post-race analysis and highlights.

Cable and streaming options will be available for all major sessions, with a mix of network and dedicated motorsports channels expected to carry live coverage. Fans are encouraged to check local listings for exact channel information and streaming availability.

The 2026 St. Pete weekend is poised to set the tone for the racing season, not just as the traditional IndyCar opener but as a historic convergence of motorsport's biggest American stars. With both series sharing the spotlight, anticipation is high for thrilling on-track battles and a showcase of driving talent.

Sources

  1. [1]Motorsport.com