IndyCar Legend Dario Franchitti Will Be Participating in the NASCAR Truck Race in St. Pete
In a surprising development that bridges two distinct worlds of motorsport, four-time NTT IndyCar Series champion and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti is set to make a one-off appearance in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The Scottish driver, long regarded as one of open-wheel racing’s most accomplished figures, will compete at the inaugural NASCAR Truck Series street race in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
This marks Franchitti’s return to NASCAR competition for the first time since 2008 and adds a layer of intrigue to an already noteworthy event that coincides with the IndyCar Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
Franchitti, now 52, will drive the No. 1 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for TRICON Garage, a team aligned with Toyota’s factory efforts in the Truck Series. The announcement, made by TRICON Garage on February 3, 2026, came through a partnership involving Jimmie Johnson and Legacy Motor Club, with Dollar Tree stepping in as the primary sponsor. This collaboration highlights the growing connections between NASCAR’s truck program and high-profile figures from other racing disciplines, as well as the increasing crossover appeal of street-circuit events.
The St. Petersburg race represents uncharted territory for the Craftsman Truck Series, which has rarely ventured onto temporary street courses. The 1.8-mile layout, familiar to IndyCar fans for its mix of airport runway sections and downtown streets, features elevation changes, tight corners, and bumpy surfaces that demand precision and adaptability. For Franchitti, the circuit holds fond memories: he dominated the 2011 IndyCar event there, leading 94 of 100 laps en route to victory.
That experience could prove valuable as he transitions to the heavier, less nimble NASCAR trucks, which prioritize durability, bump-drafting, and aggressive door-to-door racing over the pure speed and downforce of IndyCar machinery.
Franchitti’s career achievements speak for themselves. Born in Bathgate, Scotland, he rose through the ranks of British karting and Formula racing before making his mark in North America. He secured four IndyCar titles (2007, 2009, 2010, 2011) and triumphed at the Indianapolis 500 in 2007, 2010, and 2012. His versatility extended beyond ovals and road courses; he also won the Rolex 24 at Daytona and even attempted the Daytona 500 in NASCAR back in 2008 with Chip Ganassi Racing.
A severe crash at the 2013 Houston Grand Prix forced his retirement from professional racing due to medical concerns, including risks to his vision and overall health. Since then, Franchitti has focused on broadcasting, team ownership interests, and occasional amateur or historic racing outings. Recent reports indicate he was cleared for amateur competition around 2019 and competed in events like the Dubai 24 Hours in early 2026, signaling a gradual return to competitive driving.
The decision to enter the Truck Series stems from ongoing discussions with Jimmie Johnson, the seven-time NASCAR Cup champion who now co-owns Legacy Motor Club. Johnson, himself planning a one-off Truck Series start later in the season, reportedly helped facilitate the opportunity. Franchitti has expressed enthusiasm for the challenge, noting the unique demands of racing trucks on a street circuit. “The thought of racing a NASCAR truck on a street circuit is really intriguing to me,” he said in the official announcement.
“The different surfaces, the fact that part of it is on an airport, then you go into the streets, the different bumps—all those things you got to try and master.” His comments reflect a driver eager to test himself in a new environment rather than chase nostalgia.
This move comes amid broader trends in motorsport where series seek to attract crossover talent to boost visibility. The Truck Series’ inclusion in St. Petersburg as part of a doubleheader weekend with IndyCar creates a rare convergence of American open-wheel and stock car racing. Fans will witness how an open-wheel legend adapts to the physicality of NASCAR trucks, which feature heavier vehicles, different tire compounds, and a racing style that often rewards contact and strategy over outright pace. The event’s broadcast on FOX at noon ET, along with radio coverage on SiriusXM and the NASCAR Racing Network, ensures wide exposure.
While no direct on-air confrontation or heated exchange involving Franchitti and Tony Stewart has surfaced in connection with this announcement, the racing community has seen its share of passionate debates between figures from different disciplines. Stewart, known for his fiery personality and nicknamed “Smoke” or “The Butcher” during his driving days, remains a prominent voice in NASCAR through his ownership of Stewart-Haas Racing and occasional media appearances. Any perceived favoritism or influence in series decisions often sparks discussion, but Franchitti’s participation appears driven by genuine opportunity and mutual interest among teams rather than controversy.
The focus remains on the competitive spectacle: a decorated IndyCar veteran tackling a new challenge in front of what promises to be a packed St. Pete street circuit.
As February 28 approaches, anticipation builds for Franchitti’s performance. Will his road-course expertise translate to success in the trucks, or will the series’ rough-and-tumble nature prove a steep learning curve? Regardless of the outcome, his entry injects star power into the Truck Series debut on the streets and underscores the evolving landscape of American motorsport. For fans, it’s a chance to see a true legend behind the wheel once more, reminding everyone why racing continues to captivate across genres and generations.
