The first race of the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season will take place at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, marking the traditional season opener on the challenging street circuit in St. Petersburg, Florida. As fans gear up for the event from February 27 to March 1, with the main race scheduled for Sunday, March 1 at 12:00 p.m. ET on FOX, the series kicks off what promises to be one of its most ambitious and fast-paced campaigns yet.

The announcement aligns with the official 2026 schedule, which positions St. Petersburg as the starting point without any last-minute alterations to its slot. The race weekend begins with practice sessions on Friday, February 27, including the NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice 1 at 1:30 p.m. ET, followed by additional support series activities. Saturday features Practice 2 at 9:30 a.m. ET and qualifying at 4:30 p.m. ET, building anticipation for the 100-lap main event on Sunday after a warmup session at 9:00 a.m. ET. This setup allows teams and drivers to fine-tune setups on the 1.8-mile, 14-turn temporary street course that winds through downtown St. Petersburg, blending high-speed straights along the waterfront with tight, technical corners around Albert Whitted Airport and the city’s historic districts.

St. Petersburg has held the season-opening honors for nearly two decades, providing a fitting launchpad that combines scenic views of Tampa Bay with demanding racing conditions. The circuit tests drivers’ precision and car balance early in the year, often setting the tone for the championship battle ahead. Last year’s winner, Alex Palou, emerged victorious here, and many expect the Spaniard to defend his form as he chases a potential fifth title in what could be a highly competitive field.

The 2026 season features 18 races—an increase from the initial 17-race plan following the late addition of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C., in August to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. This adjustment creates an intense closing stretch, including a Milwaukee Mile doubleheader and other late-season events. The calendar opens with a record-tying four races in March, starting with St. Petersburg, followed quickly by Phoenix Raceway’s return on March 7, a new street race in Arlington, Texas on March 15, and Barber Motorsports Park later that month. This front-loaded March delivers immediate momentum after the offseason, avoiding the gaps that have sometimes slowed early-season excitement in prior years.

Key changes to the 2026 schedule include Phoenix Raceway’s comeback after an eight-year hiatus, bringing back oval racing with its unique short-track dynamics. New street circuits in Arlington and Markham (replacing Toronto) add fresh venues, while other shifts—like Nashville moving to mid-summer and the absence of tracks such as Iowa Speedway and Thermal Club—reflect strategic efforts to balance ovals, road courses, and street fights. All races air on FOX, with enhanced integration around major events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 for broader exposure.

Rule updates enhance competition at street and road courses, including revised tire usage requirements to promote strategic variety and closer racing. Late-race procedures have been tweaked to encourage more lead-lap battles in the closing stages, aiming to deliver thrilling finishes. Safety enhancements and officiating improvements, overseen by the Independent Officiating Board, ensure smoother operations as the series launches INDYCAR Officiating for greater transparency.

Driver storylines abound heading into St. Petersburg. Alex Palou remains a dominant force with Chip Ganassi Racing, but challengers like Scott Dixon, Colton Herta, and emerging talents could shake things up. Notable moves include David Malukas joining Team Penske, Will Power partnering with Andretti Global, and Mick Schumacher making his full-time IndyCar debut with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. These shifts promise new team dynamics and rivalries from the green flag.

The Firestone Grand Prix also serves as a major economic and community booster for St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay region. The event draws thousands of spectators, supports local businesses, and features fan experiences like autograph sessions, the INDYCAR Party in the Park, and support races from INDY NXT by Firestone, USF2000, and Mazda MX-5 Cup. Gates open early each day, with full schedules packed from morning practices to evening activities.

As the countdown to March 1 continues, excitement builds for what could be a landmark year. The St. Petersburg opener not only revives the on-track action but also spotlights the series’ evolution—more races, new venues, broadcast prominence on FOX, and a commitment to delivering edge-of-the-seat competition. With drivers hitting the streets once more, the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES is set to roar to life in spectacular fashion.