Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

The 2026 Firestone Grand Prix of  St. Petersburg kicks off IndyCar season on the waterfront in downtown St. Petersburg

North America’s premier open-wheel race series will hold its inaugural 2026 contest in St. Petersburg, Florida, from February 27 through March 1, 2026.

For just a few days, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will transform downtown streets and the runway of Albert Whitted Airport into a 1.8-mile, 14-turn street-racing circuit. The event’s days of parties and other festivities draw an estimated 200,000 fans. 

The St. Petersburg Grand Prix brings international attention and high-level motorsports to the Sunshine City.

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St. Pete Grand Prix Race Schedule & Related Events

The festival of speed has a jam-packed schedule both on and off the track. When not filled with the top-level, NTT IndyCar series contestants, the circuit will entertain race fans with competition by several other motorsports series.

Thursday, February 26, 2026

The fun starts at 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, with an IndyCar Party in the Park in North Straub Park which is free and open to the public. The party will be attended by drivers and will include music, food and drink, through 7 p.m. that evening. It also offers a chance for fans to see race cars from each series up close. 

For runners and walkers looking for a super-unique experience, there will be a 5K Run on the Firestone Grand Prix Track at 5 p.m., starting from 400 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. Sign up for the 5K and race the track.

Throughout the Weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)

During the three days of racing, spectators can visit the American Legion in Firestone Fan Village, beer gardens, and a Speed Zone with interactive games and exhibits.

Friday, February 27, 2026

Gates open at 7:30 a.m.

On Friday, Feb. 27, practice and qualifying sessions run from 8 a.m. to about 11:15 a.m., with the first race (USF2000 series) beginning at 11:30 a.m. 

An autograph session will be held from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in the Firestone Fan Experience area.

More practice and qualifying rounds will take place in the afternoon up to 6 p.m., including INDY NXT by Firestone and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.

Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026

Gates open at 7 a.m. 

Saturday, Feb. 28, will feature two races, the Mazda MX-5 Cup (7:30 a.m.) and the 80-lap NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (noon). 

In addition, there will be practice sessions for INDY NXT cars and NTT INDYCAR Series in the morning, with qualifying in the afternoon. 

An autograph session will be held from 11 - 11:45 a.m. in the Firestone Fan Experience area.

Sunday, March 1, 2026

Gates open at 8 a.m. 

On Sunday, March 1, warm-ups for the NTT INDYCAR Series will start the day at 9:05 a.m., followed by the 45-lap INDY NXT by Firestone race around 10 a.m. 

The big race, the 100-lap INTT INDYCAR Series race, will begin just before 12:30 p.m.

Sunday's racing excitement will conclude with race 2 for the USF2000 series at 3 p.m. and race 2 for the Mazda MX-5 Cup at 4 p.m.
 

Ticket Information

Single-day and three-day tickets are available now.

Prices range from $185 for three days of grandstand seats in Turns 1 and 10, which have the best views, to $30 for general admission on Friday. Three-day general admission tickets cost $80 for adults, $70 for children 12 and younger. Passes are available at additional cost for ticket holders who want access to the paddock (IndyCar garage) and pits (service areas during races). 

Pro tip: If you aren’t interested in sitting in the grandstands, buy a general admission ticket. It will cost less and will allow you to roam around the course’s infield area, getting close to various turns and almost all areas of the racecourse except for the airport straight.