Each year, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg transforms downtown into a world-class stage for speed, innovation, and economic momentum. As the season opener for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the Grand Prix brings global attention to St. Pete while delivering meaningful impact for local businesses, nonprofits, and neighborhoods across the Tampa Bay region.
From race-week fan events and charitable activations to business networking and regional partnerships, the Grand Prix is more than a race — it’s a multi-week celebration of what makes St. Petersburg a destination for business, culture, and connection.
The Grand Prix: A Signature Event for St. Petersburg
The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is one of Florida’s premier annual sporting events and a defining moment for the city each year. The temporary downtown street circuit winds through St. Petersburg’s waterfront, showcasing the city’s skyline, parks, and neighborhoods to a global audience.
Beyond the racing, the Grand Prix delivers significant economic impact — driving hotel stays, restaurant traffic, retail spending, and national and international media exposure. It also highlights St. Pete’s ability to host world-class events through collaboration between the City, business community, regional partners, and residents.
This combination of speed, spectacle, and strategy is what makes the Grand Prix a cornerstone event for St. Petersburg and a powerful example of how momentum becomes movement.
First Block: Kicking Off the Build of the Track
Race week momentum officially begins earlier in February with First Block, the ceremonial kickoff marking the start of track construction.
Thursday, February 5, 2026
This milestone moment brings together city leadership, race organizers, and community partners to celebrate the collaboration required to transform downtown streets into a world-class racing circuit.
Participants include:
Ken Welch, Mayor, City of St. Petersburg
Kim Green and Kevin Savoree, co-owners and organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
Brian Lowack, President & CEO, Visit St. Pete-Clearwater
Chris Steinocher, President & CEO, St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce
Lorraine Parker, Chief Nursing Officer, Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital
First Block symbolizes the shared leadership and coordination that make the Grand Prix possible — from public safety and infrastructure to hospitality, healthcare, and economic development.
Drivers with Local and National Ties
The Grand Prix also shines a spotlight on drivers competing across multiple racing series — including those with strong Florida and St. Petersburg connections.
Featured drivers include:
David Malukas (Chicago) — NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver of the No. 12 for Team Penske
Daniel Dye (Daytona Beach, FL) — NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series driver of the No. 10 for Kaulig Racing
Nikita Johnson (St. Petersburg, FL) — INDY NXT by Firestone driver of the No. 21 for Cape Motorsports powered by ECR
Ryan Leach (St. Petersburg, FL) — Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin driver of the No. 89 for Spark Performance
Their participation reflects the depth of talent showcased during race week and the connection between global motorsports and the local community.
Race Week at a Glance
Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
Friday, February 27 – Sunday, March 1, 2026
(Race Week activities begin Thursday, February 26)
Location
Downtown St. Petersburg Street Circuit
Bayshore Drive NE & surrounding downtown streets
Racing Series Featured
NTT INDYCAR SERIES
INDY NXT by Firestone
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (Saturday headline race)
USF2000 Championship
Mazda MX-5 Cup
Taking the Grand Prix Beyond the Track
In the weeks leading up to race weekend, Grand Prix excitement extends far beyond downtown through a series of Old Show Car appearances, business activations, and community events across St. Petersburg and the greater Tampa Bay region.
From museums and coffee shops to hospitals, breweries, block parties, and regional events, these appearances bring the spirit of the Grand Prix directly into the community — engaging residents, supporting local businesses, and building anticipation for race week.
(Schedule includes appearances at Great Explorations Children’s Museum, First Friday St. Pete, Motor Enclave, Ferg’s Sports Bar, Sarasota Cars & Coffee, Fan Fest, Kahwa Coffee, Keel Farms, Orlando Health Bayfront, and more. Schedule subject to change.)
Show Car Schedule
St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 | 3:00–7:00 PM
The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club
Great Explorations Children’s Museum
Saturday, January 31, 2026 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM 1925 4th St. N, St. Petersburg
Porsche Clearwater
Sunday, February 1, 2026 | 8:00 AM–12:00 PM Porsche Clearwater
Track Build Viewing
Thursday, February 5, 2026 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM Between Turns 9 & 10
First Friday St. Pete
Friday, February 6, 2026 | 3:00–11:00 PM Central Avenue & 3rd Avenue
Tampa Bay Automobile Museum
Saturday, February 7, 2026 | Time TBD Pinellas Park
Motor Enclave – Cars & Couture
Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 PM Tampa
Ferg’s Sports Bar – Super Bowl Sunday
Sunday, February 8, 2026 | 3:00–7:00 PM 1320 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
Moffitt Cancer Center
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM Ruskin
Orlando Health – Bayfront West Entrance
Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 1:00–2:00 PM St. Petersburg
Valpak (Private Event)
Friday, February 13, 2026 | Time TBD
📍 St. Petersburg
Sarasota Cars & Coffee
Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 6:00–10:00 AM
📍 Sarasota
Grand Prix Fan Fest
Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 1:00–5:00 PM
📍 16th Street Block Party, St. Petersburg
Pee Pa’s Craft Brewery & Hatchet Barn
Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 12:00–4:00 PM
📍 Pinellas Park
Kahwa Coffee (Multiple Locations)
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | Time TBD
Health & Fitness Expo (Gasparilla 5K)
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | 12:00–6:00 PM
📍 Tampa Convention Center
Flippers Pizzeria
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | Time TBD
📍 St. Petersburg
Rides by the River
Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 Tampa
Keel Farms
Sunday, February 22, 2026 | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
📍 Plant City
Orlando Health – Bayfront West Entrance
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
📍 St. Petersburg
(Schedule subject to change)
Exclusive Chamber Experience: Green Flag VIP & Media Lunch
As part of Grand Prix race week, the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to offer an exclusive, members-only opportunity to kick off the weekend in a truly unique way.
The Green Flag VIP & Media Lunch brings Chamber members together with business leaders, dignitaries, and race partners for a behind-the-scenes experience ahead of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
Event Details
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Registration & Networking: 10:30 AM
Lunch & Program: 11:00 AM
📍 St. Petersburg Yacht Club — Ballroom (2nd Floor)
This special experience is reserved exclusively for St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce members and is offered at a discounted member rate of $25, with attendance limited to 150 guests.
The Green Flag Lunch reflects the Chamber’s commitment to providing members with meaningful connections, exclusive access, and a front-row seat to the events shaping St. Petersburg’s economic and cultural landscape.
Community Kickoff Events
INDYCAR Party in the Park
Thursday, February 26, 2026 | 4:00–7:00 PM
North Straub Park
This free, family-friendly event officially kicks off race weekend with live music, giveaways, food and drinks, driver appearances, and up-close views of race cars from each series — offering fans an immersive introduction to the Grand Prix experience.
5K Run on the Firestone Grand Prix Track
Thursday, February 26, 2026 | 5:00 PM
Participants have the rare opportunity to run or walk the actual Grand Prix street circuit before the engines fire up. The fully paved course enters at Turn 9 on Central Avenue and benefits the Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg, supporting youth programs throughout the community. Registration includes a finisher medal, event shirt, and two Friday General Admission tickets to the Grand Prix.
Event Overview: Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg 2026
The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg returns to downtown St. Pete for three action-packed days of world-class racing along the city’s waterfront streets. As the season opener for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, this iconic event delivers speed, excitement, and festival energy to the heart of the city.
Event Details
WHEN
Friday, February 27 – Sunday, March 1, 2026
(Race Week activities begin Thursday, February 26)
WHERE
Downtown St. Petersburg Street Circuit
Bayshore Drive NE & surrounding downtown streets
Racing Series Featured
NTT INDYCAR SERIES
INDY NXT by Firestone
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (Saturday headline race)
USF2000 Championship
Mazda MX-5 Cup
Ticket Options (Summary)
Grandstand Seating (Gold, Silver, Bronze – reserved seating)
General Admission (single-day and multi-day options)
VIP Club Experience (premium hospitality with paddock access)
Pit & Paddock Passes available as add-ons
Ticket availability varies by day and seating level. Some premium experiences are sold out.
Schedule Highlights
Thursday, February 26
INDYCAR Party in the Park (Free | North Straub Park)
5K Run on the Grand Prix Track
Friday, February 27
Practice & Qualifying Sessions
Autograph Sessions
Saturday, February 28
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race
INDY NXT Race
Mazda MX-5 Cup Race
Sunday, March 1
INDY NXT Race
Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (INDYCAR main event)
Schedule subject to change.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Firestone Grand Prix is powered by an incredible volunteer team.
Volunteer roles include fan engagement, grandstands, hospitality, information services, show car team, yacht club team, access control, and more.
Partnerships, Exhibiting & More
Opportunities are available for partnerships, exhibiting, and vending throughout race weekend.
Plan Your Visit
For full schedules, ticket details, volunteer sign-up, and the complete A–Z event guide, visit:
https://www.gpstpete.com/plan-your-visit/a-z-info-guide
