The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is poised for an unprecedented and potentially game-changing event as it makes its inaugural foray onto a street course, with sportsamo.com reporting an entry list brimming with international motorsport stars and promising young talent. This groundbreaking third round of the 2026 NCTS season in St. Petersburg, Florida, marks a significant departure from the series’ traditional ovals and road courses, promising a spectacle unlike any seen in its 30-plus year history. The lineup for this historic race is a fascinating mosaic of racing pedigree, featuring legends from IndyCar, champions from elite sports car racing, and rising stars from short track circuits, creating a "must-watch" event for any motorsport enthusiast.
The buzz surrounding the season-opener at Daytona earlier this year, fueled by a diverse entry list featuring extreme sports athletes, social media personalities, and NASCAR veterans, was just a prelude. St. Petersburg’s street circuit is set to amplify that intrigue tenfold. This weekend, fans will witness a unique blend of racing prowess, as winners of the Indianapolis 500, the Rolex 24 at Daytona, and the Le Mans 24 Hours, alongside champions from IndyCar and IMSA, prepare to battle it out in heavy-duty stock trucks. Adding to the eclectic mix are the reigning champions of the CARS Pro Late Model and Late Model Stock Car Tour divisions, showcasing the breadth of talent converging on this challenging urban layout. This convergence of diverse racing backgrounds on a tight, unforgiving street course promises an unpredictable and thrilling contest.
Dario Franchitti – #1 TRICON Garage Toyota
Leading the charge of international racing luminaries is Dario Franchitti, a name synonymous with open-wheel excellence. At 52, the Scottish racing icon brings an unparalleled resume to the TRICON Garage Toyota. Franchitti is a four-time IndyCar Series champion (2007, 2009, 2010, 2011) and a three-time winner of the prestigious Indianapolis 500 (2007, 2010, 2012). His command of complex street circuits is well-documented, highlighted by his triumphant 2011 IndyCar victory on the very St. Petersburg circuit where he will compete this weekend. This intimate knowledge of the track layout and its unique demands could prove to be a significant advantage.
Beyond open-wheel, Franchitti boasts an impressive record in endurance sports car racing, with overall wins in the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the Sebring 12 Hours, showcasing his versatility across different disciplines. While his NASCAR experience is limited to a handful of starts across the national divisions, it’s not entirely nonexistent. His lone Truck Series appearance came at Martinsville in 2007, a stark contrast to the demands of a street course. However, his best stock car performance was a remarkable fifth-place finish from pole position in the 2008 O’Reilly race at Watkins Glen in the Xfinity Series, demonstrating his adaptability to heavier, fendered machines on road courses. Franchitti’s calm demeanor and tactical brilliance, honed over decades at the highest levels of motorsport, will be invaluable as he navigates the unforgiving concrete canyons of St. Petersburg in a Truck. The question remains: can his vast experience translate into immediate success in a series known for its aggressive, close-quarters racing?
James Hinchcliffe – #77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
Another celebrated IndyCar veteran making his NASCAR debut is James Hinchcliffe, driving the #77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet. Known affectionately as "Hinch," the Canadian racer has carved out a successful secondary career as a sharp and charismatic TV personality for both IndyCar and Formula 1 broadcasts. However, his driving career is equally impressive. Hinchcliffe collected six IndyCar victories, including a memorable win at St. Petersburg in 2013. That victory, coming in his second season, underscored his talent for street circuit racing.
Perhaps one of the most inspiring moments of his career was capturing the pole position for the 2016 Indianapolis 500, a mere year after a life-threatening crash at the very same speedway. His recovery and return to top-tier competition were a testament to his resilience and passion. While his stint as runner-up on Season 23 of Dancing with the Stars highlights his public appeal, it’s his on-track prowess that brings him to St. Petersburg. This will be Hinchcliffe’s maiden voyage into any level of NASCAR competition, a significant challenge for an open-wheel specialist. The heavy, less nimble nature of a Truck compared to an IndyCar, combined with the close-quarters nature of NASCAR racing, will be a steep learning curve. However, his inherent understanding of street courses and his proven ability to adapt could make him a formidable contender.
Colin Braun – #25 Kaulig Racing Ram
Colin Braun represents one of the most fascinating entries, bringing a unique blend of past NASCAR success and current sports car dominance to the #25 Kaulig Racing Ram. Braun is a proven winner in the NASCAR Truck Series, but his victory at Michigan in 2009, which propelled him to a fifth-place points finish, feels like a lifetime ago. A former Roush Fenway Racing protégé, he was once considered a rising star in stock car racing, making 53 NCTS starts and 31 Xfinity Series starts, with a best finish of second in the latter.
Since his departure from full-time NASCAR competition, Braun has transformed into one of the most accomplished drivers in IMSA, North America’s premier sports car racing series. He boasts three IMSA championships and over 20 class and overall victories, firmly establishing himself as an endurance racing ace. His impressive list of triumphs includes a class victory in the grueling 2023 Le Mans 24 Hours (LMP2 Pro-Am), multiple wins in the Rolex 24 at Daytona, including an overall victory in 2023 with Meyer Shank Racing, the Six Hours at The Glen, Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, and the Sebring 12 Hours. Braun’s experience in heavy, high-downforce prototype and GT cars on technical road courses and street circuits makes him uniquely prepared for the St. Petersburg challenge. His ability to manage tire wear, navigate traffic, and adapt to varying track conditions could make him a dark horse for a podium finish, bridging the gap between two very different racing worlds.
Adam Andretti – #5 TRICON Garage Toyota
The surname "Andretti" carries immense weight and expectation in motorsport, and Adam Andretti, piloting the #5 TRICON Garage Toyota, is determined to forge his own legacy. As the son of Aldo, nephew of the legendary Mario, brother to John, and cousin to Michael, Marco, and Jeff, Adam is part of one of racing’s most iconic families. While his relatives found fame in IndyCar, Formula 1, and NASCAR Cup, Adam has carved a niche for himself in the Trans-Am Series, where he has secured several wins and achieved two runner-up finishes in the highly competitive TA2 division. Trans-Am cars, with their powerful V8 engines and focus on road course performance, provide excellent training for the demands of a street circuit.
Andretti’s recent foray into the Truck Series at Atlanta just a week prior was a promising debut. After a challenging start, he quickly adapted to the unique characteristics of the Truck, demonstrating resilience and car control to finish an impressive 12th. This experience, though on an oval, will undoubtedly aid his transition to the St. Petersburg street course. His extensive road racing background in Trans-Am positions him as a credible threat on a circuit that rewards precision and aggression. The pressure of the Andretti name is ever-present, but Adam has consistently shown the talent and determination to live up to it.
Jackson Lee – #22 Team Reaume Ford
Making his NASCAR debut this weekend is Jackson Lee, the son of veteran IndyCar on FOX pit reporter Kevin Lee. The younger Lee arrives in the Truck Series with a diverse background in the American open-wheel ladder system (such as USF2000 and Indy Pro 2000) and lower IMSA divisions (like the Michelin Pilot Challenge). He has already tasted victory, securing race wins in the Lucas Oil Formula Car Race Series and as a Pro-Am driver in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America.
Lee’s experience in high-performance sports cars and nimble open-wheel machines, particularly on road and street courses, should serve him well in adapting to the St. Petersburg layout. However, the transition to a heavier, less aerodynamic stock truck will present a significant challenge. Without prior NASCAR experience, he faces a steep learning curve against seasoned stock car racers and road course specialists. His debut will be closely watched, not just because of his famous father, but as an indicator of how quickly talent from other disciplines can adapt to the unique demands of Truck Series racing.
Two Reigning CARS Tour Champions – Niece Motorsports
Niece Motorsports is banking on the future, fielding two reigning champions from the CARS Tour, a prominent late model series that serves as a vital feeder for NASCAR’s national divisions. These young drivers represent the next generation of stock car talent.
Ben Maier, at just 17 years old, will be behind the wheel of the #4 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet. His rapid ascent in motorsport is remarkable, with a resume that already includes starts in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, Stadium Super Trucks, and Trans-Am. Maier captured the 2025 CARS Pro Late Model Tour title in his rookie season, showcasing prodigious talent. He made his Truck Series debut last year, securing an 18th-place finish at Lime Rock Park, a challenging road course. This prior road course experience in a Truck will be invaluable as he tackles the St. Petersburg street circuit. His versatility and quick learning ability suggest he could be a dark horse in this unique event.
Joining Maier at Niece Motorsports in the #45 Chevrolet is Landen Lewis, the 2025 CARS Late Model Stock Tour champion. Lewis has only three previous Truck Series starts, but he demonstrated his adaptability by winning in just his second ARCA Menards Series start at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds dirt track in 2021. While dirt track experience might seem far removed from a street course, it speaks to his car control and ability to race on unconventional surfaces. His championship pedigree in Late Model Stocks, which are fundamentally stock cars, gives him a strong foundation for the St. Petersburg challenge. Both Maier and Lewis will face intense pressure to perform against a field rich with diverse and experienced talent, but their youthful aggression and proven winning capabilities make them exciting prospects.
Other Interesting Names to Watch
Beyond the headline-grabbing stars, several other intriguing drivers will add to the competitive depth of the field:
Carter Fartuch, driving the #2 Ford for Reaume, brings a unique perspective as the Director of Instructions for the Skip Barber Racing School. This role speaks volumes about his understanding of racing dynamics, car control, and track nuances. He has two previous Truck Series starts, both on road courses, which will undoubtedly aid his preparation for St. Petersburg. His deep instructional background suggests a methodical approach to tackling the challenges of the street circuit.
Nathan Nicholson will make his Truck Series debut in the #76 Freedom Racing Enterprises Chevrolet. Nicholson’s background includes extensive competition in the Mazda MX-5 Cup, a fiercely competitive spec series known for its close racing and emphasis on driver skill. As a multi-time podium finisher in the MX-5 Cup, he has honed his racecraft in tight, bumper-to-bumper battles, which will be crucial on a street course. While a Truck is a different beast entirely, his experience in precision driving could make him a surprise performer.
Wesley Slimp, piloting the #62 Halmar-Friesen Racing Toyota, returns to the Truck Series after competing in three races last year, including a strong 12th-place finish at Watkins Glen. Slimp possesses a wealth of road racing experience from series like the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America division, Porsche Carrera Cup North America, and Trans-Am. His familiarity with high-powered sports cars and competitive road racing environments makes him well-suited for the St. Petersburg street course. He has already shown he can adapt a Truck to a road course, and this experience will be a valuable asset.
The 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at St. Petersburg is more than just another event on the calendar; it’s a bold experiment and a testament to the series’ willingness to innovate. With a star-studded entry list comprising legends, seasoned specialists, and hungry young guns, all converging on an unfamiliar street circuit, the stage is set for an unforgettable display of racing prowess. The unpredictable nature of street course racing, combined with the sheer diversity of talent, guarantees drama, excitement, and potentially, a historic upset. All eyes will be on St. Petersburg to witness this groundbreaking chapter in NASCAR Truck Series history.
