The 2026 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Pete
A Recharged Tampa Bay Classic Race
In Downtown St. Petersburg
The roar of engines, the shimmer of the waterfront, and the unmistakable pulse of race weekend, as the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg once again returns. METRO is excited to take part in the transformation of the St. Petersburg streets, as it turns into a world-class motorsports stage.
Each year, this iconic season opener signals more than just the start of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. It marks the unofficial arrival of spring on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
In 2026, the energy will reach new heights with the addition of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and the announcement of legendary coach Jon Gruden as Grand Marshal.
For nearly two decades, the Firestone Grand Prix has blended elite racing with the vibrant charm of downtown St. Pete. The 1.8-mile, 14-turn temporary street circuit winds along Bayshore Drive SE, past the Dalí Museum, and onto the runway of Albert Whitted Airport. Offering one of the most scenic backdrops in motorsports, displaying Tampa Bay’s skyline glistening over the marina. Fans are able to line the barriers, just feet from the action adding to the intensity. It’s an immersive experience unlike any traditional track setting.
The addition of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series marks a defining evolution for the event. Known for its aggressive racing style, close-quarters competition, and rising stars, the Truck Series brings a newfound excitement to the St. Pete circuit. The heavy, high-powered trucks navigating the tight street course promise dramatic braking zones, daring overtakes, and thrilling restarts. For longtime racegoers like METRO, it’s a fresh chapter. For new fans, it’s another reason to be part of the weekend.
This expansion further cements St. Pete as a premier destination on the national racing calendar. The crossover between INDYCAR and NASCAR audiences introduces new demographics to the city’s hospitality scene. Filling hotels, restaurants, and waterfront venues throughout the weekend is just one of the many ways this event provides economic impact.
For businesses, the weekend represents unparalleled exposure. The race is nationally televised, drawing millions of viewers and positioning St. Petersburg on a global stage. Sweeping aerial shots of the waterfront circuit offer a powerful visual narrative sunshine, speed, and sophistication. It’s marketing magic for Tampa Bay, reinforcing the region’s identity as a vibrant hub for sports, culture, and coastal living.
Beyond the headliners, the Firestone Grand Prix remains a celebration of community and commerce. Corporate partners activate across the downtown footprint with immersive brand experiences, hospitality suites, and networking events. Luxury lounges overlook Turn 10. Sponsor villages showcase automotive innovation. Charitable initiatives tied to race week continue to generate impact long after the final checkered flag waves. From rooftop viewing parties to yacht-side celebrations in the marina, the Grand Prix is as much a social and cultural event as it is a sporting spectacle.
Elevating the excitement even further is the presence of Jon Gruden as Grand Marshal. A Super Bowl–winning coach with an unmistakable personality, Gruden brings star power and gridiron credibility to race weekend. Known for his fiery passion and deep knowledge of the game, his command to start engines will undoubtedly energize both drivers and spectators. Gruden’s connection to Tampa Bay, where he coached the Buccaneers to a championship makes his involvement especially meaningful for local fans. His appearance bridges two high-octane worlds: football and motorsports.
For fans, the appeal is simple: access. Unlike traditional oval tracks, street circuits allow spectators to move through different vantage points, experiencing multiple turns and perspectives in a single day. The sound reverberates through city streets. The scent of race fuel mixes with ocean air. It’s visceral and immediate.
And when the engines quiet each evening, the city doesn’t. Beach Drive fills with celebratory dinners. Bars and lounges host after-parties. Live music spills into the night. The Grand Prix seamlessly blends adrenaline and elegance, a reflection of St. Pete’s evolving identity as both laid-back and cosmopolitan.
As the green flag drops on another unforgettable year, the 2026 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg stands as a symbol of momentum. The addition of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series signals growth. The presence of Jon Gruden adds star appeal. And the unwavering enthusiasm of fans ensures the tradition continues to thrive.
In a region known for sunshine and championships, race weekend once again proves that the streets of St. Pete aren’t just pathways to the water, they’re pathways to history, speed, and spectacle and METRO is joining the celebration. M
February 27 – March 1, 2026
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—Tampa Bay METRO
