IndyCar Series 2026 1 2026-03-01 2026-03-01 https://r2.thesportsdb.com/images/media/event/thumb/oozeye1766855451.jpg https://r2.thesportsdb.com/images/media/event/poster/7kw9be1699997408.jpg The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season officially kicks off today with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. This 1.8-mile, 14-turn temporary street circuit—carved out of the city’s downtown streets and the runways of Albert Whitted Airport—is a grueling season opener that punishes even the smallest lapse in concentration. The high-speed runway sections contrast sharply with the tight, technical turns between concrete barriers, making it a masterclass in car control and bravery. The narrative of the weekend is dominated by high-profile team shifts and the championship defense of Alex Palou, who enters as the reigning race winner. All eyes are on Will Power, who makes his much-anticipated competitive debut for Andretti Global after a historic career with Team Penske. Power, a master of this circuit with nine career poles, will lead the field to green from the NTT P1 Award position after a blistering performance in Saturday's qualifying. He is joined on the front row by Colton Herta, setting up an all-Andretti front row. With the new hybrid units now fully integrated, the strategy surrounding energy deployment through the heavy braking zones of Turns 1 and 10 will likely decide who lifts the first trophy of 2026. 2402397