Before the Cup and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series takes the center stage in Austin, the action shifts to downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, on Saturday.
NASCAR and IndyCar will share the same stage in a rare crossover weekend, with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series lining up alongside the NTT IndyCar Series on the tight street circuit. With the stock car and open-wheel giants on the same street circuit schedule, fans are in for a packed day of practice, qualifying, and racing action.
NASCAR Heads to St. Petersburg for Rare Street Course Weekend
Saturday’s schedule is headlined by the OnlyBulls Green Flag 150 at St. Petersburg, which will air live on FOX. According to veteran racing journalist Bob Pockrass, the green flag is scheduled to wave at 12:00 p.m. ET, with the race divided into 20-20-40 lap segments.
It presents a unique challenge for the Truck Series field, as drivers navigate the tight confines and unforgiving walls of the 1.8-mile, 14-turn street circuit, a layout more commonly associated with open-wheel racing.
Coverage begins earlier in the morning, as practice sessions for both IndyCar and the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series set the tone for the day. At 8:30 a.m. ET, FS1 will broadcast NOAPS practice (COTA), followed by IndyCar practice at 9:35 a.m. ET, also on FS1. These sessions are crucial, especially with changing track conditions expected throughout the weekend.
The weather could play a significant role in how Saturday unfolds. According to the National Weather Service (NWS)Â outlook referenced in Pockrass’ weekend schedule update, temperatures are expected to remain in the 70s, but the rain chance is 60%.
That raises the possibility of damp conditions during practice or even the race itself, adding another layer of unpredictability to the event.
Following the Truck Series race, qualifying sessions will round out the afternoon. NOAPS qualifying is slated for 3:45 p.m. ET on FS2, with IndyCar qualifying immediately afterward at 4:30 p.m. ET, also on FS2. With tight margins and limited room for error on a street course, track position will be critical heading into Sunday’s main IndyCar event.
Saturday’s Truck Series showdown represents a rare crossover moment between two premier American racing disciplines. While IndyCar regulars are accustomed to the rhythm of street circuits like St. Pete, NASCAR’s heavier trucks bring a different style of racing to the layout.
That’s what adds to the intrigue. Street courses don’t allow drivers to settle in. And with stage breaks tightening the field back up, every restart becomes a high-pressure scramble for position.
For fans, Saturday is a full day of racing that builds toward the main event. Practice sessions in the morning set the tone, qualifying later in the afternoon raises the stakes, and right in the middle of it all, the Trucks take over the spotlight on FOX.
