Canadian former IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe is set to make his Spire Motorsports NASCAR debut in an anticipated appearance at the inaugural Truck Series race in St. Petersburg on February 28. Hinchcliffe will steer the No. 77 Chevrolet Silverado, marking a new chapter as the NASCAR Truck Series teams up with IndyCar for this historic weekend.
Hinchcliffe Embraces First NASCAR Outing in St. Petersburg
The 2024 St. Petersburg race presents a rare alignment between the NASCAR Truck Series and IndyCar, with both events unfolding on the city’s renowned street course. For Hinchcliffe, this debut places him alongside fellow former IndyCar driver Dario Franchitti, a multiple champion and Indy 500 winner, as the only ex-IndyCar entrants for the upcoming Truck Series race at this venue. Hinchcliffe, who concluded his full-time IndyCar career with Andretti Autosport (now known as Andretti Global) in 2021, steps into unfamiliar territory for the high-profile event.
Spire Motorsports, which shares close ties with Andretti Global, officially announced Hinchcliffe’s entry, signaling a significant crossover moment for the team and the seasoned Canadian racer. Reflecting on his journey leading up to his NASCAR debut, Hinchcliffe shared:
“I am super excited to run my first truck race at St. Pete. When they announced the trucks would be running there, I knew I had to try to make something happen because I just love this track and I have always wanted to try something in the NASCAR world. I have been in the Spire family for a long time, so it just made sense to run with them. I can’t thank Dan (Towriss), Jeff (Dickerson), Bill (Anthony) – really everyone at Spire – enough for making this come together.” – James Hinchcliffe, Driver/Analyst
With six IndyCar victories to his name, Hinchcliffe highlighted the nerves and anticipation surrounding the leap to trucks, especially given the street course’s reputation for minimal margin for error. The Canadian is set on facing the challenge with determination and a readiness for excitement in this Spire Motorsports NASCAR debut.
“It will be a baptism of fire. Having my first race in a truck being on a street course with no room for error, but these races always look like so much fun, so I am really looking forward to the opportunity. Plus, I love that it’s going to be shown on FOX Sports, with some of my INDYCAR colleagues joining the broadcast, so that should add an extra layer of fun to it,” he added. – James Hinchcliffe, Driver/Analyst
No stranger to the St. Petersburg circuit, Hinchcliffe has contested 11 IndyCar events on these streets. Notably, it was here in 2013 that he claimed his maiden IndyCar victory, endearing him to the course as both a competitor and fan favorite.
Balancing Roles as Racer and Broadcaster During Race Weekend
The upcoming weekend places Hinchcliffe in a unique ‘double duty’ position. With events taking place from February 27 through March 1, he won’t merely compete in the Spire Motorsports NASCAR debut, but will also contribute his expertise as part of the FOX Sports broadcast team for IndyCar’s Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. After the 80-lap Truck Series battle, which starts at noon ET on February 28, Hinchcliffe will transition into the commentator’s booth for IndyCar qualifying later that same day.
“Plus, I love that it’s (Truck race) going to be shown on FOX Sports, with some of my INDYCAR colleagues joining the broadcast, so that should add an extra layer of fun to it.” – James Hinchcliffe, Driver/Analyst
Although Hinchcliffe stepped back from full-time competition after 2021, his racing resume has continued to grow. He has competed selectively in IMSA, including a strong performance at the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona, where he finished sixth overall in the GTD Pro class for Pfaff Motorsports. These experiences enhance his reputation as a versatile and tenacious competitor on both sides of the motorsport spectrum.
The Broader Impact of the St. Pete Crossover Event
James Hinchcliffe’s crossover marks a pivotal moment for both NASCAR and IndyCar, as the racing world increasingly celebrates drivers who bridge disciplines. As he takes on the Spire Motorsports NASCAR debut at St. Petersburg, Hinchcliffe’s participation highlights a growing partnership between series, inviting greater attention from fans of both stock cars and open-wheel racing.
With the event broadcast on FOX Sports and prominent drivers like Dario Franchitti and James Hinchcliffe involved, St. Petersburg promises to be a standout weekend, potentially inspiring further collaboration—and additional cross-series debuts—in the future. Motorsports enthusiasts will be watching closely to see how this ambitious schedule plays out for Hinchcliffe and what it may mean for future NASCAR-IndyCar racing weekends.
