James Hinchcliffe will join Spire Motorsports for his first-ever appearance in the NASCAR Truck Series this February, making his entrance on the renowned St. Petersburg street circuit. This Spire Motorsports NASCAR Truck debut marks a significant moment as Hinchcliffe brings his storied IndyCar background to the event on a course where he previously celebrated victory.
James Hinchcliffe Shifts from IndyCar to NASCAR Trucks in St. Petersburg
The St. Petersburg street race, which also hosts the IndyCar season opener, will now serve as the stage for Hinchcliffe’s transition into NASCAR. Located along the vibrant downtown waterfront, the circuit takes competitors past the harbor and airport, creating a unique road course challenge. Hinchcliffe, who first claimed an IndyCar win in St. Petersburg in 2013 after a late-race duel with Helio Castroneves, will tackle the familiar 1.8-mile, 14-turn layout this time in a NASCAR Truck.
Spire Motorsports has assigned Hinchcliffe to the No. 77 Chevrolet Silverado RST with support from sponsor Delaware Life. Hinchcliffe commented on his connection with Spire Motorsports, crediting the team for facilitating his entry into NASCAR’s truck ranks:
“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, CEO and President), Jeff (Dickerson, co-owner), Bill (Anthony, team president),” James Hinchcliffe said in a team release.
Big-Name Competitors and IndyCar Crossovers at St. Petersburg
The upcoming NASCAR Truck Series race in St. Petersburg is drawing attention not just for Hinchcliffe’s debut but also for its strong lineup of open-wheel talent. Dario Franchitti, a four-time IndyCar champion, will compete in the same event, joining TRICON Garage behind the wheel of the No. 1 Toyota, backed by Dollar Tree and Legacy Motor Club. Fans can watch this much-anticipated showdown live on FOX on February 28.
For Hinchcliffe, the excitement and challenge of adapting to a NASCAR Truck on a tight street circuit is clear:
“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,” James Hinchcliffe said.
After taking part in the race, Hinchcliffe will also lend his voice to the FOX Sports broadcast for the IndyCar race at St. Petersburg on March 1, working alongside fellow commentators Will Buxton and Townsend Bell. His dual role highlights his prominence in both the driver’s seat and the booth as the motorsports season opens.
Spire Motorsports Expands NASCAR Truck Program
Spire Motorsports is making significant moves this year to strengthen its presence in the NASCAR Truck Series. In addition to Hinchcliffe’s much-anticipated debut, the team has broadened its roster with NASCAR Cup Series veteran Kyle Busch scheduled for eight starts in the No. 7 truck. Carson Hocevar, who recently secured a long-term deal with Spire, will contest 13 races in the No. 77 truck, beginning at Daytona International Speedway. Under the leadership of team owner Jeff Dickerson, CEO Dan Towriss, and team president Bill Anthony, Spire Motorsports is emphasizing both competitive diversity and development opportunities for emerging and returning talent.
Anticipated Impact and Future Storylines
Hinchcliffe’s participation in the NASCAR Truck Series at St. Petersburg is more than a personal milestone—it signals the increasing crossover between premier motorsport disciplines and may attract greater fan interest to both NASCAR Trucks and IndyCar events. With other standout drivers like Dario Franchitti adding to the excitement, the St. Petersburg weekend is set to be a showcase of experience, adaptability, and enthusiasm. As Hinchcliffe and Spire Motorsports aim for strong results, the event could serve as a launching point for further collaborations between top racing teams and celebrated drivers across disciplines, enriching the racing calendar for the season ahead.
He's no stranger to St. Pete.@Hinchtown will pilot the Delaware Life No. 77 Chevrolet Silverado RST in @NASCAR_Trucks race at St. Pete.
📰: https://t.co/ZbKizJQWzC pic.twitter.com/mkoZy65SHs
— Spire Motorsports (@SpireMotorsport) February 12, 2026
