The NASCAR Truck Series lineup was determined by rulebook procedures in St. Petersburg, Florida, after rain interrupted practice on February 28, 2026. As a result, Connor Mosack will start from pole, with the full starting grid set for the series’ eagerly anticipated arrival in St. Petersburg.
Rain Forces NASCAR Rulebook to Decide Starting Grid
For the first time in St. Petersburg, NASCAR Truck Series competitors faced the track ready for practice, but inclement weather soon halted their preparations. Practice lasted just a few minutes before rain began to fall, causing NASCAR officials to announce that qualifying would not resume. Instead, per standard procedures in such situations, the NASCAR Truck Series lineup was established according to the series rulebook.
This adjustment means that drivers’ hopes for a qualifying push were set aside, putting emphasis on team performance metrics to establish starting positions for the race day. Connor Mosack earned the pole position after the lineup was ordered by these rulebook standards, an advantage as the trucks launch into their inaugural race on these streets.
Official Starting Order for St. Petersburg Race
The NASCAR Truck Series lineup for St. Petersburg on February 28, 2026, is as follows:
1. Connor Mosack
2. Gio Ruggiero
3. Jimmy Hinchcliffe
4. Ben Rhodes
5. Chandler Smith
6. Dario Franchitti
7. Wesley Slimp
8. Landen Lewis
9. Jake Garcia
10. Adam Andretti
11. Justin Haley
12. Daniel Dye
13. Tyler Ankrum
14. Andres Perez
15. Brenden Queen
16. Colin Braun
17. Stewart Friesen
18. Tyler Reif
19. Kaden Honeycutt
20. Kris Wright
21. Mini Tyrrell
22. Ty Majeski
23. Frankie Muniz
24. Jackson Lee
25. Grant Enfinger
26. Carter Fartuch
27. Nathan Nicholson
28. Layne Riggs
29. Tanner Gray
30. Cole Butcher
31. Christian Eckes
32. Derek White
33. Dawson Sutton
34. Daniel Hemric
35. Ben Maier
36. Timmy Hill
Fastest Practice Times Before the Weather
Despite the short practice session, drivers were able to post some lap times, offering a brief look at potential race pace. The top laps recorded included Kaden Honeycutt clocking the fastest time at 78.922 seconds, followed by Ben Maier at 79.740 seconds and Ben Rhodes at 79.772 seconds. Notably, James Hinchcliffe closely followed with a time of 79.828 seconds, and Ty Majeski was not far behind at 79.976 seconds. Others like Chandler Smith, Jake Garcia, and Tyler Ankrum also showed pace with competitive lap times in the low 80-second range.
These efforts came before the rain arrived, leaving many drivers and teams wondering what might have been if conditions had allowed for a full qualifying session. Names such as Daniel Hemric, Kris Wright, Andres Perez De Lara, Stewart Friesen, and Frankie Muniz all had to settle with the grid positions given rather than earned in time trials.
Expectations Set for Street Course Debut
The street course event in St. Petersburg marks a milestone for the NASCAR Truck Series. With rain setting the initial order, drivers like Connor Mosack, Gio Ruggiero, Jimmy Hinchcliffe, and Ben Rhodes will lead the field over a challenging new circuit. Established names such as Chandler Smith, Kaden Honeycutt, and Ben Rhodes are also positioned to compete up front, while newcomers and road course specialists look to make an impact further down the order.
With the lineup decided by the NASCAR Truck Series rulebook instead of outright speed, strategy, and adaptability will become even more critical as drivers vie for victory on a unique stage. The inaugural race in St. Petersburg promises high energy and passionate competition, as the drivers prepare to test their skills on a rain-influenced grid and an unfamiliar track layout.
