IndyCar Hall of Famer Dario Franchitti is making an unexpected comeback to NASCAR by joining TRICON Garage in the inaugural Craftsman Truck Series race at St. Petersburg on February 28, 2026. This marks his first NASCAR race since ending his stint with Chip Ganassi Racing’s Cup Series in 2009, signaling a remarkable return for the four-time IndyCar champion and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner.
Franchitti will drive the No. 1 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, backed by sponsorship from Dollar Tree. The deal is part of a collaboration involving TRICON Garage, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, bridging Franchitti’s open-wheel legacy with NASCAR’s expanding truck series.
How a Friendship Reignited Franchitti’s Racing Career
The chance to race in NASCAR emerged from the friendship between Franchitti and Jimmie Johnson after their joint success at the 2024 Goodwood Revival in England, where they won the Stirling Moss Trophy together. Their bond sparked conversations about competing again, this time on American soil.
“The thought of racing a NASCAR truck on a street circuit is really intriguing to me. The different surfaces, the fact that part of it is on an airport, then you go into the streets, the different bumps – all those things you got to try and master.”
Franchitti has stayed involved in racing since retiring, acting as an advisor and driver coach for Chip Ganassi Racing, which helped keep his skills sharp. Johnson moved quickly to secure the opportunity after Franchitti expressed interest in St. Petersburg.
“Dario and I had been talking for a long time about the chance to race together,”
Johnson said.
“When he approached me about St. Petersburg, I knew I had to get to work. I called him back a day later with an incredible opportunity.”
From IndyCar Champion to NASCAR Street Circuit Competitor
Franchitti brings a wealth of racing experience to his NASCAR return. He earned 31 victories throughout his IndyCar and CART career, including a notable 2011 win at St. Petersburg, making the venue especially meaningful for his comeback. Although he made 10 NASCAR Cup Series starts in 2008 with Chip Ganassi Racing, Franchitti ultimately returned to IndyCar before retiring full-time in 2013.
Since stepping away from active competition, Franchitti has remained visible in the racing community through historic events and broadcasts, while mentoring drivers behind the scenes. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is rapidly incorporating diverse locations, and the new St. Petersburg event adds a unique street course challenge.
The timing is fitting, as the Truck Series race serves as a prelude to the IndyCar season opener held on the same circuit. Franchitti recognizes the risks involved but embraces the challenge ahead with enthusiasm and good humor.
If it goes well, great,
Franchitti joked.
“If it doesn’t go well, I am going to be blaming Jimmie.”
Looking Ahead to the St. Petersburg NASCAR Truck Race
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is set for Saturday, February 28, 2026, beginning at 12 p.m. ET. Fans can follow the race live on FOX, SiriusXM, and the NASCAR Racing Network as Dario Franchitti transitions from open-wheel royalty to NASCAR contender. His surprising move shines a light on the evolving crossover between racing disciplines and highlights the continued growth of NASCAR’s street circuit events.
