James Hinchcliffe, it’s time for you to start your engine again.
The former INDYCAR driver turned FOX Sports broadcaster is set to compete in the inaugural NASCAR Truck Series race at St. Petersburg on Feb. 28, marking his official NASCAR debut. Hinchcliffe will drive the No. 77 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports.
“I am super excited to run my first truck race at St. Pete,” Hinchcliffe said in a statement. “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], Invoice [Anthony] — actually everybody at Spire – sufficient for making this come collectively.”
Hinchcliffe, 39, gained six races in his 11-year INDYCAR profession earlier than stepping away on the finish of the 2021 season. He shifted right into a broadcasting function shortly after his retirement and joined FOX Sports activities to be part of its INDYCAR protection when it acquired its broadcasting rights in 2025.
“It will likely be a baptism of fireside,” Hinchcliffe added. “Having my first race in a truck being on a road course with no room for error, however these races at all times seem like a lot enjoyable, so I’m actually trying ahead to the chance. Plus, I really like that it’s going to be proven on FOX Sports activities, with a few of my INDYCAR colleagues becoming a member of the printed, so that ought to add an additional layer of enjoyable to it.”
Hinchcliffe not too long ago examined at Sebring Worldwide Raceway, doing so on the identical day as Dario Franchitti. When Hinchcliffe heads to Sebring, that’ll mark the primary shift of a double-duty weekend for him. He’ll proceed to be part of FOX Sports activities’ INDYCAR protection and is about to name the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg a day later because the 2026 INDYCAR season opens on Sunday, March 1.
“James had a tremendous open-wheel profession with wins and poles throughout all types of formulation, however I am not even positive he is ever watched a NASCAR race,” Spire Motorsports Co-Proprietor Jeff Dickerson joked in an announcement. “I do know it means a little bit extra to (Co-Proprietor) Dan [Towriss] and I, personally, to have the ability to do that with him and when he known as Dan and needed to offer it a go it appeared proper on model for all of us. This positively will not be the primary time we have been out on a ledge collectively. We’re all actually grateful to Delaware Life for coming alongside for the journey and giving us a weekend to recollect.”
