Corey Heim, known for his impressive 12-win season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with TRICON Garage, is stepping away from full-time competition in 2026, leaving a vacancy behind the wheel of the No. 1 Toyota. This weekend, motorsport icon Dario Franchitti will take Heim’s place in the truck series event held on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. The change comes as Heim prepares for his next Cup Series appearance in mid-April at Kansas Speedway, having only made limited starts so far this season.
Franchitti’s Unanticipated Comeback to NASCAR
Dario Franchitti, a legendary figure in American open-wheel racing with four IndyCar championships and three Indianapolis 500 victories, is making an unexpected return to NASCAR. Scheduled to compete in the inaugural NASCAR Truck Series street race on the temporary 1.8-mile circuit in St. Petersburg, Franchitti’s last national NASCAR appearance was in 2008, nearly 18 years ago. His only prior Truck Series start occurred in 2007 at Martinsville Speedway with Cunningham Motorsports.
Since suffering a serious crash during the 2013 IndyCar doubleheader in Houston, Texas, Franchitti officially retired from motorsport. Now 52 years old, the Scottish driver is re-entering racing in a Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, marking a rare competitive outing after more than a decade away from NASCAR’s national events.
Event Details and Broadcast Information
The OnlyBulls Green Flag 150 kicks off Saturday, February 28, at noon Eastern Time on the streets of St. Petersburg. Fans can watch the first-ever NASCAR Truck Series race held on a street circuit live on Fox, showcasing a new chapter in the series’ evolution. This event represents both a milestone for NASCAR’s expansion into urban courses and a notable comeback for Franchitti in American motorsports.
Contextual Significance of Heim’s Absence and Franchitti’s Role
Heim’s absence this weekend highlights the transitional phase in his racing career, balancing sporadic Cup Series appearances with a hiatus from the Truck Series after an outstanding previous season. His replacement by Franchitti adds an element of intrigue given the driver’s legendary status and long hiatus from NASCAR competition. The race at St. Petersburg is a test not only for the drivers but also for NASCAR’s adaptability in exploring new race formats and venues, including street circuits that deviate from traditional ovals.
This opportunity might also signal Franchitti’s potential interest or willingness to participate more actively in NASCAR events, although no long-term commitments have been announced. Meanwhile, Heim will likely resume his Truck and Cup campaigns later this season as scheduled, maintaining his development trajectory with 23XI Racing and continuing his partnership with Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan’s organization.
