The NASCAR Cup Series returns to the Circuit of the Americas this weekend for the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix. Photo by Michael C. Johnson

By Mike Haag, Raceday San Antonio

AUSTIN, Texas – As the NASCAR Cup Series roars into Austin, Texas, for the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, fans and drivers alike are preparing for an exhilarating weekend of high-speed action. The Circuit of The Americas (COTA), known for its challenging turns and dramatic elevation changes, will serve as the battleground for the third race of the season. However, this year’s race introduces an exciting twist—the event will debut on the 2.4-mile, 17-turn National Course, a departure from the Full Course layout used in previous years.

A New Challenge Awaits

With the introduction of the National Course, drivers will have to quickly adapt to its unique demands. Unlike the 3.41-mile configuration, this shorter layout is expected to create tighter racing, increased braking zones, and more opportunities for passing. Saturday’s practice sessions will be the first chance for teams to dial in their setups, and qualifying later that day will determine who starts up front for Sunday’s main event.

Byron Eyes Back-to-Back Wins

William Byron, the defending race winner, comes into the weekend as one of the favorites. Last year, Byron dominated at COTA, securing the pole position and converting it into a race victory, holding off Christopher Bell in a thrilling finish. Having already won the Daytona 500 this season, Byron is riding a wave of momentum and will look to repeat his success on a new layout.

Road Course Specialists Ready to Shine

NASCAR’s road course specialists, including Chase Elliott, Tyler Reddick, and Ross Chastain, are expected to be in the mix. Elliott leads all active drivers in road course victories with seven, including a win at COTA in 2021. Meanwhile, Reddick, the 2023 race winner, has been a consistent threat at this track. Chastain, who claimed his first-ever Cup Series victory at COTA in 2022, boasts the best average finish (4.0) among all drivers at the track.

Ryan Blaney Leads the Standings

After two races, Ryan Blaney holds the points lead, thanks to his consistency with a top-five finish at Atlanta and a top-10 result at Daytona. The Team Penske driver will look to extend his lead and secure his first road course victory. His Penske teammates, Joey Logano and Austin Cindric, have also shown strong performances early this season, leading over 100 laps each through the first two races.

Rising Stars and Fresh Faces

One of the most intriguing storylines this weekend is the NASCAR Cup Series debut of Connor Zilisch. The 18-year-old Trackhouse Racing development driver will pilot the No. 78 Red Bull Chevrolet and attempt to make a splash in his first-ever Cup start. Zilisch, who won an Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen last year, has already demonstrated impressive road course skills.

Another driver to watch is Shane van Gisbergen, the Supercars legend who has prior experience on the National Course layout. Van Gisbergen has already proven his road racing prowess in NASCAR, and his previous Supercars success at COTA could give him an edge this weekend.

The Weekend Schedule

The action-packed weekend kicks off on Friday, with practice and qualifying sessions for the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) Focused Health 250 and IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge. Saturday features back-to-back NASCAR Cup Series practice sessions before qualifying at 11:30 a.m. CT, followed by the Xfinity Series race at 1:30 p.m. CT.

Sunday’s main event, the NASCAR Cup Series EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, will take place at 2:30 p.m. CT, with live coverage on FOX, PRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Manufacturer Battle: Chevrolet vs. Toyota

Chevrolet has dominated three of the four COTA races, with wins from Elliott (2021), Chastain (2022), and Byron (2024). Toyota broke through last season with Reddick’s victory. Can Ford join the winners’ club this year, or will Chevrolet and Toyota continue their road course dominance?

Texas Two-Step Promotion

For fans looking for even more NASCAR action, the Texas Two-Step promotion offers a 20% discount on tickets for those attending both the COTA race and the Texas Motor Speedway event in May. NASCAR’s return to Texas is bigger than ever, and this deal allows fans to enjoy both marquee races at a discount.

Race Strategy and Tire Management

With 95 laps totaling 228 miles, teams will need to manage fuel strategy, tire wear, and pit stops effectively. The stage breaks at laps 20 and 40 could play a crucial role in strategy, especially with fewer caution laps expected. Last year’s race featured just two cautions (both for stage breaks), making long green-flag runs likely.

Alex Bowman’s Consistency

Although he has yet to win at COTA, Alex Bowman has been remarkably consistent, finishing in the top 10 in all four races at the track. He, Chastain, and Reddick are the only three drivers to achieve this feat. If Bowman can maintain that level of performance, he could be in prime position to challenge for the win.

Can Christopher Bell Continue His Momentum?

Bell enters the weekend fresh off a victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where he snapped a 19-race winless streak for Joe Gibbs Racing. Bell finished second at COTA last year and has a strong road racing background, making him a legitimate contender.

Pit Road Precision

COTA’s pit lane presents an additional challenge for teams, as its long entrance and tight exit can lead to costly mistakes. A poorly executed stop could mean the difference between a win and a mid-pack finish. With green-flag pit cycles likely, expect teams to put extra emphasis on clean, efficient stops.

The Wild Card Factor

Road course races often produce unexpected results. Could a surprise winner emerge this weekend? Names like Michael McDowell, AJ Allmendinger, and Chase Briscoe come to mind—drivers known for their road racing expertise who could steal the show with the right strategy.

What to Expect on Race Day

With a mix of seasoned veterans, young up-and-comers, and road course specialists in the field, Sunday’s EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix is shaping up to be a thrilling event. The new track layout, evolving strategy, and fierce competition will keep fans on the edge of their seats as the Cup Series takes on COTA once again.

Will Byron go back-to-back? Can Blaney extend his points lead? Will we see an underdog take the checkered flag? Tune in this weekend to find out as NASCAR’s best take on one of the most technical and exciting road courses on the schedule!