Yee-haw, Austin! NASCAR is officially back in town this weekend (February 27 – March 1) to take on the twists and turns of Circuit of The Americas (COTA).
Whether you’re heading to the track for some world-class BBQ and racing or watching from your couch, here is everything you need to know for the DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix weekend.
📅 Weekend Schedule & TV Times
NASCAR is utilizing the 2.4-mile National Course layout again this year, which means more laps and tighter action in the “Esses.”
Friday February 27
4:00 pm Craftsman Truck Series, TV/Streaming: FS2 Pole: Connor Mosack, Lineup
5:00 pm O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Streaming: CW App Pole: Connor Zilisch, Lineup
5:05 pm Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying, TV/Streaming: FS2
6:05 pm O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Qualifying, Streaming: CW App
Saturday February 28
10:00 am Cup Series Practice, Streaming: Amazon Prime; Radio: PRN, SiriusXM
11:10 am Cup Series Qualifying, Streaming: Amazon Prime; Radio: PRN, SiriusXM Pole: Tyler Reddick, Results
12:00 pm Craftsman Truck Series OnlyBulls Green Flag 150, TV/Streaming: Fox, Fox One Winner: Layne Riggs, Results
3:00 pm O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Focused Health 250, TV/Streaming: CW; Radio: PRN, SiriusXM Winner: Shane Van Gisbergen, Results
Sunday March 1
3:30 pm Cup Series Dura Max Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne, TV/Streaming: FOX, Fox One, HBO Max; Radio: PRN, SiriusXM
Note: The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is racing a historic street course event in St. Petersburg this weekend (Sat, 12:00 PM ET on FOX) as part of a split-weekend with IndyCar!
🏎️ Drivers to Watch
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Tyler Reddick: He is on an absolute tear. After winning the Daytona 500 and last week at Atlanta, Reddick is hunting for a third straight win to start the season. COTA is one of his best tracks, so the target is firmly on the #45.
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Shane van Gisbergen (SVG): The road-course ringer is back! SVG is pulling double duty, headlined by a start in the #9 for JR Motorsports in Saturday’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race.
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Connor Zilisch: Keep an eye on the young phenom in the #88 Trackhouse entry. He won the Xfinity race here last year and is a serious threat whenever right turns are involved.
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Jesse Love: The defending OAPS champ is making a Cup Series appearance this weekend in the #33 Richard Childress Racing Chevy.
🎸 Fan Zone & At-Track Fun
If you’re at the track, COTA is leaning into the “Keep Austin Weird” vibe:
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Pre-Race Concert: Catch The Spazmatics on the frontstretch Sunday at 12:45 PM.
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Sea Lion Show: Yes, you read that right. The Fan Zone features a sea lion show this year for some “splashy” family fun.
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First Responders: Sunday’s dignitaries include local Austin fire, police, and EMS heroes leading the field.
🏁 Quick Prediction
Can anyone stop Reddick? With Chase Elliott and Ross Chastain always strong at COTA, it’s going to be a battle of tire management and precision.
Would you like me to pull the full entry list for Sunday’s Cup race or help you find the best parking/camping info for the track?
