NASCAR Cup - Circuit of the Americas

The EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix brings NASCAR Cup Series racing to Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. This race showcases stock car competition on one of America's premier road courses. The Circuit of the Americas offers a challenging 2.3-mile National Course layout that tests driver skill and team strategy across 20 turns and significant elevation changes.

Race Overview

The NASCAR Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas covers approximately 100 laps on the National Course configuration. FOX provides television coverage, while PRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio deliver audio broadcasts. The event features stock cars navigating a technical road course originally built for Formula 1 competition.

Circuit of the Americas Track Details

Circuit of the Americas spans 2.3 miles and includes 20 turns in a counterclockwise direction. The track features a dramatic 133-foot elevation climb at Turn 1, creating unique challenges for NASCAR teams. Hermann Tilke designed the circuit with inspiration from famous European racing venues. Elements from Silverstone's Maggotts-Becketts-Chapel sequence and Hockenheim's arena bends appear in the layout.

Technical Specifications

The racing surface received a complete repaving before the 2025 season, providing fresh asphalt for competitors. Pit lane measures 42 feet wide and 1,160 feet long, with a speed limit of 35 mph. The circuit holds FIA Grade 1 certification and can accommodate 120,000 spectators. The main grandstand seats approximately 9,000 fans.

Unique Features

A 251-foot observation tower provides 360-degree views of the entire track. Visitors can access the tower via elevator or climb 419 stairs through a double helix staircase. The venue includes the Germania Insurance Amphitheater, which holds up to 14,000 people for concerts and special events. COTALand, a 30-acre theme park, is scheduled to open in 2026.

NASCAR at Circuit of the Americas

NASCAR Cup Series competition began at Circuit of the Americas in 2021. The series switched to the National Course layout in 2025, offering a different challenge than previous configurations. This road course requires different setups and driving techniques compared to oval tracks on the NASCAR schedule.

What Makes This Race Distinctive

Circuit of the Americas was the first purpose-built Formula 1 facility in the United States. The track's elevation changes and technical corners create overtaking opportunities throughout the lap. Right-side tires work harder than on typical NASCAR ovals due to the counterclockwise direction. Teams must balance mechanical grip with aerodynamic efficiency for the mix of high-speed and slow-speed corners.

Racing Action at COTA

The 2.3-mile National Course presents a compact but demanding test. Drivers face quick transitions between corners with minimal recovery time. The elevation change at Turn 1 affects braking points and cornering speeds. Strategy decisions about tire management and fuel consumption play crucial roles in race outcomes. Road course racing at Circuit of the Americas delivers close competition and frequent position changes.

The Venue

Circuit of the Americas opened in October 2012 and has hosted Formula 1, MotoGP, IMSA, and NASCAR events. The Austin, Texas location provides a modern racing facility with extensive amenities. Multiple viewing areas around the circuit offer different perspectives on the action. The venue combines world-class racing with entertainment options beyond the track.

This nascar-cup race at Circuit Of The Americas represents a key road course challenge in the season. Stock cars built primarily for ovals must adapt to a technical circuit with constant direction changes. The combination of venue quality, track layout, and NASCAR competition creates compelling racing for fans following the series.