The NASCAR Cup Series is set to bring the excitement of road course racing to Austin, Texas, with the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at the iconic Circuit of The Americas (COTA) on Sunday, March 2, 2025. This marks the third race of the 2025 NASCAR season, and fans are eagerly anticipating the action-packed event.
The Venue: Circuit of The Americas
COTA is a 2.356-mile road course renowned for its challenging layout, featuring 20 turns and over 130 feet of elevation changes. Each corner is inspired by sections of famous tracks worldwide, making it a unique and thrilling experience for drivers and spectators alike. The track has hosted a variety of prestigious motorsport events, including Formula 1 and MotoGP, and has become a staple in the NASCAR calendar since its debut in 2021.
Key Storylines
- Shane van Gisbergen’s Dominance: The Trackhouse Racing driver enters the race as the favorite, boasting +500 odds to win. Van Gisbergen’s road course expertise and previous success make him a top contender.
- Rising Star Connor Zilisch: Making his Cup Series debut, Zilisch has the second-highest odds at +550. All eyes will be on this young talent as he takes on seasoned competitors.
- Defending Champion William Byron: Byron, who won last year’s EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, is determined to defend his title. With +750 odds, he remains a strong contender.
- Chase Elliott’s Return: The inaugural COTA winner and Hendrick Motorsports driver, Chase Elliott, is looking to reclaim his dominance on road courses. He shares +1100 odds with Christopher Bell.
- Kyle Larson’s Road Course Redemption: Despite three road course wins in recent seasons, Larson is yet to secure a top-10 finish at COTA. With +900 odds, he aims to change that narrative.
Race Format and Schedule
The EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix will cover a total distance of 228 miles, requiring drivers to complete 95 laps around the challenging circuit. The green flag is set to drop at 3:30 PM ET, with live coverage available on FOX and radio broadcasts on PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Drivers to Watch
- Chris Buescher: Known for his consistency on road courses, Buescher has compiled an impressive record, including one win and 12 top-10 finishes in his last 15 outings.
- Michael McDowell: A road course specialist, McDowell has remained incident-free in the first two races of the season and could be a dark horse at COTA.
- Brad Keselowski: After a rough start to the season, Keselowski is eager to turn things around and secure a strong finish in Texas.
