NASCAR's elite descend on Austin for the thrilling Circuit of the Americas showdown, offering fans a comprehensive guide to the weekend's action.

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season continues to deliver electrifying moments, with Tyler Reddick currently holding a commanding lead in the championship standings. Reddick has achieved an impressive victory in the opening two races of the season, building on his triumph at the Daytona 500 with a hard-fought win at Atlanta Motor Speedway, even as his car sustained damage.

This weekend, the series shifts its focus to the challenging road course of the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. All eyes will be on Shane van Gisbergen, the formidable talent from New Zealand, who aims to extend his remarkable streak of dominance on road and street circuits. Van Gisbergen has secured victories in the last five such events on the NASCAR schedule, showcasing his exceptional adaptability and skill. However, COTA proved to be a hurdle in 2025, and Christopher Bell will be looking to replicate his success as the defending winner of the event.

Beyond the on-track competition, the NASCAR landscape is abuzz with significant legal developments. Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) finds itself embroiled in an escalating lawsuit with its former competition director, Chris Gabehart. Gabehart is actively contesting JGR’s claims, reportedly pushing back against allegations made by the prominent racing organization. In a separate legal matter, the Busch family, including Cup Series champion Kyle Busch and his wife Samantha, has reached a settlement with Pacific Life Insurance, bringing a conclusion to their dispute.

Adding to the season’s narrative, NASCAR has unveiled a radical new format for the 2026 All-Star Race, which is set to take place at Dover International Speedway for the first time in its history. The revised format is expected to introduce a new strategic element to the prestigious exhibition event.

Related News :

Team and driver news continues to shape the competitive field. Richard Childress Racing (RCR) has announced that Austin Hill will compete in a partial schedule in the Cup Series for the 2026 season, marking a significant step in his NASCAR career. Meanwhile, JR Motorsports has confirmed that Lee Pulliam will make his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut at Martinsville Speedway, signaling the emergence of new talent. In a notable development for the future of the sport, 13-year-old Keelan Harvick, son of 2014 Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick, has signed a driver development deal with Toyota, indicating a long-term investment in his racing potential.

For fans eager to follow the action at COTA, a detailed breakdown of the weekend schedule, broadcast information, and the full entry list is provided below.

NASCAR at COTA Weekend Schedule

Friday, February 27

5:00 PM EST: NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series practice – Broadcast on CW App
6:00 PM EST: NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series qualifying – Broadcast on CW App

Saturday, February 28

10:00 AM EST: NASCAR Cup Series practice – Broadcast on PRIME VIDEO
11:00 AM EST: NASCAR Cup Series qualifying – Broadcast on PRIME VIDEO
3:00 PM EST: NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race (65 laps) – Broadcast on The CW

Sunday, March 1

2:30 PM EST: NASCAR RaceDay pre-race show – Broadcast on FOX
3:49 PM EST: NASCAR Cup Series race green flag at COTA (95 laps) – Broadcast on FOX

How to Watch the NASCAR Cup Series at COTA

All practice and qualifying sessions for the NASCAR Cup Series at COTA will be streamed live on PRIME VIDEO. The main Cup Series race on Sunday will be broadcast on FOX, with pre-race coverage beginning at 2:30 PM EST on FOX. The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race on Saturday will be available on The CW.

Who is Racing at the Circuit of the Americas?

The entry list for the NASCAR Cup Series race at COTA features 36 chartered entries and one open entry, totaling 37 cars. Reigning NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion Jesse Love is set to pilot the #33 entry for Richard Childress Racing.

In the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race, all three Trackhouse Racing Cup Series drivers are scheduled to compete. Shane van Gisbergen will drive the #9 for JR Motorsports, while Connor Zilisch will pilot the #1 for the same team. Ross Chastain is slated to compete in the #32 for Jordan Anderson Racing. Along with Jesse Love, these drivers are the only competitors pulling double duty across both series this weekend at COTA.

NASCAR Cup Series Entry List for Circuit of the Americas:

(Note: The provided text does not contain the full entry list for the Cup race. A complete list would typically include driver, car number, team, and manufacturer.)

The weekend at COTA promises a compelling mix of established stars and emerging talents, all vying for crucial points and bragging rights on one of NASCAR’s most demanding road courses. The evolving legal landscape and team announcements further add layers of intrigue to the 2026 season.