Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is one of the most well-known road courses in North America. The Grade 1 FIA-specification track is known for hosting Formula 1’s United States Grand Prix, as well as NASCAR’s Cup, and Xfinity Series races. That’s not all, the venue is also home to the Motorcycle Grand Prix of the Americas in MotoGP, as well as the FIA World Endurance Championship with the Lone Star Le Mans.

Known for its elevation changes, tight turns, and high-octane action, the track has firmly established itself as a crowd favorite ever since it was opened in 2012. Purpose-built for Formula 1, the venue has since undergone a significant overhaul ahead of the 2025 NASCAR EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix and the Focused Health 250.

Where is Circuit of the Americas located, and when did it become a part of the NASCAR schedule?

The Circuit of the Americas is located just outside Austin, Texas, at the very heart of the Lone Star State. The venue officially became a part of the NASCAR calendar in 2021, marking the start of a new era in the world of stock car racing when the sport transitioned to road course racing. Since then, COTA has become a regular fixture on the Cup and Xfinity Series calendar, entertaining fans with its high-octane motorsports action.

What was the original track configuration of COTA?

Designed by Hermann Tilke, the original track configuration of the Circuit of the Americas is a 3.426-mile road-course featuring 20 turns, which includes a steep hill section that is similar to the famous Eau Rouge from Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps, which is also a Formula 1 track. Promoter Tavo Hellmund as well as 1993 Motorcycle World Champion Kevin Schwantz, conceived the original layout.

Tilke, who was responsible for the overall design, has also helped create the famous Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, as well as the Istanbul Racing Circuit and the Bahrain International Circuit, amongst others. The original configuration tested drivers in different ways, as its high-speed straights and tight corners provide plenty of overtaking opportunities and possibilities of getting wrecked.

What is the new track configuration of COTA?

Circuit of the Americas has undergone a drastic overhaul ahead of the 2025 EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix. The track size has significantly reduced as part of the new configuration, going from 3.41-miles to a 2.3-mile, 20-turn National Course. As a result, the Cup Series race will have 27 more laps because of the change, ensuring that fans get plenty of action, drama, and controversy at the racetrack.

As part of the modifications, NASCAR will cut off the long straightaways exiting the esses and turn left, which is expected to slow the cars down but make the overall lap time faster. To add some spice to the track, Turn 6A would require drivers to move at almost a 90-degree angle, and it is already being called the ‘calamity corner’ since it could be a hotbed for wrecks.

Trending

1

Kevin Harvick’s Son Upset As He Announces 4-Word Exit From Dream Debut With Dale Jr.

2

“Rest in Peace”- Devastated Kurt Busch Left Mourning the Shocking Loss of Dear Friend

3

Fans Out for Austin Dillon’s Blood After He Throws a Wrench in Kyle Busch’s Dream Run at COTA

4

Former Joe Gibbs Driver Launches 5 Word Hateful Diss at Fellow Driver as New NASCAR Rivalry Heats Up

5

NASCAR Community Gives Up on FOX as Fans Expose “Horrible” Broadcasting Tactics in COTA

What is NASCAR’s schedule at COTA?

NASCAR has an action-packed schedule at COTA. Xfinity Series practice will begin on Friday, February 28th, at 5 pm ET. followed by qualifying an hour later. Meanwhile, Cup Series practice will begin at 11 am ET on Saturday, 1st March, followed by qualifying at 12:30 pm. The 2025 Focused Health 250 will begin at 2:30 pm ET, and the race will be broadcast on the CW channel. Meanwhile, the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, March 2nd, at 3:30 pm ET and will be broadcasted by FOX.