NASCAR at COTA: Qualifying Insights and What to Expect
The NASCAR Cup Series has shifted gears from the high-speed ovals of Daytona and Atlanta to the challenging road course at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. This marks the first of four non-oval races on the 2026 schedule, presenting a unique test for drivers and teams.
COTA Course Configuration: A Slightly Shorter Challenge
For the second consecutive year, NASCAR will utilize the 17-turn, 2.4-mile layout at COTA, a change from the longer 20-turn, 3.41-mile course used from 2021 to 2024. This shorter configuration promises tighter racing and more overtaking opportunities.
Understanding the Road Course Qualifying Process
Qualifying for road courses follows a structured approach. Drivers are divided into two groups based on a qualifying metric, a system designed to ensure fairness and competitive balance. The drivers with the best metric scores qualify in the second group, benefiting from potentially advantageous track conditions later in the session. Each group gets 20 minutes of track time, and the combined results determine the full starting lineup.
DuraMAX Grand Prix Starting Lineup: First Group Results
Here’s a look at the top drivers after the first qualifying group at COTA:
- Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
- Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
- Ty Gibbs, No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
- William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
- Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
- Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
- Todd Gilliland, No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford
- Cole Custer, No. 41 Haas Factory Team Chevrolet
- Josh Berry, No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford
- Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
- Jesse Love, No. 33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
- Austin Cindric, No. 2 Team Penske Ford
- Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
- John Hunter Nemechek, No. 42 Legacy Motor Club Toyota
- Riley Herbst, No. 35 23XI Racing Toyota
- Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet
- Erik Jones, No. 43 Legacy Motor Club Toyota
- Cody Ware, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet
Watch the DuraMAX Grand Prix Live
Fox’s live coverage of the DuraMAX Grand Prix begins at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 1. Start a free trial of FuboTV to catch all the action.
Road Course Racing: A Different Breed of NASCAR
Road course racing demands a different skillset from drivers accustomed to oval tracks. It requires precise braking, smooth cornering, and the ability to navigate tight turns and elevation changes. Drivers must adapt their driving style and rely on finesse rather than brute force.
The Growing Popularity of Road Courses in NASCAR
The inclusion of more road courses on the NASCAR schedule reflects a growing demand for diverse racing formats. These events attract a wider audience and challenge drivers in new ways, adding excitement and unpredictability to the series.
FAQ
Q: What is the qualifying metric used for road course races?
A: The qualifying metric is a complex formula that takes into account various factors, including driver performance and vehicle speed, to determine the order in which drivers qualify.
Q: How many non-oval races are on the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule?
A: There are four non-oval races scheduled for the 2026 season.
Q: What time does the DuraMAX Grand Prix start?
A: Fox’s live coverage begins at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 1.
What are your predictions for the DuraMAX Grand Prix? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
