Race fans will experience another unforgettable weekend of NASCAR in Austin when the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and O'Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS) return to Circuit of The Americas (COTA) February 27 - March 1, 2026.
“We’re thrilled to host two of NASCAR’s premier series at the world-class Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas once again,” said NASCAR at COTA Executive Director Bryan Hammond. “We’re excited to put more laps of thrilling racing in front of the fans this year as the stars of the sport wheel their way through the challenge of the new course layout. Our team is diligently working hard to put together one heck of a fun weekend featuring a jam-packed Fan Zone full of family activities, live performances, driver appearances and much more.”
NASCAR at COTA
The sixth running of both the NASCAR Cup Series race and the Focused Health 250 NOAPS race will arrive with a distinctive new look and feel for both drivers and fans alike.
This year’s series will take place on the 17-turn, 2.4-mile National Course that debuted last year after previous seasons competed on the 20-turn, 3.41-mile Full Course. This break from previous years brings about exciting new changes for fans as drivers are challenged by a new course layout.
Race Schedule
The NCS event will be held on Sunday, March 1, and will be preceded by the Focused Health 250 on Saturday, February 28. However, the on-track action at Circuit of The Americas will begin on Friday, February 27 with practice and qualifying rounds.
The full track schedule has been announced already and can be found at nascaratcota.com.
Fan Experience
Enjoy the excitement beyond the track with special weekend experiences like live music, meet and greets with your favorite drivers and interactive displays and activities in the Fan Zone. Before Sunday’s big NCS race, don’t miss the performance by Austin’s own Spazmatics. Check the official NASCAR at COTA schedule for Fan Zone open and close times, music schedule, driver appearances and more.
Tickets, Parking and Accessibility
Tickets for children ages 12 and under are just $10 for the NCS race and free for the NOAPS Focused Health 250. For individual tickets, weekend packages and camping, fans can visit NASCARatCOTA.com.
General event parking is free during race weekend in Lots F, N & T. Premium parking can be purchased in advance online. For accessibility information, please contact NASCAR at COTA directly at Tickets@NASCARatCOTA.com or call (833) 778-9971
Keep track of all things NASCAR at COTA by following on Facebook, X and Instagram (@NASCARatCOTA). Keep up with all the latest information on the NASCAR at COTA website and mobile app.
Article and images courtesy NASCAR at COTA.
