NASCAR at COTA New Layout, Big Challenges, and the Drivers with the Biggest Advantage
When the NASCAR Cup Series arrives at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) this Sunday in Austin, Texas, fans can expect something completely different. This year, NASCAR has decided to shorten the track, moving away from the traditional 3.41-mile Full Course to the more compact 2.3-mile National layout. This adjustment will change not only the race length but also the strategies teams employ and the way drivers approach each turn.
The shorter track means more laps, more braking zones, and tighter racing, which could create an even more thrilling event for fans watching at home and at the track. The EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix will now span 95 laps instead of 68, while the Focused Health 250 will increase from 50 laps to 65. These changes will require drivers to adapt quickly, but some are better suited for this transition than others.
This shift is expected to shake up the competition, benefiting some of the sport’s most skilled road course racers. Who stands to gain the most from this reconfigured layout? That is what we will explore in detail.
How the Shorter Course Will Impact the Race
Switching to the National Course will have significant implications for racing strategy. With the increased number of laps, tire wear will play a more crucial role than ever. Drivers will have to carefully manage their equipment, ensuring they have enough grip in the closing laps to fight for position. Fuel strategy will also come into play, especially for teams looking to make up track position through alternative pit stop strategies.
Additionally, the altered track design will influence braking points and acceleration zones, making it essential for drivers to quickly find the fastest way around the circuit. While the Full Course featured longer straights, allowing for more opportunities to build speed, the National layout will demand precision and control through its tighter sections.
Given these changes, some drivers are positioned to excel more than others. Those with a strong road racing background and an ability to adapt on the fly will have the best shot at success.
Kyle Larson, The Road Course Master
Kyle Larson is widely regarded as one of the best road course drivers in NASCAR today. His ability to dominate various track configurations makes him a natural favorite to win at COTA. Since joining Hendrick Motorsports, Larson has claimed multiple victories at Sonoma, Watkins Glen, and the Charlotte Roval, proving his ability to master both high-speed and technical road courses.
The new COTA layout plays to Larson’s strengths. The faster sections of the National Course resemble Watkins Glen, while the tighter, more intricate turns share similarities with Sonoma and the Charlotte Roval. Having won on all of these types of circuits, Larson has demonstrated that he can quickly adapt to different road courses and find ways to be competitive.
His team has also been one of the strongest in setting up cars for road course racing, meaning he will have the equipment necessary to capitalize on his skill. As long as he stays out of trouble, he will be a serious contender for the checkered flag.
Connor Zilisch: The Rising Star with Road Racing Pedigree
Connor Zilisch may be making his Cup Series debut, but he is no stranger to road course success. The young driver has already built an impressive resume with wins in prestigious endurance races such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and the Rolex 24 at Daytona. His ability to handle long stints on challenging circuits proves that he has the mental and physical endurance necessary to succeed at the Cup Series level.
Zilisch already has experience at COTA, and that could be a major advantage. Last year, he won the pole position for the Truck Series race and managed a fourth-place finish, despite the highly competitive field. His experience running on this track, even with a slightly different layout, will provide him with confidence heading into the weekend.
Additionally, Zilisch will compete in the Xfinity Series race on Saturday, giving him extra time to learn the nuances of the new layout before stepping into the Cup Series car on Sunday. If he can quickly get comfortable with the handling of his car, he has the potential to deliver an impressive result.
Shane van Gisbergen: A Road Course Specialist Ready to Strike
Shane van Gisbergen is another driver who could thrive at COTA. The New Zealand-born racer has an extensive background in Supercars, a series that frequently competes on tight, technical road courses. His experience in these types of races gives him an edge when it comes to adapting to new track layouts and learning the fastest racing lines.
Van Gisbergen made an immediate impact in NASCAR when he won his Cup Series debut at the Chicago Street Course in 2023. That victory showcased his ability to quickly adapt to a new racing environment and make the most of every opportunity.
COTA’s new layout may be unfamiliar, but van Gisbergen has proven that he can handle challenges like this. If he can qualify well and stay near the front of the field, he has the potential to contend for the win.
Christopher Bell: The Underrated Road Course Threat
Christopher Bell may not always be mentioned among the top road course racers, but he should be. He finished second at COTA in 2024, losing only to William Byron in a highly competitive race. This year, he has an added advantage—his victory at Atlanta in February has already locked him into the playoffs. That means he can afford to take risks and use an aggressive strategy without worrying about securing points for playoff qualification.
Bell is also backed by a strong team at Joe Gibbs Racing, with crew chief Adam Stevens being one of the best strategists in the garage. Having the freedom to experiment with race strategy could give Bell the upper hand, especially in a race where pit stop timing and tire management will be key factors.
If Bell finds himself in a position to challenge for the lead in the final laps, he will have the confidence and aggression needed to go for the win.
Why This Year’s COTA Race Will Be a Must-Watch Event
With the new track configuration, increased lap count, and highly competitive field, this year’s EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and thrilling races of the season.
As the green flag drops, all eyes will be on how drivers handle the new challenges presented by COTA’s revised layout. Some will rise to the occasion, while others may struggle to adapt. One thing is for certain—this will be a race to remember.
