2026 NASCAR At COTA: Full Weekend Schedule And Start Time +TV Information

Sarah Talker
COTA; Mar 2, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Grandstands during setup for the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas.

The NASCAR Cup Series returns to a road course this weekend as the field heads to Austin, Texas, for its annual stop at Circuit of the Americas. After opening the season with two ovals, COTA offers a completely different test, with long braking zones, elevation changes, and a layout that rewards precision over raw aggression.

It’s a track that rarely produces predictable outcomes, and the 2026 field arrives with several major storylines already taking shape. Tyler Reddick enters the weekend with the strongest momentum of his career. He opened the season by winning the Daytona 500, then backed it up with a victory at Atlanta.

No driver has ever started a Cup season with three straight wins, and COTA gives Reddick a chance to make history. His road‑course résumé makes the possibility more than theoretical. Shane van Gisbergen remains the most consistent road racer in the series. He has won five straight road and street course events, a streak unmatched in the modern era.

The only track missing from that run is COTA. He returns with a clear target: complete the sweep. Standing in his way is Christopher Bell, last year’s COTA winner, who has been steady and competitive through the opening weeks despite the noise surrounding Joe Gibbs Racing off the track.

Weekend Schedule For NASCAR At Circuit Of The Americas

Friday, February 27

  • 5:00 PM ET — O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Practice (CW App)
  • 6:00 PM ET — O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Qualifying (CW App)

Saturday, February 28

  • 10:00 AM ET — Cup Series Practice (Prime Video)
  • 11:00 AM ET — Cup Series Qualifying (Prime Video)
  • 3:00 PM ET — O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race — 65 laps (The CW)

Sunday, March 1

  • 2:30 PM ET — NASCAR RaceDay Pre‑Race Show (FOX)
  • 3:49 PM ET — Cup Series Race — 95 laps (FOX)

How to Watch The Cup Race At COTA

  • Race Date: Sunday, March 1
  • TV Start Time: 2:30 PM ET
  • Green Flag: 3:49 PM ET
  • Race Distance: 95 laps
  • Stage Lengths: 20 / 25 / 50
  • TV: FOX (U.S.) / TSN (Canada)
  • Streaming: FOX ONE; in‑car cameras on HBO Max
  • Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Why This Weekend’s Format Matters

Saturday’s schedule carries more weight than usual because several Cup regulars are running the O’Reilly race. Trackhouse Racing has all three of its Cup drivers doubling up:

  • Shane van Gisbergen in the No. 9 for JR Motorsports
  • Connor Zilisch is in the No. 1 for JR Motorsports
  • Ross Chastain in the No. 32 for Jordan Anderson Racing

They’re joined by Jesse Love, the defending O’Reilly Series champion, who will run the No. 33 for Richard Childress Racing before making his Cup start on Sunday. The extra track time matters. Road‑course pace tends to translate directly from Saturday to Sunday.

COTA is a circuit where rhythm and braking consistency can separate contenders from the rest of the field. If van Gisbergen dominates the O’Reilly race, it will be a clear indicator of what the Cup field may face the next afternoon.

What’s At Stake This Weekend

This is not a filler event on the schedule. Several major storylines converge at COTA. The combination of championship implications, road‑course specialists, and early‑season momentum makes this one of the most meaningful stops on the calendar.

Tyler Reddick’s Chance At History

No driver has ever opened a Cup season with three straight wins. A victory here would shift the early championship conversation firmly in his direction and give him a points cushion that could matter months from now.

Van Gisbergen’s Unfinished Business

His road‑course streak is remarkable, but COTA is the one track he hasn’t conquered. A win would complete a run that already stands out in NASCAR’s modern era. Therefore, it will be interesting to see how he runs on Sunday.

Bell Is Defending His 2025 Victory

Joe Gibbs Racing has dealt with off‑track turbulence, including the Gabehart lawsuit and broader organizational questions. A strong weekend from Bell would reinforce that the No. 20 team remains focused and competitive.

Qualifying Importance

COTA is one of the few road courses where track position can dictate strategy from the opening laps. Saturday morning’s qualifying session will likely shape the race more than at most venues. The combination of championship implications, road‑course specialists, and early‑season momentum makes this one of the most meaningful stops on the calendar.

All Eyes On Sunday

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series arrives at COTA with a field already divided into early contenders and early questions. Reddick’s start has been historic. Van Gisbergen remains the most reliable road racer in the series. Bell returns as the defending winner with something to prove. Together, they set the stage for one of the most anticipated races of the opening stretch.

The green flag drops at 3:49 PM ET on Sunday, March 1, on FOX. Given the stakes and the storylines converging in Austin, this race has the potential to shape the early championship picture and to be remembered long after the season moves on.

Sarah is a motorsports journalist covering NASCAR, IMSA, Formula 1, and IndyCar, blending sharp analysis with accessible storytelling shaped by live reporting at the Daytona 500 and Würth 400. She brings an analytical foundation through a B.S. in Political Science and a Master’s in Project Management and Information Technology, and is an active member of the National Society of Leadership and Success through the CTU Chapter, reflecting her commitment to growth and leadership in the industry.