“Get ready to rev up your engines and strap yourselves in for a thrilling ride! This Sunday, the NASCAR Cup Series is taking its high-octane action to the iconic Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, for the first-ever Cup Series race on the 3.427-mile track. As the 36-car grid prepares to take the green flag, the anticipation is palpable. Who will claim the top spot on the podium? Will it be a seasoned veteran or a young gun looking to make a statement? The stakes are high, and the competition is fierce. Don’t miss a moment of the action as we break down the starting lineup, TV schedule, and everything you need to know for Sunday’s race. So, buckle up and let’s get ready to rumble!”
Racing Details
Starting Lineup
Tyler Reddick will lead the field to green in Sunday’s EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, securing the pole position after a strong qualifying run. Teammate Bubba Wallace will start alongside him, giving 23XI Racing a commanding front row lockup. Notable starting positions include Shane van Gisbergen starting sixth after topping both practice sessions and Connor Zilisch, making his Cup Series debut, starting 14th.
Track Information
The NASCAR Cup Series will tackle the challenging Circuit of the Americas (COTA), a 2.4-mile road course nestled in the heart of Austin, Texas. The track, known for its elevation changes, technical corners, and fast straightaways, will test the drivers’ skills and the teams’ setup prowess.
Length and Stages
Sunday’s race will consist of 95 laps, covering a total distance of 228 miles. The race will be split into three stages: 20 laps, 25 laps, and 50 laps respectively.
TV and Streaming Options
Broadcast Information
NASCAR fans can catch all the action live on FOX. The broadcast will feature expert commentary, in-depth analysis, and live pit lane coverage, providing viewers with an immersive experience.
Streaming Options
For those who prefer to stream the race, several options are available:
- MAX: MAX (formerly HBO Max) will offer exclusive in-car camera feeds, allowing viewers to experience the race from the driver’s perspective.
- FOX Sports App: The FOX Sports app will provide live streaming access to the race, along with additional features such as live chat and interactive graphics. Note that a subscription to the FOX Sports app is required.
- FUBO: FUBO TV, a live TV streaming service, will offer the race as part of its channel lineup. FUBO offers a free trial period for new subscribers.
- NASCAR.com and SiriusXM: For audio-only coverage, NASCAR.com and SiriusXM (Channel 90) will provide live commentary and race updates. A subscription to SiriusXM is required for audio access.
NASCAR Cup Series Schedule
Upcoming Races
The NASCAR Cup Series season is in full swing, with exciting races scheduled throughout the year. Here’s a glimpse at some of the upcoming races:
- March 9: Shriners Children’s 500, Phoenix Raceway
- March 16: Pennzoil 400, Las Vegas Motor Speedway
- March 23: Straight Talk Wireless 400, Homestead-Miami Speedway
- March 30: Cook Out 400, Martinsville Speedway
- April 6: Goodyear 400, Darlington Raceway
- April 13: Food City 500, Bristol Motor Speedway
- April 20: OPEN WEEKEND
- April 27: Jack Link’s 500, Talladega Superspeedway
- May 4: Wurth 400, Texas Motor Speedway
- May 11: AdventHealth 400, Kansas Speedway
- May 18: NASCAR All-Star Open, North Wilkesboro Speedway (Non-points)
- May 18: NASCAR All-Star Race, North Wilkesboro Speedway (Non-points)
- May 25: Coca-Cola 600, Charlotte Motor Speedway
Past Results
Recent races have seen victories from some of NASCAR’s top drivers, including:
- Chase Elliott
- Bubba Wallace
- Austin Cindric
- William Byron
Expert Picks and Predictions
COTA Race Predictions
Morningpicker’s experts have analyzed the track, driver performances, and team strategies to offer their predictions for Sunday’s EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix:
- Tyler Reddick: Morningpicker predicts Reddick to be a strong contender, leveraging his pole position and strong recent form.
- Shane van Gisbergen: Despite starting further back, van Gisbergen’s pace in practice and road course experience make him a threat for a podium finish.
- Bubba Wallace: Wallace’s starting position alongside Reddick gives him a prime opportunity to challenge for the lead early on.
NASCAR Cup Series at COTA Analysis
The EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix marks a significant moment in the NASCAR Cup Series season, being the first of six road course races. Analyzing the race’s implications:
- Road Course Prowess: Roads courses are a unique challenge, demanding precision, car control, and strategic racecraft. The performance here will shed light on which drivers and teams excel in these conditions.
- Championship Contention: Early-season road course victories can be crucial for championship aspirations. Drivers who perform well at COTA will gain valuable points and momentum heading into the remainder of the season.
- Team Strategies: Teams will need to perfect their setups and pit strategy to navigate the unique demands of COTA. Those who can make the right adjustments and capitalize on opportunities will be in a strong position to succeed.
Conclusion
As the NASCAR Cup Series rolls into the Texas hill country, the anticipation is palpable. The article has provided a comprehensive rundown of the starting lineup and TV schedule for Sunday’s highly-anticipated race at COTA. From the predictable top-tier drivers to the dark horses looking to make a statement, the grid is set for an action-packed afternoon of racing. With the likes of Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch, and Brad Keselowski vying for the top spot, the competition is sure to be fierce.
The significance of this race cannot be overstated. With the series heading into the final stretch of the season, every point counts, and a win here could be the decisive factor in determining the championship. Moreover, the unique layout of COTA presents a fresh challenge for drivers and teams, requiring adaptability and strategy. As the sport continues to evolve, events like this one will play a crucial role in shaping the future of NASCAR.
As the green flag drops on Sunday, one thing is certain – the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown. With the starting lineup and TV schedule locked in, fans are in for a thrilling ride. As the drivers take to the track, they’ll be fighting for more than just a win – they’ll be battling for the chance to etch their names in the record books. And as the checkered flag waves, one question will linger: will we see a new champion emerge, or will a familiar face claim the top spot? The answer will be revealed on Sunday, and we can’t wait to find out.