NASCAR Cup Series Intelligence v3.1 Cumulative

DuraMax Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne | Circuit of the Americas

Race Update: Sunday, March 1 - Green Flag @ 3:49 PM ET

Tech Section & Saturday Progress

Package Implementation (750 HP)

Track activity confirms the 750 hp baseline (up from 670 hp) is creating high-torque exits and increased sliding through COTA's technical "Esses" (Turns 3-6). The aero package utilizes a 3-inch spoiler and reduced downforce diffuser strakes. A-post flaps are mandated for stability at peak speeds.

Goodyear Engineering (D-5242)

Teams are utilizing the same road-course radial that debuted at COTA last season. The 2026 purse has been finalized at $11,233,037.

  • Circumference: 2,279 mm (89.7 in.).
  • Inflation: LF: 20 psi | RF: 22 psi | LR: 17 psi | RR: 17 psi.
  • Allotment: 7 Dry Sets (5 race / 1 qual / 1 practice) | 6 Wet Sets.

Rule Enforcement: Tracking Limits

NASCAR officials are utilizing more staff and tire packs in Turns 6 and 19 to strictly enforce track limits. Violations result in lap time disqualification in qualifying and potentially pass-through penalties in the race.

Driver & Team Intelligence

RFK Racing Update: Brad Keselowski (#6) is recovering from a broken leg. While he took laps in practice, road specialist Joey Hand remains on standby for the first caution swap.

#88 Trackhouse: Rookie Connor Zilisch is doubling up after winning the Xfinity pole yesterday. He is widely considered the "biggest threat" to SVG (#97) in this 37-car field.

Key Sponsorships: Carson Hocevar (#77) is running the Chili's "Ride the 'Dente" Chevy; Ty Dillon (#10) features Patriot Mobile.

Statistical Advance: Texas Grand Prix Analysis

Historical Trends (2021-2025)

Christopher Bell is the defending winner, having won from the 19th starting position last season—the deepest in track history. Tyler Reddick holds the 2.4-mile track record (88.095 mph) set in 2025.

Average Finishing Leaders at COTA

DriverAvg FinishStartsTop 10s
Tyler Reddick4.655
Alex Bowman5.255
Ross Chastain5.654
William Byron6.253
Chase Elliott6.343

Road Course Kings (Active Wins)

  • Chase Elliott: 7 wins (5 different tracks).
  • Shane van Gisbergen: 6 wins (First to win at 5 road courses in one season - 2025).
  • Kyle Larson: 6 wins (Sonoma, Watkins Glen, Roval).
  • Tyler Reddick: 3 wins (COTA, Indy, Road America).

*A total of 16 active road course winners are entered this weekend.

Cup Series Qualifying Order Metric (Top 15)

PosCarDriverMetricOrganizationSponsor
133Jesse Love58.700RCRC4 Energy
254Ty Gibbs35.800Joe Gibbs RacingSAIA Freight
321Josh Berry34.100Wood BrothersDEX
488Connor Zilisch #32.100TrackhouseRed Bull
547Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.31.800Hyak MotorsportsRam Self Storage
68Kyle Busch31.000RCRRebel Root Beer Whiskey
73Austin Dillon30.500RCRBreztri
835Riley Herbst30.00023XI RacingMonster Energy
95Kyle Larson28.700HendrickHendrickCars.com
1034Todd Gilliland28.000Front RowLove's Travel Stops
1151Cody Ware27.300RWRParts Plus
122Austin Cindric26.000PenskeDiscount Tire
1348Alex Bowman25.700HendrickAlly
1443Erik Jones25.500Legacy M.C.Dollar Tree
1541Cole Custer24.400Haas FactoryHaas/Bonanza