DuraMax Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne | Circuit of the Americas
Race Update: Sunday, March 1 - Green Flag @ 3:49 PM ET
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.
Teams are utilizing the same road-course radial that debuted at COTA last season. The 2026 purse has been finalized at $11,233,037.
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.
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.
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.
| Driver | Avg Finish | Starts | Top 10s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyler Reddick | 4.6 | 5 | 5 |
| Alex Bowman | 5.2 | 5 | 5 |
| Ross Chastain | 5.6 | 5 | 4 |
| William Byron | 6.2 | 5 | 3 |
| Chase Elliott | 6.3 | 4 | 3 |
*A total of 16 active road course winners are entered this weekend.
| Pos | Car | Driver | Metric | Organization | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 33 | Jesse Love | 58.700 | RCR | C4 Energy |
| 2 | 54 | Ty Gibbs | 35.800 | Joe Gibbs Racing | SAIA Freight |
| 3 | 21 | Josh Berry | 34.100 | Wood Brothers | DEX |
| 4 | 88 | Connor Zilisch # | 32.100 | Trackhouse | Red Bull |
| 5 | 47 | Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. | 31.800 | Hyak Motorsports | Ram Self Storage |
| 6 | 8 | Kyle Busch | 31.000 | RCR | Rebel Root Beer Whiskey |
| 7 | 3 | Austin Dillon | 30.500 | RCR | Breztri |
| 8 | 35 | Riley Herbst | 30.000 | 23XI Racing | Monster Energy |
| 9 | 5 | Kyle Larson | 28.700 | Hendrick | HendrickCars.com |
| 10 | 34 | Todd Gilliland | 28.000 | Front Row | Love's Travel Stops |
| 11 | 51 | Cody Ware | 27.300 | RWR | Parts Plus |
| 12 | 2 | Austin Cindric | 26.000 | Penske | Discount Tire |
| 13 | 48 | Alex Bowman | 25.700 | Hendrick | Ally |
| 14 | 43 | Erik Jones | 25.500 | Legacy M.C. | Dollar Tree |
| 15 | 41 | Cole Custer | 24.400 | Haas Factory | Haas/Bonanza |