A Historic Return to Austin
NASCAR will once again light up the Texas sky in early March 2026, marking its seventh straight year of competition at the Circuit of The Americas. The three‑day weekend, running from March 5 through March 7, opens with the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race on the 5th, followed by the headline DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix on the 7th.
The action is already steeped in storylines. Tyler Reddick, driving for 23XI Racing, became the first driver to capture the opening three Cup Series victories of a season at COTA, a feat that underscores his early dominance. Meanwhile, Shane van Gisbergen of Trackhouse Racing added his name to the weekend’s lore by winning the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event earlier in the schedule.
The spectacle attracts a truly international crowd. Organizers say fans have traveled from 47 different U.S. states and at least ten foreign nations, turning the event into a de facto global gathering. It also represents the third race of the season and the first leg of the Texas leg of the tour, heightening anticipation for what many expect to be a pivotal stretch.
Mark Faber, NASCAR’s General Manager for the Circuit of The Americas, expressed enthusiasm about the continued growth of the event in Austin. “The energy here is electric,” he said, noting that the weekend’s popularity reflects both the track’s unique layout and the expanding reach of the sport.
Beyond the immediate weekend, the Circuit of The Americas’ National Course, which debuted in March 2025, continues to prove its versatility, hosting a 2.4‑mile, 17‑turn layout that challenges drivers and excites spectators. While the focus now is on Austin, Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth is slated to host NASCAR’s second stop in the state later in the year, promising more high‑octane competition across the Lone Star State.