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NASCAR Cup Series Schedule

Sunday, March 1, 2026 2:30 PM
NASCAR Cup Series

Race fans will experience another unforgettable weekend of NASCAR in Austin, Texas in 2026. The action will culminate on Sunday when the NASCAR Cup Series takes on the 17 turns of the world-class Circuit of The Americas.

NASCAR at COTA uses flex pricing. Prices are subject to change at any time. 2026 event date, broadcast information & full weekend schedule to be announced at a later date.

Schedule

Thursday

Feb. 26, 2026
10 a.m. Campgrounds Open
1-5 p.m. NASCAR at COTA Media Credential Office Open (Lot R Off Kellam & Elroy Roads Across from COTA Main Entrance)

Friday

Feb. 27, 2026
7-9 a.m.  NASCAR Cup Series Haulers Enter
8-10 a.m. Laps for Charity to Benefit Speedway Children's Charities 
9-11 a.m. NASCAR O' Reilly Auto Parts Series Haulers Enter
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. NASCAR Credentials & NASCAR at COTA Media Credentials Office Open (Lot R Off Kellam & Elroy Roads Across from COTA Main Entrance)
1 p.m. Parking Lots Open
1-7 p.m. Ticket Office Open
2 p.m. – 30 Min. Post Track Activity Trams Running
2-7:05 p.m. Gate Open (Main Grandstand, Grand Plaza, Gate 1 & 3)
2-2:40 p.m. IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge Practice
4-4:50 p.m. NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Practice (Timed | 50 Minutes)
5:00-6 p.m. NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Qualifying 
6:30-6:45 p.m. IMSA Qualifying (Timed | GSX Entries: 15 Minutes)
6:50-7:05 p.m. IMSA Qualifying (Timed | P3 Entries: 15 Minutes)

Saturday

Feb 28, 2026
7 a.m. Parking Lots Open
7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. NASCAR Credentials & NASCAR at COTA Media Credentials Office Open (Lot R Off Kellam & Elroy Roads Across from COTA Main Entrance)
8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Ticket Office Open
8 a.m. – One Hour Post Race Trams Running
Fan Assistance Shuttles Running (Donations Benefit Speedway Children's Charities)
8:15 a.m. Gates Open (Main Grandstand, Grand Plaza & Gates 1 & 3)
Public Club & Private Lofts Open
9 a.m. IMSA Pre-Race Ceremonies
9:10-9:55 a.m. IMSA Race One (Timed: 45 Minutes)
11 a.m.-12 p.m. NASCAR Cup Series Practice One 
12:10-1 p.m. NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying 
1:25 p.m. NASCAR O' Reilly Parts Series Driver Introductions (Frontstretch)
2:00 p.m. Focused Health 250 NASCAR O' Reilly Auto Parts Series Race (Stages 20/40/65 Laps = 156 miles)
5:20-5:30 p.m. IMSA Pre-Race Ceremonies
5:30 p.m.- 6:15 p.m. IMSA Race Two (Timed: 45 Minutes)

Sunday

March 1, 2026
8 a.m. Parking Lots Open
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Ticket Office Open
9:30 a.m. – One Hour Post Race Trams Running
Fan Assistance Shuttles Running (Donations Benefit Speedway Children's Charities)
10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. NASCAR Credentials & NASCAR at COTA Media Credentials Office Open (Lot R Off Kellam & Elroy Roads Across from COTA Main Entrance)
10 a.m. Gates Open (Main Grandstand, Grand Plaza & Gates 1 & 3)
Public Club & Private Lofts Open
12- 2:15 p.m.  Track Pass Access
12:45-1:45 p.m. Pre-Race Concert: The Spazmatics
2:05 p.m. NASCAR Cup Series Driver Introductions (Frontstretch)
2:30 p.m. NASCAR Cup Series Race (Stages 20/45/95 Laps = 228 miles)