AUSTIN, Texas (Feb. 19, 2026) – The DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne race weekend at Circuit of The Americas will provide fans with opportunities to give back to Austin-area children in need through several exciting experiences hosted by Speedway Children’s Charities, the official charity of Speedway Motorsports.

Here are several ways race fans at NASCAR at COTA and even those watching from home can make an impact on the lives of children in need in the Austin community.

Laps for Charity | Friday, Feb. 27 | 8-9 AM
Ever dreamed of driving your own vehicle around the 17-turn COTA National Course? Laps for Charity is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Experience the challenging turns and dramatic elevation changes of the world-class circuit while following the official Toyota GR Supra COTA pace car.

Spots are limited, so advanced registration is encouraged: https://www.speedwaycharities.org/events/cota/laps-for-charity-at-cota/

Ride of a Lifetime with Christopher Bell | Friday, Feb. 27 | 9-10 AM
Following Laps for Charity, race fans can experience the thrill of riding shotgun with NASCAR Cup Series driver Christopher Bell of Joe Gibbs Racing. This unique event provides fans with two hot laps on COTA’s National Course in the passenger seat of the official Toyota GR Supra COTA pace car with the 2025 NASCAR at COTA winner.

Spots are limited, so advanced registration is encouraged: https://www.speedwaycharities.org/events/cota/ride-of-a-lifetime/

Live Auction | Saturday, Feb. 28 | 11-11:30 a.m.
Looking to stake your claim on unique experiences and autographed memorabilia? The SCC-COTA Live Auction hosted by Michael Blair at the Cracker Barrel stage in the Fan Zone will provide fans an opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind experiences and exclusive NASCAR memorabilia.

Auction items include:

  • NASCAR Pit Road & Garage Pass
  • Cowboy hat autographed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and William Byron
  • Texas Motor Speedway Suite Life Package
  • Fender guitar autographed by legendary rock band O.A.R
  • And more!

More information: https://www.speedwaycharities.org/events/cota/cota-live-auction/

“Meet and Greet” with Cole Custer | Saturday, Feb. 28 | 12:15-1:15 PM
SCC-COTA will give fans an opportunity for a personal meet and greet with NASCAR Cup Series driver Cole Custer of the Haas Factory Team at the COTA tower. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to enjoy scenic views from the iconic COTA tower and snag a photo or autograph from the 2023 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion.

This event is first-come, first-serve and requires a COTA Tower pass.

Fan Assistance Golf Cart Rides | Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 28-March 1
SCC will accept donations for all rides on the Fan Assistance Shuttles and Golf Carts, which will operate beginning at 2 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. Saturday and 9:30 a.m. Sunday until one hour post-race.

More information: https://www.speedwaycharities.org/events/cota/fan-assistance-golf-carts/

Best View, Best Cause | Friday-Sunday, Feb. 27-March 1
Fans can visit the iconic COTA Tower throughout race weekend for $20, while children 3 and under receive free admission with an adult. Military members can purchase a discounted pass for $15. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to SCC-COTA, benefiting kids with critical needs in the Greater Austin area.

The three-day race weekend headliner will be the recently rebranded 95-lap Cup Series race, the DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne on Sunday, March 1, beginning at 2:30 p.m. CT (TV: FOX, Radio: PRN, SiriusXM).

The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will take center stage Saturday, Feb. 28, at 2 p.m. with the running of the 65-lap Focused Health 250 (TV: CW, Radio: PRN, SiriusXM). That day also features Cup Series practice (9 a.m.) and qualifying (10:10 a.m.), along with two timed, 45-minute VP Racing SportsCar Challenge races (11:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m.).

On-track action begins Friday, Feb. 27, with NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series practice (4 p.m.) and qualifying (5 p.m.) as well as practice (2 p.m.) and qualifying (6:30 p.m.) for the VP Racing Sports Car Challenge.

For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.