The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series heads to Austin, Texas, for the DuraMAX Grand Prix, the season‘s third race, scheduled for Sunday, March 1, at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). This event follows the Autotrader 400 and features the primary focus keyword, NASCAR DuraMAX Grand Prix 2026.
Details and Race Schedule for the DuraMAX Grand Prix
The race will begin at 3:30 pm Eastern Time and cover 95 laps across a 2.40-mile road course, totaling 228 miles. This marks the sixth running of a Cup Series race at COTA, with coverage available live on FOX and FOX One. The event promises exciting road course action for NASCAR fans in Austin and beyond.
Drivers Competing in the 2026 DuraMAX Grand Prix
A total of 37 drivers will compete, including one open entry. Jesse Love is the only driver piloting an open car this weekend with Richard Childress Racing‘s No. 33 team. The field consists of several notable competitors, including established winners at COTA such as Chase Elliott, Ross Chastain, Tyler Reddick, William Byron, and Christopher Bell.
Christopher Bell, a member of Joe Gibbs Racing, won this race in its previous iteration, then known as the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix. Bellâs winning time was three hours, seven minutes, and 20 seconds. He aims to defend his title against a competitive roster of drivers.
Significance of the Race and Upcoming Coverage
The DuraMAX Grand Prix represents an important moment early in the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, giving drivers a crucial opportunity to gain momentum. Its status as a road course event creates a unique challenge compared to oval tracks, impacting team strategies and driver performance. Fans can follow the entire NASCAR Cup Series weekend at Circuit of the Americas from February 27 through March 1, with live broadcasts on FOX networks.
“The competition at Austin always brings out the best in the drivers, and this yearâs field looks extremely strong.” ?Ross Chastain, NASCAR Driver
“Winning at COTA is special because it’s one of the toughest road courses we race on, so I’m focused on bringing the best from my team and myself.” ?Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing Driver
37 Cup entries for COTA. 33-Love is the only open car. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/4ax860OIFa
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 23, 2026
