The NASCAR COTA 2026 schedule includes a full weekend of racing action at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, from February 27 to March 1. This event features both the NASCAR Cup Series and the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series competing on one of the sport’s most demanding road courses, with practice, qualifying sessions, and races broadcast across multiple platforms.
Weekend Overview at the Circuit of The Americas for NASCAR Fans
The Circuit of The Americas, a 3.41-mile road course known for its challenging elevation changes and tight turns, hosts two of NASCAR’s national series this weekend: the Cup Series and the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Since joining the tradition of NASCAR events, COTA has become a highly anticipated stop for teams and drivers who must carefully navigate the technical layout.
The weekend kicks off on Friday with practice and qualifying sessions for the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, which will be available for streaming on the CW App. This initial session allows drivers to gain valuable experience and set their starting positions for the upcoming race on Saturday.
Detailed Schedule for Friday, February 27
- 5:00 p.m. ET — O’Reilly Auto Parts Series practice (available on CW App)
- 6:00 p.m. ET — O’Reilly Auto Parts Series qualifying session (CW App)
Saturday’s Events Include Practice, Qualifying, and O’Reilly Series Race
Saturday opens with practice and qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series, both broadcast on Prime Video. These sessions will determine Sunday’s starting lineup and provide teams with an opportunity to refine their car setups for the distinct challenges of the road course.
In the afternoon, coverage moves to The CW, which airs the O’Reilly Series pre-race show at 2:30 p.m. ET, followed by the race itself starting at 3:11 p.m. ET. The O’Reilly Series race will feature a 20-20-25 stage format, where teams must manage four tire sets carefully while balancing strategy, tire wear, and track position on the complex course.
- 10:00 a.m. ET — Cup Series practice (Prime Video)
- 11:00 a.m. ET — Cup Series qualifying (Prime Video)
- 3:11 p.m. ET — O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race starts (The CW)
Cup Series Race Day and Broadcast Details for Sunday, March 1
Sunday highlights the NASCAR Cup Series with coverage beginning on Fox at 2:30 p.m. ET featuring the RaceDay pre-race show. The main event’s green flag is scheduled for 3:49 p.m. ET. The Cup race will run with a 20-25-50 stage format and teams will have six tire sets available to balance performance and strategy.
Track position, pit stop management, and stage point accumulation will be key factors influencing race outcomes on this technical circuit.
- 2:30 p.m. ET — RaceDay pre-race program (Fox)
- 3:49 p.m. ET — NASCAR Cup Series race green flag (Fox)
Anticipated Weather Conditions for the Event
Forecasts predict favorable weather conditions throughout the weekend, with temperatures reaching the 80s and only a minimal chance of rain at around five percent. These stable conditions should allow teams to execute their plans effectively during practice, qualifying, and races.
COTA
ETToday
5-CW App-OReilly p&qSat
10-Prime-Cup p&q
2:30-CW-Prerace
3:11-CW-OReilly 20-20-25, 4 setsSun-FOX
2:30-RaceDay
3:49-Cup 20-25-50, 6 setsNWS: 80s, 5% rain all weekend
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 27, 2026
