The Circuit of the Americas, located in Austin, Texas, will implement modifications to its layout for the NASCAR events of the 2025 season. The NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series races will take place on the "National Course", a shorter version of the circuit. This change, announced by Speedway Motorsports, aims to enhance the fan experience and renew the technical aspect for drivers.
National Course: Key Features
The new "National Course" is 2.3 miles long and retains the 20 corners of the traditional design. This layout reduces lap times by approximately one minute compared to the previous "Full Course," which measured 3.41 miles. According to simulations run on iRacing, the modification also increases the number of laps: the NASCAR Cup Series race will go from 68 to approximately 100 laps, offering attendees more action in a more compact area of the circuit.
Ross Chastain, winner of the 2022 EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, mentioned that the new layout brings considerable changes, comparable to racing on a different track. "The transition between corners will be different, especially in the back section, but overall it remains a circuit that offers great opportunities for drivers," said the driver of Trackhouse Racing's Chevrolet No. 1.
Technical Changes and Opportunities for Teams
In addition to the reduced track length, COTA was repaved after the 2024 NASCAR event, introducing a new surface for competitors. Teams and drivers will need to adjust their plans and make the most of simulator tests to adapt to the renewed asphalt behavior.
Marcus Smith, president and CEO of Speedway Motorsports, noted that these adjustments are designed to increase the dynamics of the races. By reducing lap times and increasing the number of laps, cars will spend more time in front of the audience in the main grandstands.
The fifth edition of the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, March 2, 2025, as the third race of the NASCAR Cup Series season. This event follows the Daytona 500 (February 16) and Atlanta Motor Speedway (February 23). Meanwhile, the NASCAR Xfinity Series will host the Focused Health 250 on Saturday, March 1, sharing the day with the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, sanctioned by IMSA.
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