9 NASCAR drivers break down the challenges of first race at Circuit of the Americas

For the first time ever, NASCAR is racing at Circuit of The Americas, or COTA, this weekend, and drivers only know so much about what to expect.

The Austin road course famously hosts Formula 1 annually, but it’s now one of seven road courses on the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series schedule in an effort to shake things up a bit. The Cup Series’ EchoPark Automotive Texas Grand Prix on Sunday is scheduled for 68 laps around the 3.41-mile, 20-turn long course, which includes a 133-foot climb into a wild, hairpin-style Turn 1.

“Turn 1 is designed as though a fan said, ‘How can I have the most calamity in that corner on the start?’” Brad Keselowski said after his COTA tire test in March.

(Circuit of The Americas)

And even though drivers will have practice and qualifying sessions this weekend — and some are racing in the second-tier Xfinity Series race Saturday — most of them will be racing with little-to-no experience on the track.

The EchoPark Automotive Texas Grand Prix is Sunday at 2:30 p.m. ET on FS1, and here’s what nine drivers had to say about the challenges of NASCAR’s first race at COTA, including that likely chaotic Turn 1.

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