The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series schedule looks quite a bit different compared with recent years — and that’s setting aside any COVID-19-related adjustments that have been (or will be) made.
Bristol Motor Speedway will host a dirt race, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway race is now on the site’s road course and Circuit of the Americas, a.k.a. COTA, in Austin is one of a handful of tracks added to next season’s lineup.
COTA’s first race is scheduled for May 23, and Friday, the track announced that NASCAR will compete on its 3.41-mile long course — a decision made from “working closely with NASCAR competition officials on select changes to the course and facility to maximize the spectacle and excitement.”
Here’s a look at the 20-turn course:
The 3.41-mile course is a go! #NASCARatCOTA pic.twitter.com/0mSOHmTuZC
— NASCAR at COTA (@NASCARatCOTA) December 11, 2020
In a statement Friday, Speedway Motorsports president and CEO Marcus Smith said:
“We took a hard look at both the 3.41-mile long course and the newly reconfigured 2.2-mile short course. There’s no doubt the long course will be the most entertaining for the fans. There are more sight lines and opportunities for hillside viewing, plus we’ll have additional options for trackside camping.
“Every NASCAR driver will be challenged by the same 20-turn, counterclockwise circuit designed for Formula One racers.”
The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season is schedule to begin with the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14.
