NASCAR's circling wagons are set to boldly roll into Austin, with drivers prepping for a gear-shifting challenge at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). This particular race stands out in the NASCAR series, as the 3.41-mile track demands a suite of technical skills with its combination of 20 bends—11 left and nine to the right—and a notable 130-foot elevation change. The upcoming event slated for March 22-24, pitches NASCAR drivers against one of the longest and most complex tracks of the season, as reported by KXAN.
Denny Hamlin, gearing up for this test of adaptability, expressed how the extended practice next week is pivotal for getting up to speed. "It’s a lot different for sure... It’s just gonna take a little little time, and certainly a lot different mindset from my standpoint,” Hamlin said. The sentiment of constantly reinventing one's approach was echoed by Brad Keselowski: "The thing that makes being a NASCAR driver so difficult is the tracks and the venues change week-to-week. What it takes to win in one week is not what it takes the next week. (It) requires a significant amount of versatility,” as per KXAN.
Gathering fans can also to expect enjoy COTA’s sprawling amenities, with options ranging from grandstand club seats to pitching tents for a weekend of racing. For those seeking the ultimate COTA experience, premium RV camping spots are up for grabs at $4,000 a pop. Meanwhile, NASCAR Cup Series Driver Todd Gilliland spoke with ABC4 about his anticipation for the race and revealed his early arrival plan due to a personal celebration—marking a sweet interlude in the rigorous NASCAR schedule.
Discussing the track's unique attributes, Gilliland acknowledged the strategy nuances: "There’s a lot more strategy options as far as when we pit... It’s a little bit different as far as all that stuff goes." Texas fans, notorious for their high-spirited nature, are expected to deliver energy in spades. "Texas fans in general are just a little bit crazy... they definitely always bring energy," Gilliland said, in a statement obtained by ABC4.
