NASCAR Xfinity Series Heads to Circuit of the Americas
A Thrilling Weekend Ahead at COTA
The NASCAR Xfinity Series is gearing up for an exciting weekend at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. The Focused Health 250, a 65-lap, 156-mile race, promises to be a thrilling event for fans and drivers alike. Tune in to CW, PRN, and SiriusXM Channel 90 at 2:30 p.m. (ET) to catch all the action.
Key Drivers to Watch
Carson Kvapil: Seeking Redemption at COTA
Carson Kvapil will make his debut at COTA in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this Saturday. With a strong performance on the previous layout of the Texas road course in the Trans Am 2 series, where he qualified on the pole and finished sixth, Kvapil is eager to replicate his success. Crew chief Andrew Overstreet, who led the No. 1 team to a top-10 finish in 2023, is confident in the team’s preparation.
Carson Kvapil Quote:
"We did not have the race we wanted last weekend, so this team is looking for redemption at COTA. I have run well there in the past with the TA2 series and I know this No. 1 Bass Pro Shops/Clarience Technologies team is working hard to unload a fast car this weekend. Hopefully we can apply what we have been working on and everything will fall into place to have us running up front when it counts."
Justin Allgaier: Road Course Master
Justin Allgaier returns to COTA for his fifth career start in the NXS. With two top-fives and a best finish of third in the inaugural event in 2021, Allgaier is a formidable competitor on road courses. His BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet, now sharing colors with REV1 Energy, is poised for another strong performance.
Justin Allgaier Quote:
"COTA has always been a fun road course to race on, but this weekend brings a whole new set of challenges with this reconfigured layout. We’ve always had strong Chevrolets on the road courses and I know that Jim (Pohlman, crew chief) will give me another strong BRANDT Professional Agriculture / REV 1 Energy Chevrolet when we hit the track for practice and qualifying on Friday."
Sammy Smith: Building Momentum
Sammy Smith will make his third start at COTA this weekend. With a best finish of fourth in 2023 and consistent top-10 performances, Smith is a driver to watch. His No. 8 Pilot Chevrolet, backed by JR Motorsports, is expected to be competitive on the 2.4-mile road course.
Sammy Smith Quote:
"I’m ready to get to COTA this weekend to continue the momentum from Atlanta and redeem ourselves from this race last year when we had a fast No. 8 Chevrolet but unfortunately got caught up in a late-race incident."
Ross Chastain: Double Duty at COTA
Ross Chastain makes his third career NXS start at COTA and his first for JR Motorsports. With a best finish of 17th in the 2022 NXS race and a Cup Series win at COTA in March 2022, Chastain is no stranger to success on this track. He will also compete in Sunday’s 95-lap Cup Series race.
Ross Chastain Quote:
"I’m excited to get to COTA with Acceptance Insurance on the car and for the other four Xfinity Series races we have coming up. Trackhouse Racing, Justin Marks, Acceptance Insurance and JR Motorsports have helped provide me with an opportunity to get more seat time in the Xfinity Series which I’m really looking forward to."
Connor Zilisch: Young Talent on the Rise
Connor Zilisch will compete at COTA for the first time in his NXS career. With a pole position and fourth-place finish in his first NASCAR national series start at COTA in March 2024, and a remarkable win at Watkins Glen International, Zilisch is a driver to watch. This weekend, he will also make his Cup Series debut with Trackhouse Racing.
Connor Zilisch Quote:
"I think we’re going to be one of the best cars on road courses all year long just because of my background and my confidence on these kinds of tracks. Going into this weekend at COTA I feel confident that we’re going to be able to run really well."
JR Motorsports: A Strong Contender at COTA
JR Motorsports has a proven track record at COTA, with four top-fives and eight top-10s in 18 starts. The organization’s average finish of 15.6 speaks to their consistency and competitiveness on the 2.4-mile road course.
JR Motorsports Team Updates
| Driver | Best Finish at COTA | Previous Starts at COTA |
|---|---|---|
| Carson Kvapil | N/A | 0 |
| Justin Allgaier | 3rd | 4 |
| Sammy Smith | 4th | 2 |
| Ross Chastain | 17th | 2 |
| Connor Zilisch | N/A | 0 |
Fan Engagement and Autograph Sessions
Fans won’t want to miss the autograph session with JR Motorsports drivers Carson Kvapil, Justin Allgaier, and Sammy Smith at the JR Motorsports / HMS-Byron/Bowman souvenir rig on Saturday, March 1, from 10:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. ET.
Did You Know?
COTA is known for its challenging layout, with a mix of high-speed straights and technical corners that test the skills of even the most experienced drivers.
Pro Tips for NASCAR Fans
- Watch for Overtakes: Road courses often see more overtakes than oval tracks, making for exciting racing.
- Keep an Eye on the Weather: Weather conditions can significantly impact performance on road courses.
- Follow the Leaders: Top drivers like Justin Allgaier and Ross Chastain have a knack for road courses and are always worth watching.
FAQ Section
Q: What time does the Focused Health 250 start?
A: The race starts at 2:30 p.m. (ET) and will be broadcast on CW, PRN, and SiriusXM Channel 90.
Q: Who are the key drivers to watch at COTA?
A: Key drivers include Carson Kvapil, Justin Allgaier, Sammy Smith, Ross Chastain, and Connor Zilisch.
Q: What is the track length for the Circuit of the Americas?
A: The track is a 2.4-mile road course.
Q: How many top-10 finishes has JR Motorsports had at COTA?
A: JR Motorsports has recorded eight top-10 finishes at COTA.
Join the Conversation
We want to hear from you! Share your predictions for the Focused Health 250 in the comments below. Who do you think will take the checkered flag at COTA?
