01-03-2025
NASCAR at COTA Austin odds, predictions, how to watch EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix
NASCAR at COTA Austin odds, predictions, how to watch EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix
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Drivers debate what is the best NASCAR movie of all time
We get to the bottom of an age-old question at the USA TODAY 301 in New Hampshire -- what is the better NASCAR movie, Talladega Nights or Days of Thunder?
Connor Zilisch will be the youngest driver in more than 15 years in a NASCAR Cup Series race this weekend, and he's not looking to waste any time.
The 18-year-old will be one of the favorites and a notable pre-race storyline when he makes his Cup series debut Sunday at the 2025 EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas outside Austin, Texas. Zilisch won 15 races across seven different series in 2024, including the first Xfinity Series race he entered at the Mission 200 at Watkins Glen driving for Dale Earnhardt Jr. and JR Motorsports.
That success led to the current anticipation surrounding the arrival of the youngest NASCAR Cup Series rookie since Joey Logano in 2009. Zilisch, who will be driving the No. 87 Red Bull Chevrolet as a part-time entry, hopes to contend with the likes of Tyler Reddick and William Bryan immediately.
'I want to try and become the youngest Cup Series winner, and to do that, I have to race as soon as possible and get it in before I turn 19,' Zilisch told reporters, according to 'So, you know, I wanted to at least give myself a shot at that. So that was definitely part of my thinking. And honestly, I don't feel like there's anything that tells me that I'm not ready to race on a road course on Sunday.'
This year's NASCAR Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas is one of six road races drivers will compete in this season. It will be held on the shorter 2.3-mile "National" circuit this year instead of the 3.41-mile full layout that has been used since NASCAR began coming to COTA in 2021. The lap count goes from 68 to 85 as a result.
Here's what else to know as NASCAR returns to COTA for the 2025 EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, including odds, potential winners and how to watch the race:
EARLY PICKS: William Byron among 2025 NASCAR championship odds favorites after Daytona win
NASCAR at COTA odds: Favorites to win 2025 EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix
Shane van Gisbergen's Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet is co-favorites to win the 2025 EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix with 18-year-old Connor Zilisch, who's making his NASCAR Cup Series debut on Sunday.
Odds as of Friday, Feb. 28, courtesy BetMGM
Shane van Gisbergen (+525)
Connor Zilisch (+525)
Tyler Reddick (+750)
William Byron (+900)
Christopher Bell (+900)
Kyle Larson (+1000)
Chase Elliott (+1200)
Ross Chastain (+1400)
Ty Gibbs (+1600)
AJ Allmendinger (+1600)
Alex Bowman (+1800)
Chase Buescher (+2200)
NASCAR at COTA predictions: Who will win EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix?
Motorsports Wire: Shane van Gisbergen
"Van Gisbergen had a rough day at COTA in 2024, but he should be strong with more experience in the NextGen car. The Trackhouse Racing driver had a tough start to the 2025 season, but a road course should help turn the year around quickly."
Advanced stats favor Kyle Larson
Racing Insights' advanced statistical formula, which includes the current track, current track type, recent performance, team data and pit-crew data to arrive at a projected winner and full race results, has picked Kyle Larson of Hendrick Motorsports as its projected winner of the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix. "Listing all of Hendrick Motorsports is tempting given how much the organization excels on road courses," writes Alex Catavid. "But Larson has been the best out of the quartet in recent years; he won twice on road courses last year."
Fanduel Sportsbook: Ty Gibbs is good value pick
Jim Sannes writes, "Gibbs ‒ now in his age-22 season ‒ is still hunting for his first win, but he has been close a bunch on road courses. In 11 cracks as a full-time driver, he has six top-10s, four top-fives, and three podiums. One of those podiums came at this track last year (though in the other configuration). Gibbs combines raw talent with elite equipment and enough experience where he should break out soon."
Former NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick: William Byron
Harvick picked Byron, this year's Daytona 500 winner, to win again at COTA on Sunday during the "Kevin Harvick's Happy Hour" podcast earlier this week. "He just notoriously has the early season mojo to get into victory lane," Harvick said about Byron. "Has done well on the road courses."
Doc's Sports: Take Tyler Reddick
"In road races, there aren't many drivers that perform better than (Reddick). On road courses, Reddick has three wins, 15 Top 10 finishes and has led for 200 laps. He won this race two years ago and has won the pole this year."
How to watch NASCAR race at COTA: Time, TV channel, streaming for EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix
The 2025 EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix will be broadcast on FOX. Streaming options include Fubo, the Fox Sports app and Max.
Date: Sunday, March 2
Sunday, March 2 Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
3:30 p.m. ET Location: Circuit of the Americas (Del Valle, Texas)
Circuit of the Americas (Del Valle, Texas) TV : FOX
: FOX Stream: Fubo (free trial), Fox Sports app and Max
Watch the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix with Fubo
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