After an absolutely electric Bristol race which saw tire fall off result in one of the more unique challenges in recent NASCAR memory, Denny Hamlin walked away with the win in last Sunday’s race. Now for the first time this season, NASCAR will make both left and right turns as the series takes on Circuit of the Americas. Last year saw a chaotic finish featuring multiple overtimes. Will the 2024 EchoPark Automotive GP see another incredible finish and keep the exciting start to this season going? Either way, I can’t wait for NASCAR to race in the Lone Star State.
2024 EchoPark Automotive GP Entry List
Wth CotA representing the first road course of the year, we’re getting our first dose of road course ringers this season. A.J. Allmendinger gets behind the wheel of the #13 for Kaulig Racing while Chicago Street Course winner Shane Van Gisbergen pilots the #16 Kaulig entry. For 23XI, endurance legend Kamui Kobayashi makes his second NASCAR start after competing at Indianapolis last year. Finally, though not explicitly a road course expert, Timmy Hill makes his first start of the Cup season in the #66 for Power Source.
Top🖐🏻 storylines to watch for the #EchoParkGP!
— NASCAR at COTA (@NASCARatCOTA) March 19, 2024
📰: https://t.co/ISJt87qNLy#YALLIN | #NASCARatCOTA pic.twitter.com/xyYtCp47hh
As mentioned above, Circuit of the Americas falls on the schedule as the first road course of the season. Instead of the typical oval, drivers make both left and right turns and will have to shift much more often. Between the increased responsibility of the driver and the length of the circuit, cars will likely spread out more than at any track thus far.
Additionally, that means restarts will possess added importance – especially late in the race. Don’t be shocked to see drivers fly into turn one four and even five wide. However, there will also likely be lulls in the action. Given Circuit of the Americas has produced some exciting races so far, I think we’ll have another come Sunday.
2024 EchoPark Automotive GP Race Odds and Predictions
Among the favorites are last year’s winner, Tyler Reddick (+380), and inaugural Circuit of the Americas race winner, Chase Elliott (+650). Shane Van Gisbergen lurks not too far behind at +1000. I also love Ross Chastain at +175 to finish top five as well as Michael McDowell +240 to finish as the top Ford (though if it drops below that number, I might look for value elsewhere).
However, for my official race winner – I’m going to ride with A.J. Allmendinger at +1300. Dinger constantly competes for wins on NASCAR road courses and feels like he’s due for one here at Circuit of the Americas.
Check out the schedule below so you don’t miss any on-track action from Austin this weekend!
Friday 03/22
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying – 3:00 p.m. CT on FS1
NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying – 5:00 p.m. CT on FS1
Saturday 03/23
NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying – 10:30 a.m. CT on FS1
XPEL 225 (NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series) – 12:30 p.m. CT on FS1
Focused Health 250 (NASCAR Xfinity Series) – 4:00 p.m. CT on FS1
Sunday 03/24
EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix (NASCAR Cup Series) – 2:30 p.m. CT on FOX
Stay locked into Apollo for more NASCAR and F1 Coverage throughout racing season! Follow @CoachJayArnold and @ApolloHOU on Twitter to stay up to date on the latest and check out our newly minted Instagram – Apollo NASCAR!
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