The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) has quickly become a must-watch event on the NASCAR Cup Series calendar since its debut in 2021. This high-speed, technical road course in Austin, Texas, challenges drivers with its sharp turns and long straights, creating thrilling finishes year after year. With four different winners in four races, no driver has established total dominance, but a few names stand out when ranking the top performers.
Top 5 NASCAR Performers at COTA
- Chase Elliott (2021 winner): NASCAR’s modern-day road course king, Elliott won the first-ever Cup race at COTA in 2021. While rain shortened that event, Elliott’s performance in road-course races has always made him a contender whenever NASCAR heads to Austin.
- Ross Chastain (2022 winner): Chastain secured his first-ever Cup Series win at COTA in 2022, delivering a bold, aggressive performance that helped establish Trackhouse Racing as a serious competitor. His final-lap battle with A.J. Allmendinger and Alex Bowman remains one of the best finishes in recent memory.
- Tyler Reddick (2023 winner): Reddick showcased his road-course expertise in 2023, making precise moves and executing a perfect pit strategy to claim victory. His smooth driving style made him a dominant force that season, and he remains a favorite at COTA.
- William Byron (2024 winner): The most recent COTA winner, Byron controlled much of the 2024 race, proving his adaptability on road courses. His strategic driving and late-race pace gave him an edge over the competition.
- A.J. Allmendinger (multiple Xfinity wins): Though he hasn’t won a Cup Series race at COTA, Allmendinger has been nearly unstoppable in the Xfinity Series at this track, winning two races. He led the final lap in 2022, only to be defeated by Chastain at the checkered flag. His road-course skills make him a constant threat whenever he enters a race at COTA.
Who Are the Favorites for 2025?
As the 2025 race approaches, betting odds have taken an interesting turn. Shane van Gisbergen, known for his Supercars dominance, is the current favorite, despite having limited NASCAR experience. His ability to adapt to different types of cars makes him a serious contender.
Surprisingly, Connor Zilisch, a rookie making his Cup Series debut, has the second-best odds. With a strong sports car racing background, he has already caught the attention of fans and analysts.
READ MORE: Top 5 Favorites for NASCAR COTA Race — Contenders Include Chastain, Zilisch
Meanwhile, previous winners like Byron, Chastain, Reddick, and Elliott remain strong contenders. With no repeat winners at COTA yet, will 2025 be the year someone breaks the streak, or will a new face take the checkered flag again? The answer awaits at NASCAR’s biggest road-course battle of the year.