The NASCAR national series prepares for a busy race weekend with an event at Circuit of the Americas in Austin. Entry lists released this week confirm strong participation across the Cup Series, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and Craftsman Truck Series. The documents outline the number of cars and several notable drivers scheduled to compete.
NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass shared the official entry totals and highlighted key names from NASCAR’s released lists. The figures show full fields at COTA and a solid turnout for the Truck Series’ first visit to the St. Petersburg street circuit.
With some series listing more entries than starting spots, qualifying will play a key role in shaping the final grids and determining which teams advance to race day.
NASCAR Cup Series Entries
The NASCAR Cup Series will race at Circuit of The Americas with 37 entries. Bob Pockrass reported that Jesse Love’s No. 33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet is the only open car in the field.
37 Cup entries for COTA. 33-Love is the only open car. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/4ax860OIFa
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 23, 2026
The rest of the field includes full-time Cup competitors set to tackle the 3.41-mile road course. The COTA layout features 20 turns, elevation changes, and heavy braking zones, which typically shift the race toward handling, tire wear, and pit-road strategy.
The race continues NASCAR’s early-season stretch of varied track types following the opening superspeedway rounds. Practice and qualifying sessions will determine the starting lineup before the green flag in Austin.
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Entries
The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series entry list shows 40 cars entered for 38 starting positions at Circuit of The Americas. Bob Pockrass shared the total, and several drivers on the official list were included.
The field includes Connor Zilisch, Shane van Gisbergen, Ross Chastain, Baltazar Leguizamon, Sage Karam, Tyler Gonzalez, Preston Pardus, Brent Crews, and Alex Labbe. Because more cars are entered than the grid can accommodate, at least two teams will miss the race unless changes are made before qualifying.
Drivers in this series will compete on the same 3.41-mile road course used by the Cup Series. The circuit emphasizes braking control, corner exits, and track position, which often makes qualifying speed and pit strategy especially important.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Entries
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will stage its inaugural race on the St. Petersburg street circuit with 36 entries. Bob Pockrass reported the number along with several notable drivers listed on the official document.
36 entries for trucks at St. Pete. 1-Franchitti 2-Fartuch 4-Maier 5-Andretti 7-Mosack(says TBA) 22-JacksonLee 25-Braun 45-Lewis 76-Nicholson 77-Hinchcliffe(says TBA) pic.twitter.com/hGlUpxuhUB
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 23, 2026
The entry list includes Dario Franchitti, Marco Andretti, Colin Braun, Grant Enfinger, Jackson Lee, and James Hinchcliffe, among others, scheduled to compete. The event will take place on a temporary 1.8-mile street course that differs from traditional oval tracks.
Street circuits typically feature narrow racing lanes, tight turns, and limited runoff areas. Those conditions can increase the importance of starting position and clean restarts during the race.
NASCAR Confirms Entry Lists for Cup, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and Craftsman Truck Series Events