The first road course race of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season will be held at the DuraMAX Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas in Austin. The race marks an important early test for drivers who excel on road and street circuits. The green flag is scheduled to drop at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Shane van Gisbergen enters the weekend as the +115 favourite after dominating road courses last season. He won five of the six road or street races he competed in, proving his strength on tracks that require sharp braking, technical turns and precise handling. While he is considered the driver to beat, his short odds may not appeal to bettors looking for bigger returns or longshot value.
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— Jesse Vaughan (@VaughanJesse_27) March 1, 2026
According to projections from SportsLine’s model, several big-name drivers offer strong value at longer odds. One of the top picks is Kyle Larson, last season’s Cup Series champion. Larson won three races last year and six in 2024, including two on road courses. Although he struggled on similar tracks last season, his previous road course success suggests he can bounce back. With odds around 22-1 at some sportsbooks, analysts believe he presents solid value.
Another driver highlighted is Chase Elliott. The 2020 Cup Series champion has consistently performed well on road courses throughout his career. He won at COTA in his debut appearance in 2021 and has recorded multiple top-five finishes at the track. His experience and past results make him an attractive option at longer odds.
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Veteran driver Kyle Busch is also seen as a potential sleeper pick. Busch leads all active drivers with 63 Cup Series wins. While he has yet to win at COTA, he has consistently finished inside the top 10 there, including a runner-up finish in 2023. His strong average finish at the track suggests he could compete for victory if things fall his way.
With several proven road course specialists and former champions in the field, the 2026 DuraMAX Grand Prix promises intense competition. While Van Gisbergen remains the clear favourite. The presence of talented drivers at longer odds creates intriguing value opportunities heading into Sunday’s race in Austin.
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