NASCAR Drivers Back the Decision to Shorten the COTA Track

For the 2025 NASCAR season, officials already trimmed the original 3.41-mile Circuit of the

Americas (COTA) layout down to a 2.3-mile configuration. This change cut lap distance by about 30% and increased the number of laps to 82 for the NASCAR Cup Series race.

This year, NASCAR has introduced further refinements to the layout, especially around Turn 6, with the aim of improving both competition and the fan experience.

The track changes focus on drawing more action toward the grandstands and reducing severe braking zones. NASCAR has also added AI-assisted track-limit monitoring at Turn 6. Cameras powered by artificial intelligence will flag cars that go beyond the white lines, a response to complaints last season about drivers cutting that section of the course.

These tweaks are designed to keep the competition tighter, give fans more to see from the

stands, and help drivers by easing brake wear over the race distance.

Chris Buescher shared his thoughts ahead of the third event of the season at COTA, saying the shorter layout has improved the overall spectacle. While the trimmed course reduced some intense braking zones, it brought more cars within view of fans and made for a more rhythm-based challenge for drivers.

“Everything happening in Turn 1 made that corner even more of a focal point, but the

adjustments have still brought us closer to the fans,” Buescher said, noting that there are still

solid passing opportunities and that the shorter layout is easier on brakes.

Road-course specialist Shane van Gisbergen also applauded the move, highlighting that the Turn 6 bypass pushes more action toward Turn 1; a spot that can become chaotic but exciting with multiple racing lines.

At the same time, Erik Jones from Legacy Motor Club sees the COTA weekend as a test of his team’s road-course capabilities. With the Next Gen cars continuing to evolve, Jones believes the shorter course suits how NASCAR now races and provides a meaningful benchmark for

development.