USA Today via Reuters
Feb 21, 2021; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski (2) during the O’Reilly Auto Parts 253 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 21, 2021; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski (2) during the O’Reilly Auto Parts 253 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
For the first time, NASCAR will make landfall at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. In the buildup to the race weekend on May 23, a few drivers performed a few tests. Among them were Chase Elliott, Martin Truex Jr and Brad Keselowski, who drove a few laps around the 20-turn circuit.
Following the test, Keselowski and Truex Jr gave their observations about the track. Needless to say, both drivers predicted that there is scope for chaos and plenty of action on the track.
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Obviously, many drivers are stepping into the unknown with a brand new circuit, especially considering that all three NASCAR classes are expected to compete on the track.
Keselowski quipped, “Turn 1 is designed as though fans said, ‘How can I have the most calamity in that corner at the start,’”.
Meanwhile, Truex suspected that there is scope for five and/or six-wide runs into Turn 1. Considering that Turn 1 is a hairpin, there is a strong chance that things could get hairy.
What do Brad Keselowski and Martin Truex Jr expect from the race?
The COTA track is one of seven road course venues in the NASCAR Cup series. Suffice to say, Keselowski enjoyed himself on the track and a few sections of the track truly stood out for him and Truex Jr. The Penske driver indicated that one of his favorite areas was the Esses section.
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AVONDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 08: Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota, drives during the NASCAR Cup Series Season Finale 500 at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
According to him, it was really rhythmic, and it felt like he was doing a tango dance. Especially considering that the cars are hitting speeds of 185 mph on the backstretch. Beyond that, is a heavy braking zone followed by a hugely technical sequence of corners.
Meanwhile, Truex suggested that the track resembled a blend of the Sonoma Raceway and Watkins Glen International. He noted that there was a good mix of fast sections and slow sections.
There is also some older asphalt that tends to wear the tires out, just like Sonoma. On the other end of the scale, the high-speed straights and hard braking zone give it a Watkins Glen vibe.
Having said all this, Martin Truex Jr and Brad Keselowski are eager to go racing there. The verdict has largely been positive, so all they can do is sit back and wait for the race weekend to arrive.
READ MORE: Chase Elliott, Brad Keselowski, and Martin Truex Jr. to Run NASCAR Tire Test Ahead of COTA Debut
