One of the most anticipated races of the 2021 NASCAR season is the addition of the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
Playing host to Formula One, NASCAR will join the worldwide racing sanction as a visitor in 2021 to the 3.41-mile circuit in May.
NASCAR at COTA finally has some identity as Speedway Motorsports confirmed entitlement partners for the spring race weekend, with EchoPark Automotive, Pit Boss Grills, and FEVO signing on for the historic event.
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Grand Prix? In Cup?
“The first-ever NASCAR at COTA race week is one of the most anticipated events on the revolutionary 2021 NASCAR schedule,” said Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith. “We are proud to announce new partnerships with EchoPark Automotive, Pit Boss® Grills and FEVO. These innovative, dynamic companies join us as entitlement partners to introduce NASCAR fans around the world to Circuit of The Americas. From fans to drivers to business partners, we’ve seen a surge of excitement around COTA since the race week was first announced last fall. EchoPark, Pit Boss® and FEVO are best-in-class brands that will help us create an experience like no other when stock car racing stampedes to Austin in May.”
The Cup race will be known as the “EchoPark Automotive Texas Grand Prix”, a departure from the NASCAR tradition of race entitlement featuring the distance of the event. The pre-owned vehicle retailer will also receive signature signage at the circuit, VIP dignitary roles, and premium hospitality to entertain select customers and business partners. EchoPark will also execute a national in-store campaign to promote NASCAR’s first trip to Austin, Texas.
“Bringing NASCAR to Circuit of The Americas is a ground-breaking move by Speedway Motorsports,” said Sonic Automotive and EchoPark Automotive President Jeff Dyke. “Like our high-speed growth and revolutionary approach to pre-owned vehicle sales through EchoPark, this race will be history-in-the-making and we are proud to put our name on it. Just like the committed fanbase of NASCAR racing, EchoPark is building a strong foundation of loyal guests across the United States, many of whom return for a second or third vehicle. The EchoPark Texas Grand Prix will put a national spotlight on EchoPark and the race. It will be a sports experience like no other, similar to the unparalleled guest experience at our retail stores and at EchoPark.com.”
Xfinity Series Gets Title Sponsor
As for the Xfinity Series, Pit Boss Grills will step up as the entitlement partner, naming the Xfinity debut at COTA the “Pit Boss Grills 250.” The subsidiary of Dansons Inc. will also feature suite-level hospitality for guests and promotional opportunities at all SM sports entertainment venues.
“Pit Boss® is blessed to partner with Speedway Motorsports and Circuit of The Americas for the Pit Boss 250 this May,” said Dansons President Jeff Thiessen. “Race fans love barbecue and wood pellet grilling. As the official grill of NASCAR and now Speedway Motorsports, we are proud to bring these audiences together. Not only is Austin one of the barbecue capitals of the world, but it is also a community where Pit Boss® already has a distinct and established relationship. Also, like Dansons, both NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports are proud family-owned businesses, making this partnership a natural fit.”
Additionally, Pit Boss Grills becomes the official grill of Speedway Motorsports.
“Speedway Motorsports owns and operates tracks in key markets for our company, including Georgia, North Carolina, Texas and Tennessee, as well as, in emerging regions for our brand in California and Nevada,” Thiessen added. “Our company is truly blessed to be aligned with a family-owned business of this caliber and we believe this partnership is a win-win for both parties. We cannot wait to see what 2021 has in store for our companies.”
FEVO Friday Kicks Everything Off
Kicking off the weekend will be FEVO Friday, a full day of on-track history as drivers in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series turn their first-ever laps in Austin, Texas at COTA. In addition, FEVO Friday will also feature two practice sessions for the IMSA-sanctioned Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America Series.
“FEVO is thrilled to welcome Speedway Motorsports to our community and we’re looking forward to bringing in countless groups of fans to attend events for years to come,” said Ari Daie, President and CEO for FEVO. “Not only has Speedway Motorsports proven to consistently set the standard when it comes to owning and operating sports entertainment venues, but their vision for the future of motorsports is admirable and we’re happy to be an integral part of it.”
Fans can purchase tickets online at NASCARatCOTA.com or by calling the ticket office at (833) 450-2864.
