NASCAR Classics: Races to watch before COTA

Throughout the 2024 NASCAR season, Ken Martin, director of historical content for the sanctioning body, will offer his suggestions on which historical races fans should watch from the NASCAR Classics library in preparation for each race weekend. Martin has worked for NASCAR exclusively since 2008 but has been involved with the sport since 1982, overseeing various projects. He worked in the broadcast booth for hundreds of races, assisting the broadcast team with different tasks. This includes calculating the “points as they run” for the historic 1992 finale – the Hooters 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Here are Ken’s recaps and rewinds to watch before this weekend’s EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. 2021 EchoPark Texas Grand Prix Tyler Reddick captured the first pole of his NASCAR Cup Series career for the inaugural race at the Austin, Texas road course. When the green flag waved for the first time, chaos quickly ensued as rain began to fall on the track. All of the drivers came into the pits to change from their usual slick tires to treaded rain tires for more grip. Multiple drivers had trouble early on in the rainy conditions, including Kevin Harvick, Ryan Blaney, Christopher Bell and Bubba Wallace.

The rain started to pick up during the second stage, which triggered heavy visibility issues for the drivers. This set off an incident where Martin Truex Jr. collided with Michael McDowell, before Cole Custer's car slammed into the carnage and caught on fire.

Rain continued throughout the event, as Kyle Larson took the lead from Alex Bowman as the laps started to disappear. Chase Elliott took command before the red flag flew with 14 laps remaining, due to heavier rainfall.

The race was called official, and Elliott was awarded the victory. The triumph marked Chevrolet's 800th win in the Cup Series and was also Hendrick Motorsports' 268th victory, tying Petty Enterprises for the most wins by a team in NASCAR history. 2022 EchoPark Automotive Texas Grand Prix

The final three laps to the 2022 edition of the event saw a handful of drivers with a chance at the victory but it was Ross Chastain who emerged victorious.

Loris Hezemans stopped on the track, which resulted in a restart with three laps remaining.

When the green flag waved, it didn’t take long for chaos to take out a handful of contenders. Joey Logano, Kurt Busch and Kyle Larson made contact near the first corner, resulting in another yellow flag.

This set up a thrilling finish between Alex Bowman, Tyler Reddick, AJ Allmendinger and Chastain. Allmendinger moved Chastain around Turn 15, allowing Bowman to take the top spot. Chastain got revenge on Allmendinger’s move, as Allmendinger eventually spun around, relegating him to a 33rd-place finish.

Chastain held on for his career Cup Series win driving the No. 1 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing. 

[caption id="attachment_424883" align="alignnone" width="1300"]Logan Riely | Getty Images[/caption] 2023 EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix

Two former champions had early issues, as Brad Keselowski and Jimmie Johnson were both involved in an accident with Ty Dillon.

Pole-sitter William Byron captured the stage one victory.

Tyler Reddick slowly worked his way to the front of the field, as he won the second stage and looked like a strong contender.

A handful of late-race cautions set up three different overtime restarts but Reddick held on to capture his first victory driving the No. 45 Toyota for 23XI Racing.

The race also featured a handful of road-course ringers, highlighted by Kimi Räikkönen in the No. 91 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing, Jenson Button in the No. 15 Ford for Rick Ware Racing and Jordan Taylor, who was subbing for an injured Chase Elliott.

You can watch these three races and hundreds more by visiting NASCAR Classics.