Front Row Motorsports heads to Austin, Texas, with high expectations for the Circuit of the Americas NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, March 1, 2026. The team, competing in the NASCAR Cup Series, brings momentum and strong driver lineups, aiming to make their mark at this challenging road course event and strengthen their positions in the Front Row Motorsports NASCAR Cup Series standings.
Setting the Stage: COTA Beckons for Front Row Motorsports
The Circuit of the Americas Grand Prix will serve as the fourth race in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule. With a 2.4-mile, 95-lap test starting at 3:30 PM ET and broadcast on FOX, PRN, and SiriusXM channel 90, this race has become a significant highlight for competitors and fans alike. Heading into Austin, drivers Zane Smith, Noah Gragson, and Todd Gilliland represent Front Row Motorsports, each bringing their own achievements and hopes for a marquee finish in Texas.
Currently, Zane Smith sits in fifth place in points, Noah Gragson holds twelfth, and Todd Gilliland is thirty-fifth. The team eyes a collective jump in the standings and a breakout performance on a technical, fast circuit that rewards precision and resilience.
Noah Gragson Targets Improvement and Momentum
Noah Gragson returns to COTA with the No. 4 Ford entry, determined to outperform his eighth-place finish from 2025. This event bears additional meaning, as it is a home race for primary partner Rush Truck Centers, whose headquarters in New Braunfels is only a short drive from the circuit. Rush Truck Centers is recognized for supporting commercial vehicle customers across more than 150 dealerships in North America, and its iconic Peterbilt Model 579 tractors haul Front Row Motorsports Ford Mustang Dark Horse race cars to events.
Gragson is eager to capitalize on early-season momentum after strong performances at Daytona and Atlanta, hoping to provide an especially memorable showing for the Rush Truck Centers team and local fans.
“Circuit of the Americas is a track we have circled on our calendar every year,”
said Gragson.
“Austin is fun city and we get to race in the backyard of everyone at Rush Truck Centers, with their colors on the car. I felt like we surprised a lot of people last year with our 8th place finish, but we had a great car and played the strategy right to walk out with a solid top-10. With the momentum coming out of Daytona and Atlanta, we’re hoping we can keep that going and put on another good performance in front of Rusty and everyone at Rush.”
– Noah Gragson, Driver
The No. 4 Ford team supporting Gragson includes crew chief Grant Hutchens from Omaha, car chief Joey Forgette from Iron Mountain, engineers Dillon Silverman and Scott Bingham, mechanics Chris Trickett and Tony Infinger, tire specialist Chris Aunspaw, engine tuner Matt Moeller, spotter Nick Del Campo, transporter co-drivers Ron Miske and Matt Murphy, and a pit crew from locations including Mooresville, Concord, Jersey Shore, Lincoln, and Hickory.
Todd Gilliland Looks for a Turnaround with Love’s Travel Stops
Todd Gilliland, piloting the No. 34 car, comes to Austin seeking to reset his season following a challenging run so far. Gilliland carries a strong history at Circuit of the Americas, where he’s finished in the top ten twice in the Cup Series. He also made a mark in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series by winning the first-ever series race at COTA in 2021.
This race will also see the return of Love’s Travel Stops as the primary sponsor. Love’s brings renewed engagement for NASCAR fans through exclusive savings, benefits, and the new Love’s Rewards program via the Love’s Connect App, encouraging fans on and off the track to take part in the racing excitement.
“It has been a frustrating start to the season, and I definitely feel like we missed out on easy points, but COTA provides a great opportunity for us to rebound and gain some momentum,”
said Gilliland.
“I have always enjoyed Austin. The racing, the town, and the overall energy around the weekend is exciting. Hopefully, we can cap it all off with a strong result.”
– Todd Gilliland, Driver
The No. 34 car is supported by crew chief Chris Lawson from Medway, car chief Joe Marra, engineers Marc Rullo and Kevyn Rebolledo, spotter Brit Andersen, interior specialist Ethan Deguevara, and key mechanics and support team members hailing from across the United States, including North Carolina, Ohio, New Jersey, and California.
Zane Smith Riding High After Recent Success
Zane Smith carries a wave of confidence to Austin after securing a top-ten finish at the previous event at EchoPark Speedway. Ranked fifth in the NASCAR Cup Series Driver Championship points, Smith boasts two victories at COTA in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, earning wins in consecutive seasons (2022 and 2023) at this venue. That experience gives Smith and the team valuable insight and self-assurance as they face the unique demands of the road course.
Aaron’s serves as Smith’s lead sponsor for this race, aligning its Fastlane 5000 Sweepstakes with race weekend excitement. The contest gives fans a chance to win prizes including a $5,000 home upgrade, reaching both in-store guests and online shoppers through Aaron’s nearly 1,200 locations.
“COTA is one of my favorite tracks on the schedule,”
said Smith.
“I dominated in the Truck Series there, so I always have a lot of confidence heading into this weekend. The team and I are really clicking right now, and we’ve been in contention the last two races. I think this weekend will be a good one for us.”
– Zane Smith, Driver
Smith is partnered on the No. 38 entry with crew chief Ryan Bergenty from Plainville, car chief Will Norris, engineers Jacob Clamme and Chris Yerges, mechanics Steve Godfrey and Austin Bloom, interior specialist Matt Fowler, spotter Ryan Blanchard, and an experienced pit crew and transportation team.
Spotlight on Teamwork: Crew and Pit Details
The efforts of drivers like Gragson, Gilliland, and Smith are amplified by the skilled professionals working behind the scenes. Their pit crews, engineers, mechanics, and spotters contribute to the execution of race strategies and critical decisions made during competition.
For example, Gragson’s team relies on specialists like Tafton Hensley (front tire changer) and Graham Stoddard (jackman), while Gilliland’s pit includes Danny Olszowy and Ryan Selig. Smith’s All-Star pit team features Michael Louria (front tire changer) and Nate McBride (jackman), ensuring that every second counts with each pit stop. Their efforts exemplify how racing is a collective pursuit that extends beyond what fans see on track.
About the Key Partners Fueling Front Row Motorsports
Rush Truck Centers, with over 150 locations across the U.S. and Canada and a deep connection to New Braunfels and Austin’s business community, powers the logistics for Front Row Motorsports with its industry-leading transportation solutions. Their reach and resources ensure each race team arrives ready to compete.
Love’s Travel Stops adds further energy to the campaign with more than 640 travel centers and convenience stores in 42 states. Their new Love’s Rewards program, accessible through the Love’s Connect App, enables drivers and customers to save on fuel and earn points, expanding Love’s engagement well beyond racing weekends.
Aaron’s, headquartered in Atlanta, anchors Smith’s effort, offering lease-to-own and retail purchase solutions for appliances, electronics, and furniture, connecting the thrill of racing with opportunities for fans to win meaningful upgrades for their homes through the Fastlane 5000 Sweepstakes.
About Front Row Motorsports
Founded in 2004 by Bob Jenkins and based in Mooresville, North Carolina, Front Row Motorsports has quickly become a competitive presence in both the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. Achievements include a Daytona 500 victory in 2021 and a Truck Series championship in 2022. The organization operates the No. 4, No. 34, and No. 38 entries in the Cup Series and fields two teams in the Truck Series, maintaining a reputation for resilience, teamwork, and ambition.
What’s at Stake and What Comes Next
The Circuit of the Americas event offers a unique mix of strategy, driving prowess, and fan engagement, coming at a critical point in the spring racing calendar. For Front Row Motorsports, success at COTA would boost morale, improve championship standings, and validate the collaborative efforts between drivers, crew, and sponsors like Rush Truck Centers, Love’s Travel Stops, and Aaron’s.
As Front Row Motorsports’ drivers take to the starting grid, their pursuit of a top finish showcases not only individual talent but also the collective strength of a team dedicated to competing at the highest level of NASCAR. With the championship long and the competition fierce, every lap at COTA is pivotal on the road to victory in the Front Row Motorsports NASCAR Cup Series campaign.
