The 2025 EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is NASCAR’s early-season trial at a road course. It includes a redesigned 2.3-mile layout and freshly paved asphalt, raising competition to a fever pitch. Last year’s winner, William Byron, hopes to repeat 2024 but is joined in his attempt at supremacy by newcomers like Connor Zilisch and veterans like Shane van Gisbergen.
With betting lines offering a mixture of proven winners and high-risk, high-reward dark horses, the following are the top five favorites to conquer COTA’s curves and bends and some honorable mentions for savvy bettors.
5) Ross Chastain (+1400)
The 2022 COTA victor returns as a dark horse with enticing +1400 odds. Ross Chastain’s melon-smashing aggression suits COTA’s physical demands, and his Trackhouse Racing team excels on road courses. Despite a slower start in 2025 (eighth at Atlanta), his four top 10s in four COTA appearances highlight his adaptability.
For bettors seeking value, Chastain’s podium potential outweighs his underdog status.
4) Tyler Reddick (+700)
The 2023 COTA winner thrives on road courses, logging three top-fives in four starts at the track. Tyler Reddick’s No. 45 Toyota has shown flashes of dominance, finishing second at Daytona this year. His 5.0 average finish at COTA, coupled with Joe Gibbs Racing’s upgraded aerodynamics, positions him as a strategic contender for back-to-back wins.
Reddick’s ability to balance aggression with precision could tip the scales in his favor.
3) William Byron (+750)
William Byron, the reigning champion at COTA, boasts a 3.0 finish average at the track in his last two appearances. His Hendrick Chevrolet No. 24 was a winner at the 2025 Daytona 500 and is in early-season form. Byron’s mastery of tire management and Hendrick’s engineering edge make him a tactical favorite on the repaved surface.
With two top-fives in four COTA starts, Byron’s consistency is unmatched among active drivers.
2) Connor Zilisch (+550)
The 18-year-old phenom makes his Cup Series debut with staggering +550 odds, reflecting his rapid ascent. Zilisch won his Xfinity Series debut at Watkins Glen in 2024 and dominated ARCA and Truck Series road races. While his lack of Cup experience raises questions, his synergy with Trackhouse Racing’s No. 87 Chevrolet and pre-race testing at COTA position him as a sleeper pick.
Zilisch’s fearless approach mirrors Ross Chastain’s rise, making him a must-watch wildcard.
1) Shane van Gisbergen (+500)
The three-time Supercars champion enters as the betting favorite despite a middling 20th-place finish at COTA in 2024. van Gisbergen’s road-course pedigree includes a historic 2023 Chicago Street Race win and three Xfinity Series victories. Driving Trackhouse Racing’s No. 88 Chevrolet, his adaptability to COTA’s new tire compound and shorter layout could prove decisive.
Though winless in Cup since 2023, his aggressive style and tactical IQ make him a constant threat on road courses.
Honorable Mentions
- Kyle Larson: +900
- Chase Elliott: +1100
- Christopher Bell: +1100
- A.J. Allmendinger: +1200
- Alex Bowman: +2000
