COTA: MotoGP Austin Track Guide & Statistics 2026

The Motorcycle Grand Prix of the Americas, held at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, is currently the sole MotoGP event in the United States. Originally one of three US-based MotoGP races in 2013, alongside events at Indianapolis and Laguna Seca, it now stands as the country’s premier motorcycle racing championship.

Circuit of the Americas: A Hybrid Design

COTA, designed by Hermann Tilke, initially served as a Formula 1 racing circuit, hosting its first race in October 2012. The 5.515-kilometer track is the third longest on the current MotoGP calendar, trailing Silverstone and Sepang. It features 20 turns – eleven left-handers and nine right-handers – and is characterized by significant elevation changes, with a difference of approximately 40 meters between its highest and lowest points.

The circuit boasts the longest straightaway in MotoGP at 1.2 kilometers, offering riders high-speed opportunities. COTA’s grandstands can accommodate up to 120,000 spectators, and the facility includes a 77-meter observation tower providing panoramic views of the 400-hectare grounds.

A Challenging Layout

Riders face a demanding course that combines fast corners with dramatic elevation changes. The first sector presents a particular challenge, requiring riders to navigate a blind, uphill braking zone after the initial left-hand turn. The track’s design has drawn both praise for its challenging nature and criticism for appearing somewhat disjointed.

Marc Márquez’s Dominance

The history of the Grand Prix at COTA is largely defined by the success of Marc Márquez. He secured his first MotoGP victory at the track in 2013, becoming the youngest ever winner in the premier class at the time. Márquez has won seven of the eleven MotoGP races held at COTA, with victories in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2021.

Other riders who have claimed victory at the American Grand Prix include Álex Rins (2019, 2023), Francesco Bagnaia (2025), and Maverick Viñales (2024). Honda holds the record for the most wins by a manufacturer with eleven, including victories in the MotoGP class and Moto3.

The 2020 race was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event is now officially titled the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas, having been known as the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas from 2013 to 2025.