After a surprising first round that saw two former champions eliminated from the playoffs and three different non-playoff drivers win each of the three races, what can we expect as the NASCAR Cup Series begins its Round of 12, Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway?
The points have been reset as the playoffs reach the first race of the second round, putting regular-season champion Chase Elliott back atop the standings, while Daytona 500 champ Austin Cindric sits at the bottom, 34 points behind Elliott.
This will be the first points race this season at Texas, though the track did host the NASCAR All-Star Race in May. While the races aren’t really comparable, it should be noted that the top-six finishers in the All-Star Race — Ryan Blaney (winner), Denny Hamlin (second), Cindric (third), Joey Logano (fourth), Daniel Suarez (fifth), Alex Bowman (sixth) — are still alive in the Round of 12. As is the winner of the 2021 All-Star Race at Texas: Kyle Larson.
2023 SCHEDULE: Eight takeaways with (some) big changes and new tracks
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Here is everything you need to know to get ready for the AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 500, Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway:
What time does the NASCAR Cup race at Texas start?
The AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 500 starts at 3:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. local) in Fort Worth, Texas.
What TV channel is the Cup race at Texas on?
USA Network is broadcasting the AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 500 and…
