Cup: SVG Dominates, Goes Back-to-Back at the Glen

What’s Happening?

As the race unfolded at the Glen, one thing became clear: that Shane van Gisbergen was the one to beat and that the only way anyone was going to have a prayer to slay him was to play some wild strategy. Because of that, a number of drivers at the front of the pack opted not to pit late and try to make it to the end. Among them were Ty Gibbs, Connor Zilisch, Austin Dillon, and Kyle Busch. Meanwhile, SVG pitted and dropped as far back as 24th. However, with 15 laps to go, he was on the move and back inside the top 10. He would have to make up an average of 1.3 laps on the leader of Ty Gibbs in order to catch him before the checkered flag.

With SVG trying his best to battle back, all eyes were on Gibbs and Zilisch as to whether or not they could make the distance. Zilisch ran down Gibbs and was on the bumper of the No. 54. This was pushing both cars with the limit as they became closer and closer to being able to make it to the end. By the time that there were 10 laps to go, SVG was on the move and back inside the top 5.

With 10 to go, Zilisch’s crew chief was telling him to ‘go, go, go’. Unfortunately, for the 88 crew, it was too little too late as SVG slid into 3rd with 9 laps to go. Before the lap was up, he cleared Zilisch for 2nd. Coming to 8 to go, Zilisch pitted with a flat right front tire. In the bus stop, SVG once again claimed the lead at Watkins Glen. 7 and a half to go!

Shane van Gisbergen went on to collect his first win of the 2026 season, his second at Watkins Glen, and the seventh overall of his career.

SVG: In a league of his own. Watkins Glen belongs to Shane van Gisbergen! 🏁 pic.twitter.com/6hJ9jt650q

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) May 10, 2026

Post-Race Report:

• The opening stage was a typical road course stage. Shane van Gisbergen started the race from the pole and while Michael McDowell managed to hang with him initially, the 71 eventually faded, leaving only the 97 leading the field over a wide margin. SVG led 18 of the first 20 laps and opted to short pit with much of the field with 2 laps remaining in the stage. This handed the race lead over to his teammate Ross Chastain, who went on to score the stage victory. SVG had such a monumental lead that even after pit stops, he was still able to collect a few stage points. He finished the stage in 8th.
• Stage 2 was a bit different. Once again SVG dominated the early parts of the stage but this time there was a caution sandwiched in between two green flag runs. This allowed the field to virtually split the stage in half and pit under caution. This dropped SVG back some but it didn’t take long for him to resume the race lead, passing Michael McDowell in the process. Shane van Gisbergen went on to win Stage 2, his first stage win since last fall at the Charlotte Roval.
• The following drivers earned stage points in today’s race: Shane van Gisbergen (13), Austin Cindric (11) Ross Chastain (10), Joey Logano (9), Tyler Reddick (9), Ryan Blaney (8), Ty Gibbs (8), Austin Dillon (7), A. J. Allmendinger (6), Kyle Busch (6), John Hunter Nemechek (5), Chris Buescher (5), Christopher Bell (4), Connor Zilisch (3), Chase Briscoe (2), Riley Herbst (2), Bubba Wallace (1), and Michael McDowell (1).
• The first caution for cause came out on Lap 40 and it was for debris as a tent was blown onto the racing surface. Another debris caution occured on Lap 60 as Joey Logano got off course.
• Shane van Gisbergen scores his first win of his 2026 campaign and the seventh win of his NASCAR Cup Series career. This win also means that he went back-to-back at Watkins Glen as he won this race last year driving the 88 car for Trackhouse. In a dominating performance, he led the most laps on the day with 74 laps led of the scheduled 100. With this win, SVG propels to 16th in points, the last transfer spot for the 2026 Chase for the Cup.
• With 7 wins, he now holds the record for most NASCAR Cup Series wins for a driver born outside of the United States of America.
• Shane van Gisbergen clocked the Xfinity Fastest Lap. This awards him an additional bonus point to his race total.

Caution Tracker:

• Lap 20: End of Stage 1
• Lap 40: Caution, Debris
• Lap 50: End of Stage 2
• Lap 60: Debris as Joey Logano goes off track

Bubba Wallace goes around late at WGI. We stay green. pic.twitter.com/FCNK3T1rii

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) May 10, 2026

Official Race Results

He's the king of the road!@shanevg97 wins at @WGI! pic.twitter.com/OVkawEaFfw

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 10, 2026

Official Points Standings (12 of 26)

SVG to the lead with 8 laps to go at Watkins Glen! What a drive to the front that was. pic.twitter.com/RLpVb7Kzfk

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) May 10, 2026

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