What’s Happening?

Watkins Glen International hosts the NASCAR Xfinity and Cup Series this weekend. NASCAR moves from the Deep South to rural New York for the first road course of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. While the Xfinity Series is two races away from the start of its playoff, with spots still open for new winners.

• Watkins Glen International is one of NASCAR’s longest-used Road Course venues. The circuit once ran through the heart of Watkins Glen before opening its current layout in 1956. Of the track’s multiple layouts, NASCAR uses the 2.45-mile 11-turn circuit.
• The NASCAR Xfinity Series first raced at Watkins Glen in 1991, a 150-mile race won by Terry Labonte. The Series raced at the Glen uninterrupted until 2002, when the Xfinity Series briefly stepped away before returning in 2004.
• The NASCAR Cup Series first raced at the Glen in 1957, though the Series took a hiatus until 1964, leaving again after 1965. However, minus one race in 2020, the NASCAR Cup Series has raced at the Glen yearly since 1986.
• The 2024 race is the first playoff race at Watkins Glen in NASCAR history. However, the track will lose this date in 2025, returning to its traditional, non-playoff race next season.

Weekend TV Schedule (All Times ET)

Saturday, September 14th – Cup and Xfinity Series Practice/Qualifying – Xfinity RACE

• 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Xfinity Series Practice/Qualifying
• 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Cup Series Qualifying on USA
• 3:00 p.m. – Mission 200 at The Glen on USA

Sunday, September 15th – Cup Series RACE

• 3:00 p.m. – Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen on USA

Race Facts

Watkins Glen International – Track Facts

• Year Built: 1956
• Length: 2.45 mile
• Shape: Road Course
• Banking: Turns can range from 6 to 10 degrees.
• Surface: Asphalt
• Lights: No
• Rain Tires: Yes

Xfinity Series

• Race Length: 82 Laps (200.9 Miles)
• Stages: Laps 20 Laps (Stages 1 & 2), 42 Laps (Stage 3)
• Most-Recent Winner: Sam Mayer (2023)

Cup Series

• Race Length: 90 Laps (220.5 Miles)
• Stages: 20 Laps (Stages 1 & 2), 50 Laps (Stage 3)
• Most-Recent Winner: William Byron (2023)

Entry Lists

Xfinity Series

For the Xfinity Series, there are 41 entries for 38 spots, meaning three teams will be sent home. Notable entries include:

• Jade Buford – No. 07 – SS-Green Light Racing
• Kyle Keller – No. 13 – MBM Motorsports
• RC Enerson – No. 14 – SS-Green Light Racing
• Joey Logano – No. 15 – AM Racing
• William Byron – No. 17 – Hendrick Motorsports
• Ty Gibbs – No. 19 – Joe Gibbs Racing
• Aric Almirola – No. 20 – Joe Gibbs Racing
• Ed Jones – No. 26 – Sam Hunt Racing
• Austin Green – No. 32 – Jordan Anderson Racing
• Thomas Annunziata – No. 35 – Joey Gase Motorsports
• Mike Skeen – No. 87 – Jordan Anderson Racing
• Connor Zilisch – No. 88 – JR Motorsports – First Xfinity Series Start
• Josh Bilicki – No. 91 – DGM Racing
• Ross Chastain – No. 92 – DGM Racing

Former Winners in The Field:

• Joey Logano – 2015, 2016, 2018
• Ty Gibbs – 2021
• Sam Mayer – 2023

Cup Series

For the Cup Series, there are 38 entries for 40 spots, meaning no teams will be sent home. Notable entries include:

• A.J. Allmendinger – No. 13 – Kaulig Racing
• Kaz Grala – No. 15 – Rick Ware Racing
• Shane Van Gisbergen – No. 16 – Kaulig Racing
• Juan Pablo Montoya – No. 50 – 23XI Racing

Former Winners in The Field:

• A.J. Allmendinger – 2014
• Chase Elliott – 2018, 2019
• Denny Hamlin – 2016
• Joey Logano – 2015
• Juan Pablo Montoya – 2010
• Kyle Busch – 2008, 2013
• Kyle Larson – 2021, 2022
• Martin Truex Jr. – 2017
• William Byron – 2023

Qualifying Order

Xfinity Series

Cup Series

What To Watch For

Xfinity Series

• Two races remain until the NASCAR Xfinity Series Regular Season finale at Bristol. Four open spots remain in the Playoff picture, leaving two non-winner slots open in the 12-car field. Only one driver has locked themselves into the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs via a road course win this season. However, for many drivers, this could be their last shot at an upset win and a spot in the Playoffs.
• The Xfinity Series has several road course ringers. Rookie Shane Van Gisbergen won three of four road course races this season, only losing out on the fourth to Kyle Larson at COTA. However, drivers who have not locked themselves into the Playoffs include A.J. Allmendinger and Sheldon Creed, both of which are stellar Road Course Drivers.

Cup Series

• For the first time, the NASCAR Cup Series has two road course races in its Playoffs. Drivers looking to cause an upset look to have a clear route to the Championship Four. However, former Watkins Glen winner Kyle Larson is coming off a difficult race weekend in Atlanta and is in need of a solid run to rebound his Championship odds.
• While this weekend could have major playoff implications, the Cup Series has several ringers entering the race. Shane Van Gisbergen, alongside a returning Juan Pablo Montoya, are part of a field of hungry drivers looking to ruin some Playoff drivers’ chances at a win.

Note: This article will be updated as more information about the weekend comes out.