What’s Happening?

The NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series return to Watkins Glen International this weekend. The NASCAR Cup Series is hosting its first Playoff race at the Glen, while the Xfinity Series is counting down the races until its Playoff begins. But will rain play a factor in this weekend’s plans?

• Watkins Glen International opened in 1956. Once a traditional “road course,” the 11-turn 2.45-mile permanent circuit in Watkins Glen, New York, is a staple of the NASCAR schedule. Many fans look forward to its late-season race date.
• The NASCAR Cup Series first raced at Watkins Glen in 1957. However, the track did not become a yearly tradition until 1986. NASCAR has hosted a race every year since, except for the 2020 COVID-19 adjusted schedule.
• The NASCAR Xfinity Series has raced at the Glen since 1991, with a gap from 2002 to 2004

Weekend Weather Forecast Via the National Weather Service

***Forecast will become available and fluctuate during race week and will be updated frequently

Saturday, September 14th: Xfinity Series Mission 200 at The Glen on USA (3:00 PM ET/Local)

• Forecast: Sunny
• Temperature: High of 84°F around the start of the race
• Rain: 0% throughout the day
• Wind: 2 to 6 mph, 6 mph around the start of the race

Sunday, September 15th: Go Bowling at The Glen on USA (3:00 PM ET/Local)

• Forecast: Partly Cloudy/Sunny
• Temperature: High of 84°F, 83°F around the start of the race
• Rain: 0% to 2% throughout the day
• Wind: 3 to 6 mph, 6 mph around the start of the race

Watkins Glen Weather History

Since 2014, one race at the Glen has seen significant rain. Prior to the 2022 race, the first Next Gen race at Watkins Glen, the track saw significant rainfall. While not a complete downpour, the Cup Series cars raced in the rain with the addition of windshield wipers and rain tires. Both weather items will be an option for the Xfinity Series and the Cup Series this weekend. The 2018 Xfinity Series race saw the cars race in the rain as well. However, this is the most significant weather-affected race at the Glen for the Xfinity Series in the past ten seasons.