The bus stop at Watkins Glen, one of the most challenging and infamous sections of the track, lived up to its reputation during the latest race. Known for its tight turns and high-speed entry, this part of the circuit often sees intense competition, and it became the site of a dramatic crash involving multiple drivers, including Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, and Ryan Blaney.
The incident occurred as the field bunched up while approaching the bus stop chicane. With drivers jostling for position, tensions were high, and one misstep quickly escalated into a multi-car wreck. Denny Hamlin, who had been racing aggressively throughout the event, found himself in the middle of the chaos. As he entered the chicane, his car seemed to lose traction, causing him to momentarily lose control. This slight error set off a chain reaction behind him.
Kyle Busch, running close behind Hamlin, had little time to react. Busch’s car clipped the rear of Hamlin’s vehicle, causing both to spin. With the narrow confines of the bus stop and the high speed at which they were traveling, it was impossible for the other drivers to avoid the wreck. Ryan Blaney, also caught in the mix, had nowhere to go and slammed into Busch’s car. As Blaney’s car careened off the track, several other drivers who were close behind were forced into evasive action, but many still found themselves caught in the wreckage.
The scene quickly became one of chaos, with smoke, debris, and cars scattered across the track. Several drivers involved in the crash were unable to continue without significant repairs. Hamlin’s car, damaged from both the initial spin and the collisions that followed, was sent to the pits for repairs, costing him valuable time and any chance of a competitive finish. Kyle Busch’s team faced a similar challenge, as the damage to his car greatly impacted his race. Despite their best efforts, both Hamlin and Busch found themselves struggling for the rest of the event.
Ryan Blaney, who had been in a solid position prior to the crash, was one of the hardest hit. The damage to his car forced him out of contention and effectively ended his chances of a strong finish. Other drivers involved in the crash, while not as high-profile, also faced setbacks. Their cars were battered, and while some were able to continue the race, their hopes of competing for a top position were dashed.
The crash proved to be a turning point in the race, as it not only took out several key contenders but also led to a caution period that allowed the rest of the field to regroup. Drivers who had avoided the wreck suddenly found themselves in better positions, while those involved were left scrambling to salvage what they could from the remainder of the race. For some, it was a chance to recover and fight back, but for Hamlin, Busch, and Blaney, the crash had already sealed their fate.
Watkins Glen is known for its fast-paced and technically demanding layout, and the bus stop chicane has always been a challenge for drivers. This particular race served as a reminder of just how unforgiving this section of the track can be. With cars running so close together and drivers pushing to the limit, even the smallest mistake can have massive consequences. In this case, the combination of high speeds and close-quarters racing proved too much for the drivers involved.
The crash not only impacted the race results but also had larger implications for the drivers’ seasons. For Kyle Busch, the incident was another frustrating setback in what has been a challenging season. Despite his team’s efforts to keep him in the race, the damage was too much to overcome. Denny Hamlin, who had been racing well up until the crash, saw a potential top finish slip away. Ryan Blaney, too, left Watkins Glen with a sense of what could have been had it not been for the wreck.
In the end, the crash at the bus stop was a defining moment in the race. It changed the dynamic of the competition and left a number of drivers and teams dealing with the fallout. For fans, it was yet another reminder of the unpredictable nature of racing at Watkins Glen and the high stakes that come with every lap. The bus stop remains one of the most challenging sections of the circuit, and on this day, it proved to be a game-changer for some of NASCAR’s biggest names.
A crash at the bus stop at Watkins Glen involved Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, Ryan Blaney, and other drivers
