The NASCAR Cup Series playoffs kicked off in Atlanta, where Joey Logano claimed the first spot in the top 12. Now, the series heads to the iconic Watkins Glen International, a track that presents a whole new challenge. The driver who dominates “The Glen” will join Logano in the top 12, but this year’s race at Watkins Glen isn’t going to be the same as previous years. NASCAR has introduced a brand-new tire compound that wears off three seconds faster than before. This change is expected to shake things up, as teams will have to adapt and rethink their pit-stop strategies to stay competitive and win the race.
Tire management and pit strategy will be crucial, especially with playoff points on the line. Top drivers like Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin are currently struggling in the standings and will be looking to make up for it with a strong performance at Watkins Glen. However, the road to victory will not be easy. Along with the tire wear and the unpredictable nature of the track, drivers will face fierce competition from road course specialists who have nothing to lose in this race.
The race, dubbed “Go Bowling at The Glen,” promises to be unpredictable. NASCAR has always been known for its unpredictability, and that’s part of what makes it so thrilling for fans. This year, for the first time, Watkins Glen is part of the playoff schedule, adding an additional road course to the mix. Road courses require a different skill set from the drivers, and there are a few racers who have mastered the art of racing on these tracks.
One of these masters is Chris Buescher, who has had an impressive run on road courses this year. In the three road course races so far, Buescher has finished in the top 10 twice, with his best performance coming at Sonoma, where he secured a third-place finish. NASCAR analyst Eric Estepp recently highlighted Buescher as one of the dark horses for the Watkins Glen race, pointing out his consistency on road courses. Since the start of 2022, Buescher has averaged a 7.8 finish in road course races, which is the best in the Cup Series. Despite not having a single top-10 start in his last eight road course races, Buescher has managed to finish in the top 10 in seven of those races. Though he’s out of the playoffs, Buescher remains a tough competitor at Watkins Glen.
Another road course ace is Michael McDowell, who has consistently delivered strong performances on these tracks. McDowell’s victory at the Indianapolis Road Course last year is still fresh in fans’ memories, and he followed it up with a second-place finish at Sonoma in 2024. In fact, McDowell has finished in the top 10 every time he’s raced at Sonoma. Estepp praised McDowell’s road racing skills, noting that in 13 non-Chicago Next Gen road races, McDowell has secured eight top-10 finishes. His background in karting, open-wheel racing, and sports cars has made him a standout on road courses, despite not driving the best equipment in the Cup Series. Nevertheless, McDowell consistently outperforms expectations.
A.J. Allmendinger, often referred to as the “road course king,” is another driver to watch at Watkins Glen. Allmendinger has earned the title for good reason, as he has racked up impressive finishes on road courses throughout his career. In his last six Cup Series road course races, Allmendinger has finished in the top six five times. His most recent road course win came at the Charlotte Roval in 2023, bringing his total number of road course victories in NASCAR-sanctioned events to 11, including three in the Cup Series. Estepp praised Allmendinger for his ability to get the most out of whatever equipment he has, noting that Allmendinger has secured nine top-10 finishes in 13 non-Chicago Next Gen road races. Even though he’s rarely in top-tier equipment, Allmendinger consistently delivers strong performances, particularly on road courses.
These three drivers—Buescher, McDowell, and Allmendinger—will undoubtedly be a threat to the playoff contenders at Watkins Glen. On top of that, the new tire compound adds another layer of complexity to the race. Drivers have expressed concerns about how quickly the tires will wear off and how it will impact their strategies.
The new tire compound is expected to wear off by about three seconds, a significant difference that could influence the outcome of the race. Teams that manage their tires best will have a clear advantage, adding to the excitement and unpredictability of the event. According to NASCAR’s senior vice president, Elton Sawyer, the introduction of this tire is part of the ongoing effort to push the boundaries and create exciting racing. Sawyer emphasized the importance of tire fall-off in producing great racing, and the teams will have to adjust to this new challenge.
Not all drivers are worried about the new tire, though. Denny Hamlin, who is currently just two points above the playoff cutoff, has voiced concerns about how the tire wear will impact lap times. He believes that drivers will only have one shot to make their runs count, as going back out on worn tires could significantly slow them down. On the other hand, Logano, the Atlanta race winner, is less concerned. Based on his experience, Logano predicts that the tire wear may not be as extreme as some expect, but it will still be a factor in shaping race strategies.
No matter what happens, the Watkins Glen race is set to be a thrilling and unpredictable event. With road course specialists in the mix and a new tire compound to manage, the drivers will have to bring their A-game. Who do you think will come out on top? Let us know your thoughts!
Dark Horses at Watkins Glen That Could Shake-Up the Playoff Scenario Before Heading to Bristol
