rifan muazinNASCAR’s premier series returns to the iconic road course of Watkins Glen International this weekend for an action-packed schedule featuring the Cup Series, O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Craftsman Truck Series, and ARCA Menards Series. Marking an earlier-than-usual appearance on the calendar, the event is shadowed by the possibility of rain, adding an unpredictable element to the already challenging circuit.
Reigning Cup Series victor at The Glen, Shane van Gisbergen, is set to compete, aiming to secure his maiden win of the 2026 season. Van Gisbergen’s previous triumph at Watkins Glen showcased his prowess on road courses, a discipline that has seen significant recent success for other competitors. Championship leader Tyler Reddick, who captured the sole road course victory thus far this season at the Circuit of the Americas, will be looking to extend his points lead and challenge Van Gisbergen’s claim.
Race organizers have implemented new track safety measures for this year’s event. Tire packs will be strategically positioned along the outside of Turn 1 and the Carousel section of the track. This alteration is designed to enforce stricter track limits, reducing the available runoff area for drivers and potentially leading to more consequential errors for those straying too far from the racing line. This change is expected to increase the strategic demands on drivers and teams throughout the weekend.
The full weekend schedule is as follows:
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Friday, May 8
- 11:00 AM EST: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series practice – FOX SPORTS 2
- 12:30 PM EST: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series qualifying – FOX SPORTS 2
- 1:30 PM EST: ARCA Menards Series race (41 laps) – FOX SPORTS 2
- 4:30 PM EST: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race (1727 laps) – FOX SPORTS 1
Saturday, May 9
- 10:30 AM EST: NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series practice – CW APP
- 11:35 AM EST: NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series qualifying – CW APP
- 1:00 PM EST: NASCAR Cup Series practice – PRIME VIDEO
- 2:10 PM EST: NASCAR Cup Series qualifying – PRIME VIDEO
- 4:00 PM EST: NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race (82 laps) – THE CW
Sunday, May 10
- 1:30 PM EST: NASCAR RaceDay pre-race show – FOX SPORTS 1
- 3:00 PM EST: NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen race (100 laps) – FOX SPORTS 1
Weather Outlook
The earlier placement of Watkins Glen on the NASCAR calendar this year introduces a shift in typical weather patterns. Forecasters anticipate cooler temperatures, with highs struggling to reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit and overnight lows dipping into the 40s. The primary concern is the potential for passing rain showers throughout the weekend. While not expected to develop into severe storms, these showers could create challenging track conditions, particularly on the grassy areas surrounding the circuit, leading to potentially treacherous muddy surfaces. Drivers venturing off-course could face significant risk of damage to their vehicles.
Entry List Highlights
The Go Bowling at The Glen will feature a full field of 38 cars, comprising 36 chartered entries and two open entries. Among the notable participants is Josh Bilicki, piloting the No. 66 Ford. Katherine Legge will make her sole NASCAR Cup Series start of the season in the Live Fast Motorsports No. 78 Chevrolet, marking her return to the top tier of stock car racing.
Further adding to the weekend’s complexity, all three Trackhouse Racing drivers—Ross Chastain, Shane van Gisbergen, and William Byron Zilisch—are scheduled for triple-duty, competing in multiple series throughout the event. Additionally, two established Cup Series drivers, Carson Hocevar and A.J. Allmendinger, will participate in the Craftsman Truck Series race, demonstrating the appeal and competitive nature of the road course circuit.
The inclusion of these drivers in multiple disciplines highlights the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the Watkins Glen weekend. Their performances across different series will be closely watched as indicators of their adaptability and skill on this demanding road course.
The early season timing of this road course event is a departure from previous years, suggesting a strategic shift by NASCAR to incorporate more road racing earlier in the schedule. This move aims to capitalize on the growing popularity of road course racing within the sport and provides an earlier opportunity for drivers specializing in this discipline to make their mark. The early May date also presents a different strategic landscape for teams, as they may not have the same established data sets for tire wear and fuel mileage as they would later in the season.
The competition at Watkins Glen International is historically known for its close finishes and strategic battles. The unique blend of high-speed straights and technical, sweeping corners demands a precise balance of power and handling from the teams. Driver skill in braking zones and corner entry will be paramount, especially with the modified track limits. The potential for rain further complicates these strategies, forcing teams to be prepared for a variety of track conditions and potentially alter their race plans on the fly.
The ARCA Menards Series race on Friday will serve as an early indicator of track conditions and potential performance trends for the weekend. The Craftsman Truck Series race that follows will provide further insight into how the track evolves and how drivers adapt to the changing grip levels. The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race on Saturday will offer a preview of the road course racing dynamics before the main event on Sunday.
Fans can anticipate a weekend filled with diverse racing action, from the grassroots competition of the ARCA Menards Series to the elite performance of the NASCAR Cup Series drivers. The unpredictability of the weather, combined with the challenging nature of Watkins Glen and the presence of top-tier talent, sets the stage for a compelling and potentially dramatic race weekend. The return of Shane van Gisbergen as the defending champion adds another layer of intrigue, as he seeks to replicate his success and challenge the current championship standings.
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