The NASCAR drivers and teams will face a Wild Card Race on the road course at Watkins Glen International this week in the Go Bowling at The Glen.
When the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series holds a road course race it really is anybody’s race to win. Handling is important for the cars to get through all the turns and have the power to race other cars. However, often it is a combination of strategy and luck that decides the winner.
A driver can look like there is no chance for a win most of the race. When the strategy plays out there is that car with a chance to win at the end.
Depending on how cautions fall (and if a driver is part of those cautions), strategies that were going to work out suddenly take a driver out of contention. The reverse is also possible, a caution timed just right can suddenly give a driver the chance to win the race.
Here is the basic data that all drivers and teams will face this weekend.
Watkins Glen International Data
Track Size: 2.45-miles
Number of Turns: 7 Race
Go Bowling at The Glen Data
Season Race #: 22 of 36 (08-04-19)
Length: 90 laps/220.5 miles
Stage 1 & 2 Lengths: 20 laps (each)
Final Stage Length: 50 laps
With just five regular season races left before the 16-driver grid for the playoffs is set (and seven spots not filled by drivers with at least one win) there are going to be multiple goals among the drivers this week. Some drivers will be looking to pad their point total to ensure getting in the post-season on points. Other drivers will have to go for the win if they want on the list of drivers with a shot at the championship. These varying needs could lead to some exciting racing and potential drama on the track.
What drivers have performed well at Watkins Glen in their cup series careers? Here’s a look at the top active drivers in the field this weekend.
Top 10 Driver Ratings at Watkins Glen
Kyle Busch ……………………………. 111.8
Chase Elliott …………………………. 110.6
Daniel Suarez ……………………….. 107.9
Erik Jones …………………………….. 101.8
Brad Keselowski ……………………… 99.4
Martin Truex Jr ……………………….. 97.9
William Byron …………………………. 94.5
Kurt Busch …………………………….. 92.8
Jimmie Johnson ……………………… 91.1
Kevin Harvick …………………………. 89.8
Note: Driver Ratings compiled from 2005-2018 races (14 total) among active drivers at Watkins Glen International.
Active Drivers with Wins at Watkins Glen
Kyle Busch – 2 Wins
Chase Elliott – 1 Win (including this race last year)
Denny Hamlin – 1 Win
Joey Logano – 1 Win
Kevin Harvick – 1 Win
Martin Truex Jr – 1 Win
I said it earlier this season ahead of the Sonoma road course race and will say it again this week … I am ready for rain when NASCAR is at a road course. Ever since the rule of break lights and windshield wipers was instituted for the cup series I have wanted to see a NASCAR race in the rain. Maybe it’s just me, but I want to see that. There is a very little chance of that this week according to the advance forecast for Watkins Glen, NY.
Rain or (most likely) shine we will find out if a driver gets to play a Wild Card for the NASCAR win or not Sunday, August 4th starting at 2 PM central time (3 PM eastern time) in the Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International.
By: Buck Stevens
