NASCAR races on road courses tend to be strategy and fuel mileage races with minimal cautions. That was NOT the case in the Go Bowling at the Glen yesterday (9/15).
There were seven yellow flags at Watkins Glen International during the NASCAR Cup Series race Sunday. That may not seem like a lot, but on a road course it was. This was the second race in the first round of the Playoffs. It was the first time this track has been a part of the post-season 10-race schedule. Many playoff drivers found bad luck during the race.
The only caution that did not happen as a result of an on track incident was the end of stage one. Martin Truex Jr. was the winner of that stage. Stage two ended under caution for an incident with Ross Chastain claiming the win in that stage. Ross appeared to be the car to beat as he led a race high 51 laps in the race that was scheduled to run 90 laps. However, the timing of caution flags took that opportunity away from him.
The final caution sent the race to a NASCAR Overtime of a Green-White-Checkered finish. Chris Buescher and Shane Van Gisbergen (two non-playoff drivers) re-started the race from the front row. Shane bumped Chris from behind to get his loose and pas him for the lead on lap 91.
Chris Buescher repaid the favor on lap 92 (the last lap) to get back by Shane for the lead. Chris was able to hold that lead to cross the finish line first and score his first win of the 2024 season while playing spoiler to the NASCAR Playoff drivers.
Shane Van Gisbergen finished in second-place with Carson Hocevar in third. Non-playoff drivers claimed the top five finishing spots in the race. See the complete race results for the Go Bowling at the Glen here.
Being the only Playoff Driver with a win in the Round of 16, Joey Logano remains at the top of the Playoff Standings after the race at Watkins Glen. Christopher Bell has moved up to second with Austin Cindric up to third. See the complete NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Standings here.
Things won’t get any easier for the Playoff drivers this week. Next stop is the short track of Bristol Motor Speedway for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race. The race this Saturday night, September 21st, is also the elimination race for the Round of 16. The four Playoff drivers without a first round win with the least amount of points after the race at Bristol will not advance to the Round of 12. This could make for a very exciting short track race!
By: Buck Stevens
