NASCAR Cup - Watkins Glen

The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Watkins Glen International for the 2026 edition of Go Bowling at The Glen. This road course race brings stock car racing to the scenic Finger Lakes region of New York, where drivers tackle one of the most challenging circuits on the schedule. The race covers 245.54 miles over 100 laps on the 2.454-mile road course, testing both driver skill and car setup across three stages.

The Circuit at Watkins Glen International

Watkins Glen International features seven turns that blend high-speed straights with technical corners and significant elevation changes. The track surface is asphalt, repaved to maintain optimal racing conditions. Drivers navigate the tight hairpin at Turn 1 before climbing uphill through the famous "Esses" section that spans Turns 2 through 5. These corners require precision and commitment as cars transition quickly from left to right.

The Long Straight and Back Straight sections allow cars to reach their maximum speeds before drivers must brake hard for the corners. The track includes the Inner Loop, a chicane added to improve safety, which creates passing opportunities and strategic decisions. Turn 6 features a downhill plunge that challenges braking stability, while the elevation changes throughout the course add another layer of difficulty to this road racing test.

Race Format and Technical Specifications

The race runs in three stages: 20 laps for Stage 1, 30 laps for Stage 2, and 50 laps for the final stage. NASCAR Cup Series cars at Watkins Glen use a low-downforce aerodynamic package that promotes competitive racing and rewards driver talent. The 750 horsepower engines provide strong acceleration out of the slower corners while maintaining speed through the faster sections.

Goodyear supplies specific tires for this event, developed to handle the high-speed demands and heat generation that road course racing creates. Teams must balance tire management with pace throughout each stage, as the repeated braking zones and acceleration phases create unique wear patterns compared to oval tracks.

Racing at The Glen

The 2026 event features a full weekend of NASCAR competition at Watkins Glen. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races on Friday, followed by the NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday. The Cup Series takes center stage on Sunday, bringing the weekend to its conclusion with 100 laps of road course racing.

Watkins Glen has produced many memorable finishes since NASCAR returned to the track regularly. The circuit favors drivers with road racing experience, though oval specialists have also found success here. The track has seen several first-time Cup Series winners claim victory, making it a place where underdogs can challenge established stars.

Track Heritage and Evolution

NASCAR first raced at Watkins Glen in 1957, when Buck Baker won on the original 2.35-mile configuration. The series returned sporadically before establishing a regular presence starting in 1986. The track configuration evolved over time, with the Inner Loop addition bringing the course to its current 2.454-mile length. NASCAR now owns Watkins Glen International, ensuring its continued place on the Cup Series schedule.

What Makes This Race Special

Road course racing at Watkins Glen demands different skills than oval racing. Drivers must master both left and right turns while managing gear changes and brake temperatures. The elevation changes add difficulty, as cars handle differently on uphill and downhill sections. Teams work to find the right setup balance between high-speed stability and low-speed cornering ability.

The natural terrain setting and technical layout create opportunities for strategy variation. Some teams prioritize straight-line speed, while others focus on cornering performance. Pit strategy plays a crucial role, as track position matters on a course where passing requires precise execution. The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen promises competitive action as teams and drivers adapt to the unique challenges this road course presents.