NASCAR Truck - Watkins Glen

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series returns to Watkins Glen International for the Mission 176 at The Glen. This road course race brings the series back to one of America's most respected racing facilities. Watkins Glen International sits near the village of Watkins Glen in New York's Finger Lakes region and offers a challenging test for drivers in the nascar-truck series.

The Circuit at Watkins Glen International

Watkins Glen International features a 2.45-mile road course configuration with seven turns. The track combines high-speed straights with technical corners and elevation changes. The layout includes the famous Long Straight and Back Straight sections, along with the demanding Esses complex that runs through turns two through five.

The facility accommodates 38,000 spectators and has maintained its asphalt surface since a repave completed in 2016. The addition of the Inner Loop in 1992 changed the track character and created new passing opportunities for drivers. The course demands precise braking, smooth steering inputs, and careful throttle management.

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Competitors

The race field consists of 36 trucks during events with qualifying. The nascar-truck series serves as a development platform for young drivers and rookies who aim to advance their careers. Road course races at Watkins Glen also attract experienced drivers who excel on turning circuits. These road course specialists often join the regular series competitors for this event.

Driver Skill Requirements

Drivers must master both left and right turns at Watkins Glen, unlike the predominantly left-turn oval tracks. The course requires different racing lines, brake points, and acceleration zones. Drivers who understand weight transfer and tire management gain significant advantages during the 72-lap race.

Technical Specifications

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series vehicles feature steel tube frame construction with integrated safety roll cages. The trucks use either 5.86-liter built engines or 6.2-liter Chevrolet LSX NT1 crate engines. These pushrod V8 powerplants produce between 650 and 700 horsepower in unrestricted form.

Each truck weighs 3,400 pounds minimum with driver and fuel. The four-speed manual transmission allows drivers to select optimal gears for each corner at Watkins Glen. Goodyear supplies racing tires specifically developed for the demands of road course competition. The trucks run on Sunoco fuel that contains 85% unleaded gasoline and 15% ethanol.

Performance Capabilities

Trucks reach speeds up to 180 mph on straight sections. The 18-gallon fuel capacity requires strategic pit stop planning during the 176.4-mile race distance. Teams must balance fuel conservation with competitive lap times across three stages of racing.

Race Format and Structure

The Mission 176 at The Glen runs for 72 laps divided into three stages. Stage one covers 20 laps, stage two includes 20 laps, and the final stage extends to 32 laps. This stage format creates multiple opportunities for strategy variations and on-track battles. Points are awarded at the end of each stage, rewarding consistent performance throughout the race.

Historical Context

Watkins Glen International first hosted the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 1996 when Ron Hornaday Jr. won the inaugural event. The race remained on the schedule until 2000 before a lengthy absence. The series returned to Watkins Glen in 2021, establishing the event as a regular season finale before playoffs.

After another brief removal, the race returned to the schedule for 2025 and continues in 2026. The track itself has hosted major racing series since its transformation from public road racing in 1948 to a purpose-built facility. Formula One competed at Watkins Glen from 1961 to 1980, and the NASCAR Cup Series has been a regular visitor for decades.

What Makes This Race Distinctive

The nascar-truck race at Watkins Glen offers a contrast to the predominantly oval racing schedule. Road course racing tests different driver skills and creates unique racing scenarios. The natural terrain provides elevation changes that add complexity to racing lines and visibility.

The track's nickname, "The Glen," reflects its status among American road courses. The facility's history and the quality of its layout have earned recognition across multiple racing disciplines. For the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Watkins Glen International provides one of the season's most challenging venues where driver talent and team preparation combine to determine success.

Television coverage on FS1 and radio broadcasts through MRN and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio will bring the action to fans. The 2026 edition of this race continues the tradition of professional stock truck racing on one of North America's premier road courses.