The Craftsman Truck Series Roars Back to Watkins Glen for the Third Time in 25 Years
Race fans, it’s time to gear up for a thrill ride. For only the third time in 25 years, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is storming back to Watkins Glen International. This iconic New York road course is ready to rumble with the roars of trucks racing to victory. If you thought Talladega had drama, just wait for what’s brewing at the Glen.
A Track with a Splash of Nostalgia
The last time the Craftsman Truck Series hit this iconic New York road course was in 2021, where Austin Hill snatched victory by holding off two powerhouses, John Hunter Nemechek and Sheldon Creed. Before that, it was Greg Biffle way back in the year 2000, winning from pole and etching his name in road course history. This go round, it’s the Mission 176 at the Glen on Friday at 5 p.m. ET. Expect the unexpected as NASCAR prepares to kick off a weekend full of racing madness with a toss of burnt rubber.
The Playoffs are on the Line
Now, here’s where it gets tricky. With only two chances left to lock in a spot for the 10-driver playoff field to cap the 2025 Craftsman Truck Series season, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Seven drivers are already in, leaving three spots hanging precariously in the balance. Corey Heim, leading the regular season standings by a massive 143 points, is safe and sound.
However, drivers like reigning series champ Ty Majeski, who’s holding onto a tight points position, need to play all their cards right to stay in the mix. Meanwhile, Jake Garcia is just 61 points behind, itching to steal Majeski’s spot. A new winner this weekend? That could throw the entire playoff equation into chaos. Buckle up.
Big Names Join the Party
Just to crank things up another notch, four Cup Series stars are jumping behind the wheel to test their mettle in the lower division. Christopher Bell will be subbing for the injured Stewart Friesen, piloting the No. 52 Halmar Friesen Racing Toyota. Oh, and then there’s Kyle Busch. Love him or hate him, he’s back for more in the No.07 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet.
The grid also features Ross Chastain and Chris Buescher, who is making his Craftsman Truck Series debut in ThorSport Racing’s No. 66 Ford. You’ve also got Kaden Honeycutt switching teams midseason, leaving Niece Motorsports behind to race for the Halmar Friesen Racing crew for the remaining eight races of the 2025 season. And Connor Zilisch? The 17-year-old sensation is pulling triple duty this weekend. Seriously, this lineup is wild.
Why Watkins Glen is a Big Deal
Sure, NASCAR ovals are the heart of stock car racing, but The Glen brings its own flavor. The high-speed corners, elevation changes, and brutal braking zones ensure that no driver can take a lap off mentally. It’s these challenges that make it the ultimate equalizer. Add 3,400-pound trucks to the equation, and you’ve got a recipe for chaos—in the best way possible.
Plus, Watkins Glen has a way of rewarding the bold. Whether you’re a Cup Series veteran or a Craftsman Truck Series underdog, daring moves and precision are the name of the game here. And don’t forget this is only the third time the Truck Series is tackling this circuit. History is on the line, and these drivers know it.
Practice Makes Perfect
For those of you hungry for a preview, Craftsman Truck Series practice is set to kick off at 11:35 a.m. ET on Friday, immediately followed by qualifying. FS2 has you covered if you can’t make it to the track because nothing beats catching the roar of these trucks in person. Trust us, the sound alone is worth the trip.
All Eyes on Friday Night
The Craftsman Truck Series isn’t just a stepping stone to the Xfinity and Cup Series, but it’s a fiercely competitive battleground in its own right. Watkins Glen is poised to deliver yet another unforgettable chapter in its storied history. There’s playoff tension, big-name guest drivers looking to conquer the field, and, of course, one of the most iconic tracks in motorsports. If you’re a fan of high-stakes racing, missing this would be sacrilege. Tune in, strap in, and get ready for a night where every turn could redefine the playoff picture.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just about another race in the season. The rare appearance of the Craftsman Truck Series at Watkins Glen feels like a celebration of racing history and an acknowledgment that fans want to see more diversity in tracks. Whether you’re rooting for an underdog to sneak into the playoffs or just here for the curb-jumping chaos, the Mission 176 at The Glen promises to bring it all.
