NASCAR’s Watkins Glen Drama and the Drivers to Watch at Richmond
Watkins Glen always delivers, doesn’t it? Whether you’re here for the raw competition or just the inevitable chaos, this track continues to leave fans entertained and sometimes bewildered. With Shane van Gisbergen doing what he does best. Mastering road courses while also adding some major head-scratchers from usual frontrunners.
Even so, it’s time to dissect who’s up and who’s sliding down the pecking order as we barrel toward the playoffs. Here’s an inside look at the highs and lows from the Cup Series’ Go Bowling at the Glen at Watkins Glen International.
Shane van Gisbergen Flexes, Again
Seriously, can NASCAR just rename the Watkins Glen road course after van Gisbergen at this point? The rookie didn’t just win. He owned the Glen. Leading 38 out of 90 laps and securing his fourth victory of the season, the guy has now tied Denny Hamlin in wins for 2025. Fun fact? He’s the first Cup Series rookie to snag four wins in a season.
The Up and Down Rollercoaster – Who’s Rising?
Christopher Bell – Back in the Fight
Finally, Christopher Bell fans can breathe a sigh of relief. After weeks of underwhelming performances, he storms back with a 2nd-place finish, his best since Sonoma. It’s like watching Spider-Man regain his powers. Just in time too, because Bell and oval tracks need to rekindle their romance heading into Richmond.
Daniel Suárez – Fighting for a Seat
Suárez hit the top 10 for the first time since May, and honestly, it’s about time. Every race for him right now is basically a live audition, and while a Richmond win feels like a shot in the dark, his 93 laps led there last year say he’s not out yet. Stay tuned; this could get spicy.
Ross Chastain – Chaos Personified
Chastain might need a second nickname, something like “The Mayhem Maestro.” Sure, he gave Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch headaches, but he walked away from Watkins Glen with a top-10. That’s a solid day for the Trackhouse squad.
Drivers Who Had a Weekend to Forget
Kyle Larson – Brakes? What Brakes?
Imagine starting in P26, barely getting out of first gear, and then spending most of your day on pit road at Watkins Glen thanks to a brake issue. Not, ideal. Larson wrapped up his day in 39th meaning a regular-season title is no longer in the cards for the Hendrick Motorsports driver. Nonetheless, Richmond’s always been kinder to the No. 5 team. Fingers crossed Larson shows up next week.
Chase Elliott – From Hero to Zero
Someone, please check on Chase Elliott’s mojo. The driver who once conquered Watkins Glen ended his streak of top-20 finishes with a 26th-place dud. He’s now trailing William Byron by 42 miserable points in the standings.
Ty Gibbs – Radio Drama and Slipping Wheels
Ty Gibbs had an epic meltdown over the team radio, which was more entertaining than his actual race. Finishing 33rd due to pit road shenanigans and handling issues, Gibbs needs a miracle at Richmond to slip into playoff contention.
Looking Ahead to Richmond
With only two races left before the playoff grid locks in, the stakes are high, the rivalries are hot, and every lap will matter. Richmond’s short track favors the drivers who can manage their aggression and strategy. Bell, Larson, and Suárez might be the drivers to watch here, but don’t count out unexpected shakeups.
Final Thoughts
Watkins Glen displayed a mix of dominance, drama, and chaos, reminding fans why NASCAR continues to deliver some of the most thrilling competition in motorsports. Whether it’s Van Gisbergen rewriting rookie history, Bell looking playoff-ready, or Elliott just trying to stop the bleeding, there’s more to come as the regular season nears its conclusion. Richmond might not bring the unpredictable nature of a road course, but if recent weeks have proven anything, it’s that nothing in this sport is certain.
