Watkins Glen International has long stood as a crucible where NASCAR’s best face one of road racing’s toughest challenges. This weekend, the 24th race of the 2025 Cup Series season brings teams back to the historic New York venue for 90 laps of strategy, precision, and survival. While wins at The Glen are celebrated, consistency often defines true strength. Here’s how the top five drivers entering Sunday’s race stack up based on their recent average finishes at this storied road course.
Key Highlights
Chris Buescher leads all drivers with a 5.7 average finish in his last three Watkins Glen starts, including one victory.
Christopher Bell ranks second with an 8.3 average finish, highlighted by a string of top-ten results.
Joey Logano, the defending Cup champion, holds a 9.3 average but endured late-race drama in 2024.
Kyle Larson and Austin Cindric both average 13.0, with Larson’s 2022 win standing out among recent runs.
Other notable figures include Chase Elliott (10.6 average), Kyle Busch (11.7), and past winners Shane van Gisbergen, Carson Hocevar, and Zane Smith.
A Track Built on History and Challenge
Watkins Glen International traces its roots back to 1948, when road racing returned to American soil after World War II. Originally held on public streets, safety concerns led to the opening of a permanent facility in 1956. Over time, it became a stage for legendary Formula One battles, iconic sports car endurance races, and unforgettable NASCAR duels. The current 2.45-mile NASCAR layout, with its 11 turns and the signature Inner Loop chicane added in 1992, demands perfection from every driver who takes it on. Elevation changes, fast sweepers, and unpredictable weather conditions make each lap a test of mental and physical endurance. Many consider a strong performance here to be just as valuable as a victory on any oval.
Chris Buescher
Chris Buescher leads the field in average finish over the last three Watkins Glen events with an impressive 5.7. The driver of the No. 17 car has found a rhythm at this road course, turning consistency into results. He scored a win here in 2024, added one top-five, and never finished outside the top ten in this span, leading 19 laps along the way. Entering this weekend, Buescher sits on the playoff cutline in 16th place, with five top-fives and seven top-tens in 2025. Another strong showing at The Glen could help him solidify his postseason hopes as the regular season winds down.
Christopher Bell
Christopher Bell has quietly established himself as a reliable contender at Watkins Glen, averaging an 8.3 finish in his last three races. While the Joe Gibbs Racing driver has yet to win on this course, his record shows one top-five and two top-ten results in this span. Bell has been a standout on road courses throughout 2025, winning earlier this season at COTA, part of a streak of three straight victories that also included Atlanta and Phoenix. Ranked third in the playoff standings, Bell’s smooth, calculated approach to The Glen’s technical layout makes him one of the top threats to break through for a win this Sunday.
Joey Logano
Joey Logano sits third among current drivers with a 9.3 average finish at Watkins Glen over his past three starts. The defending Cup Series champion has shown speed, leading 21 laps during this stretch, but hasn’t always converted opportunities into wins. In 2024, a late attempt to pass Brad Keselowski ended in a multi-car crash with William Byron, dropping Logano to 15th place. Despite just one victory this season and holding the tenth playoff seed, Logano’s aggressive racing style keeps him in the mix. His ability to balance risk and patience on Sunday could define his run.
Kyle Larson and Austin Cindric
Kyle Larson and Austin Cindric both enter with a 13.0 average finish, but their Watkins Glen stories differ. Larson, the 2021 Cup champion, claimed victory here in 2022, outdueling AJ Allmendinger in a hard-fought finish. He’s added one top-five and two top-twenty finishes in his last three starts. Larson remains a powerhouse on road courses and is currently second in playoff points, looking to reclaim past glory at The Glen.
Cindric, meanwhile, has yet to crack victory lane here but has stayed competitive, collecting one top-ten and three top-twenty results. Sitting 12th in the playoff standings thanks to his Talladega win, he hopes a breakthrough at The Glen will bolster his postseason position.
Other Notables and The Challenge Ahead
While the top five highlight the field, others have shown strength on this road course. Chase Elliott, with a 10.6 average in eight Cup starts, remains one of NASCAR’s most accomplished road racers. Kyle Busch averages 11.7 in 19 appearances, though his last win here came a decade ago. Recent one-off winners like Shane van Gisbergen, Carson Hocevar, and Zane Smith have added unpredictability to this track’s modern era.
With 90 laps ahead on Sunday, The Glen’s reputation for drama remains intact. Its 11 turns, high-speed Esses, and treacherous Bus Stop chicane can turn a strong day into heartbreak—or a surprise charge to victory lane—within a single lap. Consistency has paid dividends here, but in 2025’s unpredictable season, even the best averages guarantee nothing.
News in Brief: Average Finish Leaders at NASCAR Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen International hosts the 24th race of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season this Sunday, with Chris Buescher leading active drivers in average finish over the last three starts at 5.7. Christopher Bell, Joey Logano, Kyle Larson, and Austin Cindric round out the top five, each seeking momentum ahead of the playoffs. Other notable contenders include Chase Elliott, Kyle Busch, and past one-off winners. Expect high speeds, strategy gambles, and relentless pressure over 90 laps at this historic track. Watch live at 2 p.m. ET on USA Network this Sunday.
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