With the NASCAR event at Watkins Glen approaching, excitement is mounting over Kevin Harvick Watkins Glen race prediction, especially given the heated rivalry on the road course between Shane van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch. The discussion was front and center on the latest episode of Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast, as Harvick and his co-hosts made their picks ahead of this high-stakes, action-packed weekend.
Harvick and Co-Hosts Reveal Their Picks for Watkins Glen
Shane van Gisbergen’s stellar form on road courses this season has kept him firmly in the spotlight, making him the driver to watch. As anticipation built, Kevin Harvick addressed whether van Gisbergen was his pick for the win, keeping his fellow hosts guessing before confirming his support.
“I’m just kidding. Yeah, well, I like (the SVG pick).”
—Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Driver and Podcaster
Van Gisbergen’s dominance this season is clear, with victories at Sonoma, Chicago, and Mexico City setting him apart as a road course specialist. Harvick’s endorsement comes as little surprise to fans and fellow analysts, adding weight to Gisbergen’s status as a frontrunner at Watkins Glen.
Meanwhile, Mamba Smith, another co-host, threw his support behind Connor Zilisch, ramping up the competitive tension.
“You know what, I know who you’re going to pick and I’m going to go against it. The archrival,”
Smith said.
“The kid. Give me Connor freaking Zilisch, because why not. I think that the other road course races he’s had in the Cup Series, I think it was really COTA, he’s got a lot of experience at this place. I think he’s going to be impressive. It’s going to be a show.”
—Mamba Smith, Co-Host
Adding another perspective, co-host Kaitlyn Vincie selected Ty Gibbs as her favored winner.
“I already kind of said, I pick Ty Gibbs,”
she affirmed.
“I think this could be a good shot for him. He’s good on the road courses.”
—Kaitlyn Vincie, Journalist and Co-Host
Major NASCAR Rivalries Set the Stage for the Weekend
The rising rivalry between van Gisbergen and Zilisch gives this weekend’s competition a razor-sharp edge. Their recent road course battles have captivated NASCAR followers, as both drivers have displayed top-tier talent and tactical racing. Zilisch and van Gisbergen’s encounters have seen them trade victories and positions, stirring fans’ expectations for another exciting contest at The Glen.
Adding further drama, Michael McDowell and Chris Buescher enter the mix as formidable competitors. McDowell, well-known for his prowess on road courses, will compete in the Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing, while Buescher plans to make his debut in the Truck Series. Their participation raises the intensity of the races and underscores the depth of the driver lineup competing at Watkins Glen this year.
Connor Zilisch Poised for a Demanding Weekend
For Connor Zilisch, this weekend is especially crucial and challenging. Set to compete in three races—including head-to-head meetings with big names such as van Gisbergen, Buescher, and McDowell—Zilisch faces a true test of both endurance and skill. This gauntlet of competitors ensures that every victory must be hard earned.
Zilisch’s journey will also see him racing against SVG in the Xfinity Series, continuing their ongoing rivalry. The battle lines were drawn after Zilisch beat van Gisbergen at Sonoma, a response to an earlier contest in Chicago. Alongside these high-stakes showdowns, Brent Crews, another standout young driver and former Trans Am winner at Watkins Glen, joins the field in the Truck Series.
The presence of Corey Heim, winner of the last three road course races in the Truck Series, means Zilisch is surrounded by some of the sport’s brightest talent at every turn. With so many star drivers on the track together, the stage is set for an unforgettable weekend filled with fierce battles and unpredictable outcomes at Watkins Glen.
What This Means for the NASCAR Road Course Season
The energy and rivalries building for this Watkins Glen event reflect bigger trends in NASCAR, highlighting the impact of emerging talents like Zilisch and the sustained dominance of veterans like van Gisbergen. With additional fan interest stoked by personalities such as Kevin Harvick, Kaitlyn Vincie, and Mamba Smith, plus the depth of competition from Michael McDowell and Chris Buescher, the stage is ripe for drama-laden racing.
As the green flag drops, attention will remain fixed on Kevin Harvick Watkins Glen race prediction, especially as elite road course racers look to outduel one another on one of the season’s most technical tracks. NASCAR fans and analysts are eager to see if SVG continues his winning ways, if Zilisch can pull off a remarkable sweep, or if another contender like Ty Gibbs will surprise the field and claim victory.
