The NASCAR Watkins Glen qualifying order has been set as the sport’s top series returns to the famous road course in New York for the 2025 race weekend. The event is expected to draw excitement with its lineup of talent across the NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, Truck Series, and ARCA Menards Series, with each driver aiming for a strong starting position at Watkins Glen International.
Overview of the Watkins Glen Qualifying Event
Watkins Glen International, located in upstate New York, plays host once again to a variety of NASCAR divisions. The 2.45-mile road course is known for its challenging turns and high-speed straights, making the qualifying session particularly vital for success in the main events. NASCAR officials released the detailed qualifying order, providing fans and teams with the metrics that determine the starting spots for each race.
NASCAR Cup Series: Who Leads the Field?
In the NASCAR Cup Series qualifying lineup, JJ Yeley captured the top spot with a metric score of 42.500, putting him up front for the crucial qualifying laps. Connor Zilisch follows closely behind with a 40.400, bringing some fresh energy to the grid. Katherine Legge, posting 39.800, is among several drivers creating buzz with their strong showings during practice runs.
Josh Bilicki, Ty Dillon, and Zane Smith round out the early order, with competitive scores of 37.900, 34.100, and 33.300, respectively. Cody Ware and Todd Gilliland line up closely with 33.200 and 32.800, while Riley Herbst and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. complete the top ten, both eyeing a shot at a breakout weekend at Watkins Glen. The lineup continues with drivers like Noah Gragson, Shane van Gisbergen, Cole Custer, and Daniel Suarez all well-positioned, making for an intensely competitive field.
Notably, names like Michael McDowell, Kyle Larson, Ty Gibbs, and the popular Kyle Busch hold middle spots in the order. Chris Buescher, Erik Jones, AJ Allmendinger, and Denny Hamlin are also part of a second group, ensuring a deep roster of talent with both up-and-coming contenders and established veterans vying for top positions.
Xfinity Series and Truck Series Standouts
The action continues in the Xfinity Series qualifying order, where Kaz Grala tops the list at 40.400, closely matched by Austin Green’s 40.100. Other early front-runners include Stefan Parsons and Glen Reen, both impressing with scores above 35. Not to be overlooked, Garrett Smithley, Thomas Annunziata, and Matt DiBenedetto maintain strong mid-pack positions, while Daniel Dye and Preston Pardus stay competitive as they aim to break through during qualifying.
Further down the order, notable names such as Ryan Ellis, Jeb Burton, Jeremy Clements, and Nick Sanchez show the depth of this season’s field. Established drivers like Justin Allgaier and Riley Herbst are balancing experience with performance as they seek to advance to the front on race day. The diversity of talent is evident in the mix of veterans like Michael McDowell and new faces like Shane van Gisbergen, both of whom could play pivotal roles based on their qualifying runs.
In the Truck Series order, Brent Crews stands out with a strong metric of 58.700, giving him a prominent start. Wesley Slimp and Derek White are also at the head of the pack, boosting the energy for fans waiting to see high-intensity racing. Timmy Hill, Parker Kligerman, and William Lambros make up the rest of the leaders, demonstrating just how many drivers are hungry for strong results on the famed Watkins Glen track. Recognizable competitors like Frankie Muniz and Toni Breidinger add more interest, while formidable entries such as Matt Crafton, Kyle Busch, and Chris Buescher position themselves as threats for the win.
ARCA Menards Series and Full List Highlights
The ARCA Menards Series showcases emerging stars and seasoned participants alike, making Watkins Glen a crucial stage for their aspirations. The qualifying sheet highlights drivers such as William Sawalich, Andres Perez De Lara, and Matt Mills, all striving to convert solid start positions into race-day success. The list features a wide range of driver backgrounds and experiences, from up-and-comers like Gio Ruggiero to race-tested competitors like Matt Crafton and Jack Wood.
With measured performances throughout the order, including names like Connor Mosack, Ben Rhodes, Rajah Caruth, and Daniel Hemric, the stage is set for a dramatic contest as each competitor chases a coveted win in New York.
Impact of the Qualifying Order at Watkins Glen
This year’s NASCAR Watkins Glen qualifying order delivers a compelling mix of star drivers, rising prospects, and returning veterans across all divisions. The depth of competition—featuring standout drivers such as Sheldon Creed, Joey Logano, Ty Dillon, Shane van Gisbergen, Kyle Busch, and Daniel Suarez—signals high-intensity battles for position from the opening laps. Metrics like those achieved by Brent Crews and Kaz Grala suggest an unpredictable weekend, with each driver eager to capitalize on their starting placement and the opportunities the storied Watkins Glen track provides.
As preparations continue, teams and fans alike focus on strategy and execution, knowing that starting position at this road course can heavily influence race strategy and, ultimately, outcomes. With the stage set for intense competition, the upcoming race weekend promises to be one of the highlights of the 2025 NASCAR season.
