Watkins Glen International has long been the stage for unforgettable moments in NASCAR, and the Chris Buescher Watkins Glen NASCAR finish stands out among its most dramatic finales. Time and again, the track has delivered heart-stopping showdowns, driven by rivalry, resilience, and the pursuit of the checkered flag.
Memorable Moments in Watkins Glen’s NASCAR History
Widely recognized as one of America’s most iconic road courses, Watkins Glen International has been the venue for some of NASCAR’s most thrilling last-lap duels. In 2012, excitement peaked when Kyle Busch seemed destined for victory before contact from Brad Keselowski changed the race’s momentum on the final circuit.
Kyle Busch’s misfortune was immediately followed by a tug-of-war between Brad Keselowski and the Tasmanian racer Marcos Ambrose. Despite Keselowski’s determined efforts, a tire issue in the race’s final turns ended his chances, allowing Ambrose to seize the win with a dramatic pass in the closing moments.
Dale Jarrett, former Cup driver and current broadcaster, captured the electrifying nature of that finish, stating,
“That was a year’s worth of excitement in 2.45 miles (WGI’s length).”
—Dale Jarrett, Broadcaster
Keselowski lost in heartbreaking fashion but resonated with Jarrett’s view, telling ESPN.com, “That’s how racing should be.” —Brad Keselowski, NASCAR Driver
Chris Buescher’s Tense Triumph and the Rise of Shane van Gisbergen
Last year’s event at The Glen added another celebrated chapter. The race headed into double overtime, with a final restart setting up an intense conclusion. Shane van Gisbergen, already victorious in the inaugural Chicago Street Race and considered a front-runner, seemed poised to collect a second Cup win. However, a rare error during a critical moment saw him falter and Chris Buescher seize the opportunity.
Buescher reflected on that decisive moment, recounting van Gisbergen’s slip:
“I had a feeling something big was going to happen and sure enough, he had that big slide,”
—Chris Buescher, NASCAR Driver
Buescher further acknowledged the significance of Watkins Glen finishes, saying,
“There have been so many fantastic last one or two laps here at The Glen and I certainly feel like I’m going to go back and watch that one, and it’s going to feel like it’s going to add up with some of the old school Ambrose, Keselowski battles or a handful of others.”
—Chris Buescher, NASCAR Driver
Shane van Gisbergen lamented the mistake that cost him victory, unaware of what the future held. Since then, van Gisbergen has already racked up three wins in 2025 and is a strong contender in upcoming events. After coming so close to Buescher last year, many expect van Gisbergen to be a frontrunner if another nail-biting finish arises at Watkins Glen on Sunday.
The Enduring Allure of Watkins Glen’s Final Laps
Each finish at Watkins Glen International reinforces its reputation for epic showdowns and career-defining moments. With history shaped by drivers like Marcos Ambrose, Kyle Busch, Brad Keselowski, and recent battles between Chris Buescher and Shane van Gisbergen, anticipation for every race remains high. As another showdown looms, fans and racers alike look to the final laps for new legends to emerge at this storied road course.
