Kaulig Racing at Watkins Glen International is delivering fresh excitement with the announcement that Bailey Zimmerman’s upcoming album, “Different Night Same Rodeo,” will be showcased on the No. 11 Chevrolet during Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series event. The partnership aligns the energy and fanfare of NASCAR with the launch of Zimmerman’s second album, presenting fans with a weekend of intense racing, new sponsor activations, and star-studded appearances across August 8–10 in New York.
Zimmerman’s “Different Night Same Rodeo,” releasing August 8, 2025, carries 18 tracks of emotionally charged, rock-inspired country anthems, including hits like “Holy Smokes” and “Backup Plan” featuring Luke Combs. This is the second time Zimmerman has collaborated with Kaulig Racing, following the feature of “Religiously. The Album.” on AJ Allmendinger’s victorious No. 10 Chevy in 2022 at Nashville. That first record not only brought home a win but debuted at No. 3 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums and No. 7 on the all-genre Billboard 200, with the title track soaring to his third country radio No. 1.
Bailey Zimmerman Expected to Electrify Fans with Live Performances
In addition to the album’s prime placement, Bailey Zimmerman will bring his signature sound directly to fans. He’s set to perform both new songs from “Different Night Same Rodeo” and favorites from his first album on his “New to Country Tour” stop. The show is scheduled for Saturday, August 9, at the Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua, NY, starting at 7:30 p.m., promising a convergence of music and motorsports spectacle for attendees.
Kaulig Racing’s Track Record and Ambitions at Watkins Glen
Kaulig Racing enters Watkins Glen International with momentum, having made seven NASCAR Cup Series starts and achieving two runner-up finishes at this renowned road course. In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Kaulig has clinched two second-place finishes, four top-five results, and a total of seven top-10 appearances at The Glen, underlining the team’s consistency on one of the calendar’s most demanding circuits.
Spotlight on the No. 10 Team: Ty Dillon Returns with Sea Best
This weekend, the No. 10 Sea Best Camaro ZL1, helmed by Ty Dillon and managed by crew chief Andrew Dickeson, will carry the colors of Sea Best, the flagship brand of Beaver Street Fisheries from Jacksonville, Florida. Known for its quality frozen seafood—offering products ranging from ahi tuna and cod to shrimp, scallops, and lobster—Sea Best’s involvement provides further prestige to the weekend.
Ty Dillon will be highly visible, engaging with fans and the community. Sunday morning, August 10, starts with Dillon joining MRO chaplain Nick Terry for the Fan Chapel Service at 8:15 a.m. ET at the NASCAR Experience Stage. Later, at 10:30 a.m. ET, he’ll sign autographs at the Chevrolet Merchandise Hauler, followed by a Family Feud game at 11:00 a.m. ET.
Dillon brings significant experience to Watkins Glen International, returning for his 10th career start. Across nine prior appearances—five in the Cup Series and four in Xfinity—his best finish was fifth in 2015 while racing Xfinity. Dillon’s history at road courses and his desire for a strong season finish make this start a meaningful one.
“I’m excited about this weekend at Watkins Glen. We ran really good at Sonoma (Raceway), our last road course, so if we can continue the momentum of that and build off that, we’ll have a good weekend. It’s a road course that I’ve run a good bit and that’s exciting for me and adds a little familiarity. It’s been two years since I’ve been on the track, but not much has changed. We need to rebound after having some rough luck the last few weeks and get a solid finish at Watkins Glen to finish out the year strong.”
—Ty Dillon, No. 10 Driver
AJ Allmendinger and Grizzly Nicotine Pouches Headline the No. 16 Team
The No. 16 Grizzly Nicotine Pouches Camaro ZL1, with AJ Allmendinger at the wheel and crew chief Trent Owens calling shots, will have Grizzly Nicotine Pouches as primary sponsor. This tobacco leaf-free product, available across the nation where permitted, marks another unique partnership for Kaulig Racing during the highly anticipated event.
Allmendinger, a proven road course specialist, returns to the site of his first NASCAR Cup Series victory achieved at Watkins Glen in 2014. He followed that initial win with additional triumphs at road courses, including the pivotal first win for Kaulig Racing in the 2022 Verizon Brickyard 200. Out of 13 career starts at The Glen, Allmendinger has earned one pole, led 60 laps, and averages a 10.8 finish. So far in the 2025 season, he holds one top five and five top-10s, having led four laps this year.
The Glen Club will host a Q&A session with AJ Allmendinger on Sunday, August 10, from 10:30 to 10:45 a.m. ET, allowing fans an opportunity for direct interaction.
“Watkins Glen is always special to me; it’s a racetrack that we’re always really fast at as well. We have the opportunity to be in contention this weekend if we execute well. Obviously, we want a shot to win, but ultimately, we need a solid run and this is a racetrack that we can do it at.”
—AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Driver
Daniel Dye and Mental Health Advocacy with Race to Stop Suicide
The No. 10 Chevrolet, under crew chief Kevin Walter and driven by Daniel Dye, will highlight “Race to Stop Suicide” as its main partner. This initiative leverages motorsport’s wide reach to address mental health and suicide prevention, carrying out training and support efforts via the Madison County Rural Health Council (MCRHC) in Cazenovia, NY, as an associate sponsor.
A debutant at Watkins Glen International in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Dye is coming off a successful ARCA Menards Series appearance at The Glen, where he notched a top-five finish. This primary sponsorship underscores a broader mission to destigmatize mental health issues in communities, especially for teens in rural areas.
“We’re honored to partner with Daniel Dye Racing to raise awareness for youth mental health and the importance of Mental Health First Aid. This collaboration helps shine a light on the critical need for mental health education, support, and early intervention—especially for teens in rural communities.”
—Madison County Rural Health Council
“Road courses are typically challenging for me, but Watkins Glen is different than some of the other road courses we go to, in that it’s not quite as technically challenging. Hopefully that plays to my advantage a little. I’m excited to have Race to Stop Suicide back on our No. 10 Chevy this weekend, a cause that’s really close to my heart.”
—Daniel Dye, No. 10 Driver
Michael McDowell Returns to Xfinity at The Glen for “Different Night Same Rodeo”
Veteran road racer Michael McDowell is set for his fourth NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Watkins Glen International, piloting the No. 11 Chevrolet featuring Bailey Zimmerman’s “Different Night Same Rodeo.” Crew chief Eddie Pardue oversees this effort, building upon McDowell’s prior Xfinity accomplishments, including one victory, two poles, and two runner-up results on road courses.
McDowell’s last Xfinity appearance at The Glen was in 2010. His experience across several racing series at this iconic New York road course, plus familiarity with both Kaulig Racing and Spire., positions him as a strong contender this weekend.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve driven an Xfinity car, so I’m really excited about it. We are going to one of my favorite tracks at Watkins Glen and a place where I have a lot of experience in a handful of different series. It’s going to be a big weekend. I’m thankful for the opportunity and excited to get to the track with both Kaulig and Spire.”
—Michael McDowell, No. 11 Driver
Christian Eckes and Celsius Power a Promising Start
Making his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at Watkins Glen International, Christian Eckes will be behind the wheel of the No. 16 Celsius Chevrolet. Guided by crew chief Alex Yontz, Eckes will showcase Celsius—a brand known for energy and hydration products made with zero sugar and key vitamins—throughout the Mission 200 at the Glen, also leveraging an onboard camera for fans.
Friday, August 8, presents fans with the chance to meet Christian Eckes at Wegmans on 24 S Bridge St in Corning, NY, between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET, where he will be hosting a meet-and-greet, signing autographs, and sharing Celsius product samples. Eckes previously raced at Watkins Glen in the 2021 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and heads into this Xfinity event with three top-five and nine top-10 finishes in 2025, including two top fives at road courses already this season.
“I’m excited to get back on a road course this weekend. I haven’t been to Watkins Glen in a few years, so it will be interesting to see how the track has changed over that time. We’ve had some success here & there on these types of tracks this season, and I have no doubt that our Celsius Camaro team will be ready for the challenge.”
—Christian Eckes, No. 16 Driver
Fan Engagement Opportunities with the Kaulig Racing Drivers
Kaulig Racing is emphasizing fan interaction this weekend. Christian Eckes begins the festivities Friday with his Corning, NY appearance. On Sunday, Ty Dillon starts the day at the NASCAR Experience Stage, then signs autographs at the Chevrolet Merchandise Hauler and participates in a Family Feud game. Competing driver AJ Allmendinger appears for a Q&A at the Glen Club, rounding out a schedule that offers multiple opportunities for fans to connect with their racing heroes.
The Larger Impact: Racing, Entertainment, and Social Good Intersect at Watkins Glen
This high-energy weekend at Watkins Glen International finds Kaulig Racing blending motorsport tradition with modern entertainment. Collaborations with partners like Sea Best, Grizzly Nicotine Pouches, Race to Stop Suicide, Celsius, and country star Bailey Zimmerman reflect the team’s drive to capture attention on and off the track. Whether it’s the debut of a rock-powered country album, an advocate for mental health, or seasoned drivers seeking victory, the focus remains on delivering an engaging and unforgettable experience for fans while promoting important causes and showcasing the performance and persistence of Kaulig Racing at Watkins Glen International. As the checkered flag nears, anticipation builds for who will seize the podium—and how these off-track partnerships will leave a lasting mark on the sport.
