For the first time in five years, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series returns to Watkins Glen International, kicking off the tripleheader weekend with the Mission 176 at The Glen on Friday evening. It will be only the third Truck Series race at the New York road course since 2000, with the playoff picture adding an extra layer of intensity. Seven playoff spots are locked, but three remain in play. With only two races left in the regular season, every point – and every lap – could be decisive.
Key Highlights
Third Truck Series race at Watkins Glen since 2000, first since 2021.
Seven drivers have clinched playoff spots; three remain open.
Corey Heim leads Chandler Smith by 143 points for the regular season title.
Four NASCAR Cup Series drivers entered, including Christopher Bell and Kyle Busch.
Kaden Honeycutt switches to Halmar Friesen Racing starting at Richmond.
Return to The Glen Brings High Stakes
The Truck Series’ return to Watkins Glen adds both history and drama. Austin Hill won here in 2021, holding off John Hunter Nemechek and Sheldon Creed in a tense finish. Greg Biffle claimed the inaugural Truck Series race at The Glen in 2000, leading from the pole. Now, 24 years later, the series is back with a playoff race inside the race. Seven drivers have already secured their postseason berths via wins, leaving three positions to be decided on points. A new winner could throw the playoff standings into chaos with just one race left afterward.
Heim Dominates Regular Season, Others Chase Playoff Security
Corey Heim enters with a commanding 143-point cushion over Chandler Smith for the regular season championship. Behind them, Grant Enfinger, Kaden Honeycutt, and reigning champion Ty Majeski occupy the final three points positions inside the playoff grid. Majeski’s 61-point lead over Jake Garcia for the 10th and final playoff spot offers breathing room, but one slip at The Glen could erase that margin.
Layne Riggs carries momentum after winning two of the last three races, including the last event at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. Heim’s earlier win at Lime Rock Park – the season’s other road course – cements him as a favorite here.
Cup Series Talent Joins the Truck Field
Four NASCAR Cup Series drivers will compete at The Glen, adding star power and challenge for the regulars. Christopher Bell will drive the No. 52 Halmar Friesen Racing Toyota in place of injured Stewart Friesen. Kyle Busch takes the wheel of the No. 07 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, Ross Chastain pilots the No. 44 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet, and Chris Buescher will make his Truck Series debut in the No. 66 ThorSport Racing Ford. Their presence ensures that playoff hopefuls will have to beat some of the sport’s best to secure vital points or a win.
Driver Changes Add Extra Intrigue
Kaden Honeycutt, previously with Niece Motorsports, will run the remainder of the season with Halmar Friesen Racing starting at Richmond on August 15. His departure from Niece on August 4 led to Connor Zilisch stepping in for the No. 45 Chevrolet this weekend. Zilisch will also make his first career triple-duty weekend, competing across three NASCAR series at Watkins Glen. These roster moves add to an already unpredictable playoff battle in the Truck Series.
News in Brief: NASCAR Truck Race Returns to Watkins Glen
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series returns to Watkins Glen for the Mission 176, its first race there since 2021 and only third since 2000. Seven playoff berths are set, with Corey Heim leading the regular season by 143 points, while Majeski holds the final playoff spot over Garcia by 61 points. Layne Riggs, fresh off two wins in three races, joins Heim as a favorite. Cup drivers Bell, Busch, Chastain, and Buescher enter the field. Kaden Honeycutt shifts to Halmar Friesen, with Connor Zilisch filling his old Niece seat. Tune in Friday, 5 p.m. ET, FS1, for the action.
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