The NASCAR Xfinity Series qualifying at Watkins Glen International takes place today, Saturday, August 9, setting the stage for this afternoon’s race and drawing the attention of motorsports fans. For viewers looking to follow the event, up-to-date details on the session’s structure, start times across time zones, streaming, and the full qualifying order are all available for those interested in the NASCAR Xfinity Series qualifying Watkins Glen.
Qualifying Format and Top Drivers to Watch
Saturday’s qualifying round at Watkins Glen decides the starting order for the race later in the day. The session features a single round, with drivers split into two separate groups, each group participating in its own 20-minute session to register lap times. This format provides a focused opportunity for each driver to compete for pole position under varied track conditions.
Connor Zilisch from JR Motorsports is among the most closely watched participants. Although his recent three-race winning streak ended, Zilisch has demonstrated strong performance on road courses throughout the season with two pole positions and two wins at similar layouts. He also made headlines last year by winning on his Xfinity Series debut at Watkins Glen, setting high expectations for his return.
Despite Zilisch’s impressive record, the field is especially competitive this weekend as several NASCAR Cup Series drivers join the Xfinity grid. Their presence adds further intrigue to qualifying, with established names aiming to make their mark alongside emerging talent.
Qualifying Start Time Across U.S. Time Zones
The qualifying session at Watkins Glen International begins at 10:35 a.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, August 9, immediately following practice, which starts at 9:30 a.m. ET. To accommodate viewers across the country, here are the local start times for qualifying:
United States (ET): 10:35 a.m.
United States (CT): 9:35 a.m.
United States (MT): 8:35 a.m.
United States (PT): 7:35 a.m.
How to Watch Qualifying Live—Streaming Details
This year’s qualifying will not air on live television. Instead, viewers can tune in for free using The CW App, which also offers live coverage of the Xfinity Series practice session earlier in the morning. This provides fans easy access to all the action without cost.
No live radio coverage is available for this session, so streaming through The CW App remains the exclusive real-time option for those eager to follow qualifying events as they happen.
The CW App stands out in 2025 as the official, exclusive broadcaster for Xfinity Series qualifying and practice sessions, continuing to offer free streaming as part of its NASCAR commitment.
Complete Order: Which Driver Qualifies When?
Qualifying is divided into two groups, with each driver set to make their timed runs in the following sequence:
Group 1:
1. Kaz Grala, No. 24, Sam Hunt Racing toyota/”>Toyota
2. Austin Green, No. 32, Jordan Anderson Racing chevrolet/”>Chevrolet
3. Stefan Parsons, No. 45, Alpha Prime Racing Chevrolet
4. Glen Reen, No. 35, Joey Gase Motorsports Chevrolet
5. Garrett Smithley, No. 14, SS GreenLight Racing Chevrolet
6. Thomas Annunziata, No. 70, Cope Family Racing Chevrolet
7. Matt DiBenedetto, No. 99, Viking Motorsports Chevrolet
8. Daniel Dye, No. 10, Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
9. Preston Pardus, No. 07, SS GreenLight Racing Chevrolet
10. Austin J. Hill, No. 53, Joey Gase Motorsports Chevrolet
11. Blaine Perkins, No. 31, Jordan Anderson Racing Chevrolet
12. Dean Thompson, No. 26, Sam Hunt Racing Toyota
13. Ryan Ellis, No. 71, DGM Racing x JIM Chevrolet
14. Anthony Alfredo, No. 42, Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet
15. Jeb Burton, No. 27, Jordan Anderson Racing Chevrolet
16. Josh Bilicki, No. 91, DGM Racing x JIM Chevrolet
17. Jeremy Clements, No. 51, Jeremy Clements Racing Chevrolet
18. Kyle Sieg, No. 28, RSS Racing ford/”>Ford
19. Brennan Poole, No. 44, Alpha Prime Racing Chevrolet
20. Brandon Jones, No. 20, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Group 2:
21. Nick Sanchez, No. 48, Big Machine Racing Chevrolet
22. Parker Retzlaff, No. 4, Alpha Prime Racing Chevrolet
23. Taylor Gray, No. 54, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
24. William Sawalich, No. 18, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
25. Sammy Smith, No. 8, JR Motorsports Chevrolet
26. Christian Eckes, No. 16, Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
27. Justin Allgaier, No. 7, JR Motorsports Chevrolet
28. Riley Herbst, No. 19, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
29. Austin Hill, No. 21, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
30. Shane Van Gisbergen, No. 9, JR Motorsports Chevrolet
31. Michael McDowell, No. 11, Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
32. Ryan Sieg, No. 39, RSS Racing Ford
33. Carson Kvapil, No. 1, JR Motorsports Chevrolet
34. Sheldon Creed, No. 00, Haas Factory Team Ford
35. Harrison Burton, No. 25, AM Racing Ford
36. Connor Zilisch, No. 88, JR Motorsports Chevrolet
37. Jesse Love, No. 2, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
38. Sam Mayer, No. 41, Haas Factory Team Ford
Previewing the Implications of Qualifying
With no shortage of attention on drivers like Connor Zilisch, as well as figures such as Anthony Alfredo, Blaine Perkins, Brandon Jones, and Carson Kvapil, the competitive spirit at Watkins Glen International is palpable. Experienced racers from organizations like JR Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Alpha Prime Racing will all be vying for a strong starting position.
Events like this qualifying round serve as a crucial step in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, as a strong session can shape the race’s strategy and the potential for victory. With top competitors and Cup Series regulars challenging the younger talents, the outcome at Watkins Glen may have significant impact on the season standings, offering both seasoned veterans and future stars the chance to shine. Fans will be watching closely, anticipating a dramatic and decisive session that could influence the course of upcoming races.
