The highly anticipated NASCAR Cup Series Watkins Glen lineup has been determined after qualifying at Watkins Glen International in New York, with Ryan Blaney capturing the top starting spot for the August 2025 race. Teams descended on the 2.45-mile circuit, aiming for strong practice runs and qualifying results ahead of Sunday’s main event.
Intense Qualifying Action Sets the 2025 Watkins Glen Starting Grid
NASCAR teams arrived at Watkins Glen with high hopes for a strong race weekend, with drivers putting everything on the line during practice and qualifying sessions. The historic road course brings a unique set of challenges, pushing competitors to perform precise laps under pressure.
Ryan Blaney ultimately delivered an impressive lap time of 1:11.960, securing pole position and reaffirming his speed at road courses. Blaney’s achievement highlights intense competition among top NASCAR teams as they prepare for one of the premier events in the series calendar.
Throughout qualifying, well-known names in the field traded quick times. Shane van Gisbergen demonstrated remarkable pace to claim the second spot on the grid, closely trailing Blaney with a lap of 1:11.993. Chase Briscoe took third with a 1:11.997, while Ross Chastain and Kyle Busch rounded out the top five with times of 1:12.081 and 1:12.144, respectively.
Full Starting Order: Drivers and Their Qualifying Efforts
Below is the complete starting order for the NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International on August 9, 2025, featuring many of the sport’s leading competitors:
1. Ryan Blaney – 1:11.960
2. Shane van Gisbergen – 1:11.993
3. Chase Briscoe – 1:11.997
4. Ross Chastain – 1:12.081
5. Kyle Busch – 1:12.144
6. Michael McDowell – 1:12.180
7. Alex Bowman – 1:12.199
8. Carson Hocevar – 1:12.200
9. Christopher Bell – 1:12.210
10. William Byron – 1:12.215
11. Joey Logano – 1:12.235
12. Chris Buescher – 1:12.265
13. Austin Cindric – 1:12.300
14. Ty Gibbs – 1:12.304
15. Bubba Wallace – 1:12.412
16. Brad Keselowski – 1:12.427
17. Ryan Preece – 1:12.443
18. AJ Allmendinger – 1:12.451
19. Daniel Suarez – 1:12.461
20. Chase Elliott – 1:12.465
21. Tyler Reddick – 1:12.487
22. Denny Hamlin – 1:12.507
23. Justin Haley – 1:12.552
24. Josh Berry – 1:12.576
25. Connor Zilisch – 1:12.603
26. Austin Dillon – 1:12.667
27. Kyle Larson – 1:12.718
28. Todd Gilliland – 1:12.718
29. Riley Herbst – 1:12.736
30. Erik Jones – 1:12.764
31. John Hunter Nemechek – 1:12.838
32. Cole Custer – 1:12.923
33. Ty Dillon – 1:12.989
34. Zane Smith – 1:13.153
35. Ricky Stenhouse Jr – 1:13.170
36. Noah Gragson – 1:13.190
37. Cody Ware – 1:13.698
38. Katherine Legge – 1:14.504
39. JJ Yeley – 1:14.955
40. Josh Bilicki – 1:15.092
Key Drivers and Racing Storylines to Watch
The upcoming race at Watkins Glen will feature a mix of seasoned veterans and talented newcomers. With Ryan Blaney at the helm after his pole-winning lap, competitors like Shane van Gisbergen, Chase Briscoe, and Ross Chastain will be looking to challenge for the win as soon as the green flag drops. Noteworthy drivers such as Kyle Busch, Michael McDowell, and Alex Bowman will also be seeking an advantage in the early stages.
High-profile racers including Tyler Reddick, Denny Hamlin, and Joey Logano add further depth to the grid, making for a competitive field in New York at one of NASCAR’s most popular road courses. For eager fans and teams alike, the Watkins Glen International event remains a highlight of the season and a critical test for both driver skill and team strategy.
What’s Next for the NASCAR Cup Series at Watkins Glen?
As qualifying results shape the grid, the focus now shifts to race day preparations. Teams will review data to fine-tune their setups, while drivers like Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott – who have strong histories at road courses – will be eager to capitalize on their starting positions. With the entire NASCAR Cup Series field ready to compete in upstate New York, anticipation and passion are building for a race where both precision and bold strategy can define the outcome.
The final NASCAR Cup Series Watkins Glen lineup provides a wide-open stage for standout performances, dramatic moments, and potential championship implications as the season progresses. The 2025 running at Watkins Glen promises fierce competition and high emotional energy that exemplify the spirit of NASCAR on one of its most legendary circuits.
