With the NASCAR Cup Series barreling into its closing summer stretch, anticipation soars for the Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International. Set for Sunday, August 10, 2025, this pivotal 24th race of the season gathers the world’s best stock car drivers at one of America’s most iconic road courses. A tough, technical circuit nestled in New York’s Finger Lakes, “The Glen” demands precision, nerve, and race strategy.
As playoff tension mounts, fans are poised for a dramatic contest where history provides context, the venue itself is a star, and this year’s lineup overflows with elite contenders. Here’s an in-depth look at the track’s legacy, the race’s celebrated place in NASCAR lore, and five drivers most favored to conquer The Glen in 2025.
Watkins Glen International: Road Racing’s American Gem
Racing at Watkins Glen traces its roots to 1948, an era when enthusiasts wound sports cars through village streets and farm roads in upstate New York. By 1956, tragedy and increased safety demands led to the construction of a permanent circuit—Watkins Glen International. Its technical design, nestled among rolling hills, was revolutionary for the time and quickly propelled The Glen into national and global prominence.
The track’s golden era began in 1961 with the arrival of the Formula One United States Grand Prix, hosting legends like Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, and Emerson Fittipaldi through 1980. Over the decades, the layout has seen careful evolution. The addition of the “Inner Loop” chicane in 1992, after NASCAR’s J.D. McDuffie suffered a fatal crash, reflects the ongoing focus on safety and competitiveness. In its current configuration, the 2.45-mile road course offers eight turns and constant elevation change, pairing outright speed with a need for technical finesse. Whether for NASCAR, IMSA, or IndyCar, The Glen’s challenge is as enduring as its picturesque setting. For drivers and fans alike, this track embodies the soul of American road racing.
Go Bowling at The Glen: NASCAR’s Premier Road Racing Showdown
While stock cars first thundered around Watkins Glen in 1957, NASCAR’s Cup Series cemented its annual summer visit beginning in 1986. The Go Bowling at The Glen, as it’s been known since 2018, is now one of NASCAR’s most celebrated non-oval events, attracting road course aces and adding crucial variety to the playoff run-in. Its 90-lap, 221-mile contest is famed for unpredictable strategies, dramatic restarts, and tight battles through signature corners like the Esses and the Inner Loop chicane.
The race’s legacy is rich: NASCAR’s best have delivered unforgettable duels, surprise upsets, and historic first wins. The Glen’s demanding layout punishes mistakes and rewards adaptive driving, making this stop a favorite among fans and drivers. It’s also a highlight for the region, drawing massive crowds and embracing a campground party vibe amplified by deep motorsport heritage. As the sole Cup Series appearance at The Glen in 2025, the Go Bowling race remains a crown jewel of road racing on the NASCAR calendar.
2025 Winner Predictions: Five Drivers to Watch
This year’s Go Bowling at The Glen fields one of the deepest and most talented lineups yet, with several road course ringers and established Cup champions fighting for a critical victory. Based on recent results, track records, practice sessions, and expert odds, here are five active drivers most likely to seize glory Sunday:
Shane van Gisbergen (Trackhouse Racing)
The defending road course sensation, van Gisbergen has dominated recent street and road course events, winning three consecutively and nearly taking this race as a part-timer last season. His background in Supercars and relentless adaptability make him the Vegas favorite and the model’s top pick for 2025.
Chase Elliott (Hendrick Motorsports)
A two-time Watkins Glen winner, Elliott remains one of the series’ elite road course drivers. With three top-five finishes in the season’s four road races so far, his consistency, qualifying prowess, and previous wins at The Glen make him an ever-present threat to retake victory at his “best” track.
Connor Zilisch (Trackhouse Racing)
At just 19, Zilisch has stunned the paddock with five Xfinity Series wins in 2025 and is making his fourth career Cup start this weekend. With remarkable road course skills and surging team momentum, Zilisch sits near the top of betting boards and is one of the most talked-about prospects entering this Sunday’s race.
Kyle Larson (Hendrick Motorsports)
Larson, a two-time Go Bowling at The Glen winner, brings a blend of outright speed and race management few can match on this circuit. Although not the betting favorite, he’s qualified near the front, has momentum on his side, and remains surgical in executing strategy at high-pressure road events.
Brad Keselowski (RFK Racing)
Keselowski isn’t a typical “ring” ringer, but his track record at The Glen is impressive—six top-10s from 14 starts. With strong finishes in recent road races, improved RFK performance, and the added motivation of fighting for a playoff spot, his record of adapting strategy to snatch surprise results could pay off.
News in Brief: 2025 Cup Watkins Glen Predictions
The 2025 Go Bowling at The Glen stands poised to deliver all the high-speed chess, upsets, and crowd-pleasing action that define NASCAR’s second half. Watkins Glen International, with its storied curves, unpredictable weather, and rich tradition, is more than a racetrack—it’s a proving ground, where only the most complete drivers triumph. With a star-studded field and playoff momentum on the line, the stakes could not be higher. Watch for tactical gambits, heart-stopping late restarts, and at least a handful of drivers taking the fight all the way to the final turn, as legends are once again made at The Glen.
