WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. — The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series returns to Watkins Glen International this weekend with one of the most stacked fields of the season.
A large portion of the attention will be focused on Connor Zilisch, who has won the last two O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races at the Glen. The Cup Series rookie already has a victory in the series this season after winning at Bristol back in April, and many expect him to once again be one of the favorites on the road course.
Ross Chastain is another Cup Series regular expected to compete this weekend, adding even more experience to the field.
One driver who could challenge for the win is Sam Mayer. Mayer won at Watkins Glen in 2023 and finished second in last year’s race. His team has shown improved speed and momentum over the past several weeks, making the No. 41 car one to watch heading into Saturday.
Points leader Justin Allgaier also enters the weekend as a major contender. Through the first 12 races of the season, Allgaier has recorded 10 top-10 finishes and has arguably been the most consistent driver in the series.
Meanwhile, Corey Day continues to gain momentum despite a difficult result at Texas following an opening-lap crash. Since Las Vegas earlier this season, Day has frequently shown race-winning speed and also impressed at Circuit of the Americas.
Austin Hill is another driver to keep an eye on after leading the second-most laps in last year’s race before finishing fourth. If the Richard Childress Racing No. 21 finds similar speed this weekend, Hill could easily contend for the victory.
The big question entering the weekend is whether Zilisch can continue his dominance at Watkins Glen and make it three straight wins at the track — or if one of the series regulars can stop him.
With road course specialists, Cup Series talent, and championship contenders all in the field, the stage is set for another memorable race at the Glen.
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