WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. — While the NASCAR Cup Series has raced consistently at Watkins Glen International since 1986, this weekend marks a rare moment for the Truck Series. It will be the first time since 1999 that the series has raced at the Glen in back-to-back seasons.
With last year’s winner Corey Heim not competing this weekend, the door is wide open for a new winner.
Daniel Hemric enters as one of the notable contenders after finishing second in last year’s event while also tying for fourth in laps led. But much of the attention will be focused on Shane van Gisbergen, who will make his first career Truck Series start. The New Zealand driver has already established himself as one of the top road course racers in NASCAR, and regardless of the vehicle, he is considered a threat anytime the series visits a road course.
Another experienced road racer to watch is AJ Allmendinger, the 2014 Cup Series winner at Watkins Glen, who will compete for Kaulig Racing. Though Kaulig may enter as an underdog, Allmendinger’s road course background makes him a legitimate contender.
Several other Cup Series drivers are also scheduled to compete, including Ross Chastain, Connor Zilisch, and Carson Hocevar, giving the field a strong mix of young talent and veteran experience.
Meanwhile, the team that won last year’s race — the No. 11 TRICON Garage entry — returns with current points leader Kaiden Honeycutt behind the wheel. Honeycutt enters the weekend with a 14-point advantage over Chandler Smith in the standings, and both drivers could challenge the Cup Series regulars for the victory.
With road course specialists, Cup stars, and championship contenders all in the same field, the Truck Series race at Watkins Glen has the potential to be one of the weekend’s most unpredictable events.
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