Drivers to watch, drivers with questions to answer at Watkins Glen International

For some, this is just another race, but for others, Watkins Glen might be the track that saves their entire NASCAR season. There are a number of bubble drivers that could find their way to victory lane if things go just right. However, there is also a points battle brewing in case a new winner doesn’t emerge.

As usual, there are drivers to keep an eye on as they have been hot lately. Then there are those that need to step up and show everyone that they have what it takes. Watkins Glen has been home to some epic battles over the years. We might be in store for another one.

So, are we going to see a new winner? Will this be the weekend that a driver at the top of the standings dominates, ending the hopes at a postseason run for a number of drivers below the cutline?

Drivers to watch during Go Bowling at The Glen

Chase Elliott
This is the first time maybe all season that Elliott has been above the “questions to answer” subhead. He’s had some strong finishes this year, but no real momentum. After his fast and strong P2 performance at Indy, he might be on his way to a third Watkins Glen victory. It is where he earned his first career win, after all. Elliott is the favorite at 5-2 odds.

Tyler Reddick
While he hasn’t been at the level he was in 2022 on the road courses, Reddick is still one of if not the best road course racer in the Cup Series. Three wins in the last two seasons will do that. I think Reddick will be fast and will be doing his best to keep Bubba Wallace from being kicked off the playoff cutline.

Kyle Larson
If you’re talking Watkins Glen, you have to talk about Kyle Larson. Larson has back-to-back wins at the track and has done it at the expense of his teammate Elliott in those races. Vegas has Larson close to Elliott in the odds at 7-1. Is Yung Money ready to win his third race of the season?

Drivers with questions to answer at Watkins Glen

Daniel Suárez
28 points below Bubba Wallace, can Suárez find his way to the playoffs on points or by getting a road course win at The Glen? The 99 team has had its ups and downs this season. After a very strong Indy race, keep your eyes on Suárez. Pit road mistakes can’t be the excuse this late in the season.

Kyle Busch
Absolutely need a big weekend from the No. 8 team. Mechanical issues, wrecks, and other issues have taken Busch out of the regular season championship race. He has three wins on the season, but even Rowdy was dejected after a valve spring broke at Indianapolis. RCR has to turn things around.

Denny Hamlin
I know Hamlin won at Pocono not long ago and I know he had two more top-3 finishes after that. However, last week was a disappointment. If Hamlin wants to compete for a regular season championship, or more importantly, the Playoffs Championship, he needs to step up his road course performances. A top-10 day would go a long way to building momentum heading into Round One of the playoffs.