Pre-Race Predictions: Watkins Glen

 

Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

    By the time the NASCAR Cup Series gets back from their two week break, it will be just over 2 years since the series has raced at Watkins Glen International. 

 

There are the few, really good road course-drivers, but there are also drivers still trying to clinch a spot in the playoffs. Which group of drivers will overtake the other, and win big at The Glen?

One's to watch for the win:

• Chase Elliott [No. 9 Chevrolet / Hendrick Motorsports] - Elliott has gone to victory lane twice in the last 3 years at Watkins Glen. Because they did not race at The Glen last year, this means that he has won the last 2 events held here. Could that become 3 wins in a row for him this weekend?
• Martin Truex, Jr. [No. 19 Toyota / Joe Gibbs Racing] - In the last 3 events held at Watkins Glen, Truex, has finished in the Top 2 in all 3 events, and the 2017 event being a win.
• Kyle Busch [No. 18 Toyota / Joe Gibbs Racing] - Kyle Busch hasn't won here since 2013, and hasn't won on a road course since Watkins Glen, in 2013. Could we see Busch take the checkered flag at The Glen for a 2nd time in his career?
• Kyle Larson [No. 5 Chevrolet / Hendrick Motorsports] - Larson's performance at Sonoma was phenomenal, and I certainly would not put him aside at Watkins Glen. 
• Denny Hamlin [No. 11 Toyota / Joe Gibbs Racing] - If Hamlin wants to shake off Kyle Larson for the regular season title, he must win in the next three races. Hamlin has held the points lead since the Daytona Road Course in February, but has not visited victory lane at all in 2021.

A few others to watch:

• Joey Logano [No. 22 Ford / Team Penske]
• Tyler Reddick [No. 8 Chevrolet / Richard Childress Racing]
• Ross Chastain [No. 42 Chevrolet / Chip Ganassi Racing]
• Matt DiBenedetto [No. 21 Ford / Wood Brothers Racing]