Race Recap: Go Bowling at The Glen (Watkins Glen International, August 10, 2025)

Victory Lane Highlights

Shane van Gisbergen delivered a masterclass at Watkins Glen, leading a race-high 38 of 90 laps and crossing the finish line 11.116 seconds ahead of Christopher BellOfficial Site Of NASCAR+1. This marks his fourth straight road-course win of the season, cementing his reputation as NASCAR's preeminent road-course aceOfficial Site Of NASCAR+2Racing America+2.

Top Finishers & Standings Impact

• Second place: Christopher Bell
• Third: Chris Buescher — who retains a playoff spot, holding a 34-point buffer in the standings
• William Byron finished fourth and extended his points lead — now 42 ahead of teammate Chase Elliott, who had an uncharacteristic 26th-place finish

Pole Sitter’s Struggle

Ryan Blaney, who had snagged the pole by besting van Gisbergen in qualifying, led 35 laps but ultimately finished sixth

Weekend Transition

This race marks the 24th of the Cup Series’ 36-race regular season, with two more races—Richmond and Daytona—left before the postseason begins