P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Watkins Glen hosts a NASCAR Cup Series playoff race for the first time this weekend, and there are a few different storylines to track going into Sunday afternoon. The racetrack itself is the first…
This weekend, Watkins Glen will host its first NASCAR Cup Series playoff race, with several notable storylines to follow. The track itself has undergone changes, with the removal of elevated curbing and adjustments to the “Bus Stop,” potentially impacting driver strategies. Driver Ty Gibbs anticipates increased aggression and speed at the Bus Stop, though the true impact remains uncertain until practice sessions. Additionally, rumble strips have been added off Turn 1, potentially altering the racing line and tire usage. Teams will have an extended practice session due to track changes and the introduction of a new Goodyear tire compound aimed at increasing fall-off and promoting passing opportunities. The combination of these factors is expected to make the Watkins Glen race an intriguing and challenging event for Cup Series teams and drivers.
