Watkins Glen Playoff Race: Key Storylines
Contenders Vie for Points
With just six races remaining in the NASCAR Cup Series regular season, the field of 16 playoff contenders is starting to take shape. Several drivers are still in the hunt for a spot in the playoffs, and the upcoming race at Watkins Glen International could be a pivotal one in determining who makes the cut.
One driver who needs a strong performance at Watkins Glen is Martin Truex Jr. Truex is currently 16th in the standings, just one point ahead of Kurt Busch. A good finish at Watkins Glen could give Truex some breathing room in the standings, while a poor finish could put him in danger of missing the playoffs.
Another driver who is in need of a strong performance at Watkins Glen is Ryan Blaney. Blaney is currently 15th in the standings, just two points ahead of Truex. Blaney has been consistent all season long, but he has yet to win a race. A win at Watkins Glen would give Blaney a much-needed boost in the standings and would all but guarantee him a spot in the playoffs.
Road Course Specialists Aim for Success
Watkins Glen is one of the most challenging road courses on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule. As a result, road course specialists often perform well at this track. Several drivers who are considered to be road course specialists will be in contention for the win at Watkins Glen, including Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, and AJ Allmendinger.
Elliott is the defending winner at Watkins Glen. He is also one of the most successful road course racers in the NASCAR Cup Series. Elliott has won three road course races this season, and he is the favorite to win at Watkins Glen again this year.
Larson is another driver who is expected to contend for the win at Watkins Glen. Larson is a two-time winner at Watkins Glen, and he is one of the most talented road course racers in the NASCAR Cup Series. Larson has been fast all season long, and he will be a threat to win at Watkins Glen.
Allmendinger is a former road course ringer who has won two NASCAR Cup Series races this season. Allmendinger is always a threat to win on road courses, and he will be one to watch at Watkins Glen.
Dark Horse Contenders
In addition to the contenders and road course specialists, there are also a few dark horse contenders who could win at Watkins Glen. These drivers include Daniel Suarez, Chris Buescher, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Suarez is a former road course winner in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He has also run well on road courses in the NASCAR Cup Series. Suarez is a long shot to win at Watkins Glen, but he could surprise some people.
Buescher is another driver who could contend for the win at Watkins Glen. Buescher is a former road course winner in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He has also run well on road courses in the NASCAR Cup Series. Buescher is a long shot to win at Watkins Glen, but he could surprise some people
Stenhouse is a former road course winner in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He has also run well on road courses in the NASCAR Cup Series. Stenhouse is a long shot to win at Watkins Glen, but he could surprise some people.
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