The NASCAR Watkins Glen Race Schedule is packed with thrilling competition as the Truck and Xfinity Series prepare to light up the 2.45-mile road course in Watkins Glen, New York, from August 8 to 10, 2025. This legendary track has long been a proving ground for unforgettable moments in NASCAR’s lower tiers, showcasing fierce battles that push drivers and teams to their limits.
Known for its sweeping turns and challenging elevation changes, Watkins Glen International continues to test the versatility and skill of drivers across NASCAR’s series. This weekend’s lineup promises intense racing with high-profile drivers joining the fray and new tire compounds adding strategic depth.
Historic Highlights of NASCAR’s Truck and Xfinity Races at Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen has been more than just a Cup Series venue; it has etched its name in the memories of NASCAR Truck and Xfinity fans as a stage for dramatic showdowns. The Xfinity Series witnessed memorable clashes in 2007 and 2008 between Marcos Ambrose and Kyle Busch. Busch’s controversial late-race spin of Ambrose in 2007 amplified his “Rowdy” reputation amid boos from spectators. However, Ambrose bounced back the following year, securing his first NASCAR national series win and becoming the first Australian to claim victory in the sport. This win, with JTG Daugherty Racing, cemented Ambrose’s status as a road-course star and underscored Watkins Glen’s reputation for delivering unforgettable moments.
The Truck Series carries its own legacy at The Glen. After a 21-year absence, it returned in 2021 with Austin Hill making a statement by winning a rain-shortened event. Hill’s tactical use of track position helped him secure his second consecutive victory, bolstering his playoff chances with Hattori Racing. The unpredictable weather and demanding layout continue to challenge drivers, showcasing the advancements in the Truck Series as teams adapt to road-course racing like seasoned pros.
Detailed TV Broadcast Schedule for Truck and Xfinity Races
The NASCAR weekend at Watkins Glen is packed with live coverage across major networks. On Friday, the Truck Series takes center stage with practice and qualifying airing live on FS2 beginning at 11:35 a.m. ET, followed by the Mission 176 race at 5 p.m. ET on FS1. This event covers 20-20-32 lap segments, totaling 176.4 miles. Fans can also listen to race coverage via the Motor Racing Network (MRN) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio on channel 90.
Saturday shifts focus to the Xfinity Series, with practice and qualifying starting at 9:30 a.m. ET streamed on the CW App. The Mission 200 race begins at 3 p.m. ET on The CW network, following a pre-race show at 2:30 p.m. ET. This race will be structured in 20-20-42 lap segments, covering 200.9 miles. Radio listeners can tune in on MRN and SiriusXM as well. Weather forecasts predict sunny skies with temperatures in the 80s, creating an ideal setting for both fans at the track and viewers at home.
Purchasing Tickets and Accessing the Races at Watkins Glen
Attending the NASCAR races at Watkins Glen is now more accessible with multiple ticket options available. The official way to purchase tickets is through Ticketmaster via NASCAR’s website, offering single-day or full-weekend passes for the Truck and ARCA races on Friday, the Xfinity event on Saturday, and the premier Cup Series race on Sunday.
For budget-conscious fans, SeatGeek offers Xfinity race tickets for the Mission 200 starting at approximately $46. Ticket prices for the Truck Series Mission 176 start as low as $20 on TickPick, with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. The NASCAR Tracks app enhances convenience by allowing fans to download, manage, and access tickets digitally on their phones. Additional amenities such as scanner rentals for race radio access, parking passes, and special fan experiences are also available to enrich the race-day atmosphere.
Notable Qualifying Lineups for Truck and Xfinity Series
The qualifying sessions this weekend feature an impressive array of drivers, including several stars from the NASCAR Cup Series joining the Truck and Xfinity fields. In the Xfinity Series Group 1 qualifying, Kaz Grala leads with a metric score of 40.4 driving the No. 24 car. Hot on his heels are Austin Green (40.1) in the No. 32 and Stefan Parsons (36.1) in the No. 45. Other competitors in this group include Matt DiBenedetto (No. 99), Daniel Dye (No. 10), and Austin J. Hill (No. 53), all expected to deliver strong performances. Qualifying kicks off at 10:35 a.m. ET Saturday on the CW App, setting the grid for the afternoon race.
Friday’s Truck Series qualifying on FS2 begins at 12:40 p.m. ET and will feature several Cup drivers making notable appearances. Chris Buescher will make his Truck debut driving the No. 66 ThorSport Ford, Kyle Busch pilots the No. 07 Spire Chevy, Ross Chastain competes in the No. 44 Niece Chevy, and Christopher Bell substitutes for Stewart Friesen in the No. 52 Halmar Toyota. Young talents like William Sawalich (No. 1), Corey Heim (No. 11), and Brent Crews (No. 70) head the competition in Truck qualifying. Connor Zilisch will demonstrate his versatility by competing in three series, driving the No. 45 Niece Chevy in Trucks. The demanding nature of Watkins Glen‘s layout promises to put all drivers’ skills to the test.
Anticipation Builds for Another Historic Weekend at Watkins Glen
With the return of the Truck Series after a long absence, the intense battles in the Xfinity Series, and the convergence of Cup Series stars across all events, Watkins Glen is set to provide thrilling racing moments once again. Fans will be eager to see if the weekend produces new legends and memorable rivalries akin to the iconic 2007-2008 clashes between Ambrose and Busch.
The strategic complexities introduced by a new, softer Goodyear tire compound add unpredictability and excitement to the races, likely influencing team strategies and driver performance. With strong radio and broadcast coverage, including multiple platforms and networks, the NASCAR Watkins Glen Race Schedule ensures fans have numerous ways to stay connected to the action.
As the weekend unfolds, all eyes will be on Watkins Glen’s famous corners and elevation changes, where driver skill and team strategy combine to create some of NASCAR’s most captivating moments.
NASCAR Watkins Glen ET Fri 10-ARCA p&q 11:35-FS2-Truck p&q 2-FS2-ARCA race 41 5-FS1-Truck race 20-20-32 Sat 9:30-CW App-Xfin p&q 12:05-Tru-Cup p&q 2:30-CW-Prerace 3-CW-Xfin race 20-20-42 Sun 1:30-USA-Prerace 2-USA-Cup race 20-20-50 NWS: Fri-Sun: 80s, 5% rain — Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass)
