Todd Gilliland and his No. 34 team are gearing up for a significant NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International in New York. The race, covering 90 laps and 220 miles on the 2.45-mile road course, represents a key moment in the season as Gilliland looks to build on his previous strong performances at this venue. The collaboration with Overplay adds a unique gaming element to the event, blending motorsports with interactive technology.
Gilliland’s Track Record and Race Challenges
In his three NASCAR Cup Series appearances at Watkins Glen, Gilliland has secured two finishes within the top 16—11th place in 2023 and 16th place in 2024. Known as a demanding and fast-paced road course, Watkins Glen requires drivers to handle continuous gear shifts, precise braking, and careful use of curbing. After encountering difficulties in the recent Iowa race, Gilliland expressed confidence that his team can find momentum again at The Glen.
“Watkins Glen has been a good track for me,”
Gilliland said.
“It’s a high-speed road course that keeps you on edge every lap — you’re constantly cycling through gears, managing brake zones, and using every inch of the curbing to find time. We struggled in Iowa, but I think we can regain momentum this weekend.”
—Todd Gilliland, NASCAR Driver
Overplay Partnership Brings Innovation to the Event
Overplay, known as the world‘s first user-generated gaming platform, is partnering with Gilliland and FRM for the Watkins Glen race. Founded by interactive media veterans Dan Projansky and Caroline Strzalka, Overplay enables users to create their own games from videos easily through its app. With hundreds of thousands of downloads and millions of games played, Overplay aims to make game development accessible to everyone. Highlighting its innovative approach, the company caught attention on Season 15 of Shark Tank, securing a deal with investor Mark Cuban.
Implications of the Collaboration and What Lies Ahead
The merging of NASCAR competition with interactive gaming through Overplay reflects a broader trend toward engaging fans in new ways beyond traditional racing. Todd Gilliland’s efforts at Watkins Glen, supported by this partnership, mark a turning point to rebound and energize both his team and supporters. As the race unfolds, fans and participants alike will watch to see how this fusion of technology and motorsport evolves and influences future events.
