Chase Elliott turned in a dominant performance at Texas Motor Speedway last weekend as the driver of the #9 powered to Victory Lane with Apollo in attendance. Next up, NASCAR makes left turns and right turns as the Cup Series heads to the Finger Lakes region of New York for the 2026 Go Bowling at the Glen from Watkins Glen International.
With weather looming large on the weekend, the best in NASCAR hope to avoid trouble in the twists and turns at the Glen and find a way to claim the checkered flag. Could we see Chase Elliott go back-to-back, or will we see a new winner for the first time since Bristol?
Let’s dive in.
2026 Go Bowling at the Glen Entry List
The entry list for this weekend at Watkins Glen includes two open cars in addition to the 36 charter entries. Katherine Legge will make her first start of the 2026 season as she gets behind the wheel of the #78 for Live Fast Motorsports. Josh Bilicki is also making his first Cup start for 2026 as he pilots the Garage 66 entry.
Let's go racing! pic.twitter.com/kKF7ylxM4k
— Watkins Glen International (@WGI) May 8, 2026
The forecast for this weekend in Watkins Glen includes colder temperatures and the threat of precipitation all weekend. NASCAR will have wet-weather tires for race weekend, but slick conditions in the wet could drastically impact the outcome of the race. Additionally, any non-paved surface runs the risk of a car getting stuck in the mud. NASCAR has also added tire barriers in certain turns at the Glen as a form of track limits, adding another level of challenge for the drivers.
Essentially, we don’t have a full idea of what to expect this weekend – but we do have an idea of who to expect out front.
2026 Go Bowling at the Glen Race Predictions
I realize Trackhouse has not had the speed we expected in 2026, but with the threat of weather, I don’t see how I can take anyone but Shane Van Gisbergen as my pick for winning this race. His teammate, Connor Zilisch, should be quick as well. The young prospect worked his way from the back to the front at Circuit of the Americas multiple times earlier this season and has a wealth of road course experience.
At @WGI, speed meets scenery. pic.twitter.com/JgOhL1eaqw
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 7, 2026
Elsewhere in the field, Tyler Reddick and AJ Allmendinger always present a threat at road courses. Alex Bowman represents a perhaps underrated road course driver, and needs to stack strong finishes if he is going to find any kind of hope of getting back into the points race.
Ultimately, we should be set up for a great weekend of racing – rain or shine.
Check out the schedule below so you don’t miss any on-track action!
Friday 05/08
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Practice – 10:00 a.m. CT on FS2
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying – 11:05 a.m. CT on FS2
General Tire 100 at the Glen (ARCA Menards Series) – 12:30 p.m. CT on FS2
Bully Hill Vineyards 176 at The Glen (NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series) – 3:30 p.m. CT on FS1
Saturday 05/09
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Practice – 9:30 a.m. CT on the CW App
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series – 10:35 a.m. CT on the CW App
NASCAR Cup Series Practice – 12:00 p.m. CT on Prime
NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying – 1:10 p.m. CT on Prime
Mission 200 at the Glen (NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series) – 3:00 p.m. CT on the CW
Sunday 05/10
Go Bowling at the Glen (NASCAR Cup Series) – 2:00 p.m. CT on FS1 and HBO Max
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