Well now, if you’re wondering about when the NASCAR race is at Watkins Glen, let me tell ya—it’s one of them races folks look forward to all year! Watkins Glen International, or just “The Glen” as people call it, is where you get to see all them fast cars zooming around a twisty track, not just some regular ol’ oval like usual. This race really gets folks talking!
So, if you’re thinking, “When is this big race happening?” I got ya covered. The main event for the NASCAR Cup Series at Watkins Glen, which they’re calling the Go Bowling at The Glen, is set to start at 3 p.m. ET on a Sunday. They’ll be lining up right at Watkins Glen International in the little ol’ town of Watkins Glen, New York. That track is famous ‘cause it’s got all these turns and curves, and let me tell ya, it’s a whole different ballgame than just driving in circles!

Now, let me go on and tell ya a bit more about this whole weekend, ‘cause there’s a lot more to it than just Sunday’s big race. They got things goin’ on starting from Friday! Friday afternoon, around 1 p.m., they’ll have the ARCA Menards Series practice and qualifying. But you won’t find that on TV; no sir, it’s just for them folks who come to the track in person. Later, around 4 p.m., they’re having the General Tire 100 race for the ARCA Menards Series. It’s a shorter one, but it still pulls a crowd!
Now Saturday, that’s the day when everyone’s really warming up for the big Sunday race. Drivers get to practice, tune their engines, and get that feel for the track. See, The Glen is tricky, with them tight turns and all, so Saturday’s practice time is real important. They also do qualifying to see who’s gonna get the best spot to start the race on Sunday. And let me tell ya, starting in the front can make a big ol’ difference in a race like this!
Now back to Sunday—the main event. The drivers will be tearing up the track at 3 p.m. sharp, Eastern Time. You can watch it live on the USA Network, or if you like that internet stuff, you can catch it streaming on the NBC Sports app or FUBO. So no worries if you can’t make it to Watkins Glen yourself, there’s plenty of ways to tune in!
This year, they say NASCAR’s got 31 races on them ovals, but they only got 4 on these road courses, and The Glen is one of them. Makes it real special, don’t ya think? Watching them NASCAR drivers on a road course is somethin’ else, let me tell ya. You’ll see them takin’ sharp turns, up and down hills—it’s real different from what they’re used to, and it takes a certain skill to handle it.
Some years back, folks started payin’ more attention to road courses, and Watkins Glen’s become a fan favorite. When these drivers come to The Glen, they’re showin’ they got more than just speed—they gotta have control, strategy, and some good nerves. Last year, ol’ Chris Buescher pulled off a big win here, sneakin’ past Shane van Gisbergen in overtime, right on the last lap! Now that’s the kinda excitement folks come for!

So if you’re planning on catchin’ the race, remember the big event is Sunday at 3 p.m., but the whole weekend is packed with action. Get ready for some heart-pounding excitement from the first green flag to the checkered one. And if you’re rootin’ for your favorite driver, don’t be shy—throw on that T-shirt, grab ya some snacks, and get settled for one heck of a race!
And there ya have it. That’s when the NASCAR race at Watkins Glen is happening, and boy, it’s bound to be a real show! Make sure to mark your calendar, tune in, and get ready for some good ol’ racin’ fun at The Glen!
Tags:Watkins Glen, NASCAR, Go Bowling at The Glen, NASCAR Cup Series, Race Schedule