The NASCAR race weekend at Watkins Glen has come and gone with mixed results for fans watching at home. Four races, all kinds of action in the races. Well…action in about three of the races.
Another week in the season and another week where fans, media, and drivers are wondering if the Next Gen car will ever be fixed. Road course and short track racing have taken a big hit recently with the dullness of the actual on-track product.
Let’s get into the NASCAR Watkins Glen weekend. Then, we move on to Richmond. The NASCAR Playoffs are just around the corner.
15-year-old wins ARCA Menards Series race in debut
Everywhere you look now, there are teenagers winning big-time races. Tristan McKee was in the right place at the right time when leader Brent Crews had a power failure in his car.
McKee is only 15 but has won races in Trans Am TA2, CARS Tour, and now ARCA. Is the Spire development driver the next big thing in the sport?
Toni Breidinger’s truck goes up in flames
During the NASCAR Truck Series race, there were a few moments that were…peculiar. It was overall a great race from Toni Breidinger who had worked her way up to a comfortable spot in the top-20.
However, with the race starting to wind down, Breidinger had a major mechanical failure. Her No. 5 Toyota was soon on fire as she drove to pit road.
Corey Heim does Corey Heim things in NASCAR Truck Series
What more can you say about Corey Heim? He won his sixth race of the season on Friday, and it was more than just another win in a dominant season.
Connor Zilisch, Ross Chastain, Christopher Bell, Brent Crews, Chris Buescher, and Kyle Busch were all in this race. Heim made it look easy against elite competition.
NASCAR lawsuit takes on new stage with ‘false statements’
During all of the Friday commotion at Watkins Glen, NASCAR made another move in the ongoing antitrust lawsuit with 23XI and Front Row Motorsports. This time, the sanctioning body is accusing the teams of making “false statements.”
False statements are a big no-no in court, in case you were wondering. We will see what becomes of this latest wrinkle.
Bubba Wallace warns Ryan Blaney about SVG
During NASCAR Cup Series qualifying, Bubba Wallace issued a warning to Ryan Blaney. Blaney had won the pole award over Shane van Gisbergen.
Blaney said, “Bubba came up to me and said, ‘Well, that was a bad idea because now he’s going to really wax you tomorrow.’” He was not wrong.
Austin Hill doubles down on bad NASCAR behavior
Back to NASCAR Xfinity Series action, Austin Hill remains unrepentant after his one-race suspension. Hill even said before the race that he wasn’t going to change the way he drives.
About that – Hill shoved Connor Zilisch out of the lead late with a less-than-ideal move. Then he caused a 16-car pileup when he pu Michael McDowell in the wall.
Connor Zilisch wins, slams head in victory lane
Despite Hill’s best effort, Zilisch remained in the race and eventually won. However, the celebration was short-lived after the driver fell out of his car as he celebrated in victory lane.
The young driver hit his head and ended up breaking his collarbone in the process. His timeline to return remains uncertain.
Brad Keselowski sprints after Carson Hocevar
During NASCAR Cup qualifying, Brad Keselowski got in a little cardio. Keselowski was spotted sprinting toward Carson Hocevar.
The veteran driver had words with Hocevar. Will it really matter, though?
Hocevar pays visit to Zane Smith after finish
Speaking of Hocevar, he went and talked to his friend Zane Smith after the race. Of course, the two aren’t friends and got into it with each other at Iowa last week.
It appeared to be a good conversation. Hocevar apparently cut Smith a break late in the race. So, Hocevar wanted to let him know it was intentional and he can expect more of that in the next two weeks.
Shane van Gisbergen wins, sets NASCAR record
I mean, did you expect anyone else to win this race? Shane van Gisbergen won his fourth race of the season and set a NASCAR rookie record for most wins.
Last year, van Gisbergen looked human at The Glen. He lost to Chris Buescher. This year, he won by 11 seconds and was doing his burnouts before P2 crossed the line.
