At Watkins Glen International, William Byron displayed a dominant performance, leading the field to secure his fifth victory of the NASCAR Cup Series season. This victory was particularly remarkable for Byron as it marked his first win on a road course in his six-season Cup career, positioning him as a strong contender for the championship title.
Driving the No. 24 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, Byron overtook Michael McDowell early in the 90-lap race and maintained control throughout. He led a total of 66 laps, including the final 33 laps, solidifying his lead over the competition.
Denny Hamlin, who started from the pole position, finished in second place, trailing Byron by nearly 3 seconds. Christopher Bell secured the third spot, followed by AJ Allmendinger and Ty Gibbs.
The race at Watkins Glen was the penultimate event of the NASCAR Cup Series regular season. Martin Truex Jr., who finished sixth, missed the opportunity to secure the regular-season title for Joe Gibbs Racing. Truex and Hamlin will compete for the regular-season championship in the upcoming race at Daytona International Speedway.
The final chance for multiple drivers, including fan favorite Chase Elliott, to qualify for the 16-car playoffs will be at the unpredictable Daytona race. Elliott, a two-time winner at Watkins Glen, faced disappointment as he qualified mid-pack and ran out of fuel with 36 laps remaining, diminishing his chances of securing a postseason spot. He will need to win at Daytona to extend his streak of playoff appearances. Bubba Wallace and Daniel Suarez are also contending for the 16th and final playoff spot, adding to the tension leading up to the Daytona event.
Former series champions Kevin Harvick and Brad Keselowski secured their playoff positions at Watkins Glen. Their berths were confirmed due to Byron's victory, allowing them to approach the Daytona race with a sense of freedom.
In contrast, Michael McDowell, who secured his second Cup win last week, experienced challenges on pit road that hindered his chances of consecutive victories. McDowell's penalties and an engine issue ultimately resulted in a 36th-place finish.
The race at Watkins Glen showcased the excitement and unpredictability that define NASCAR competitions, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown at Daytona as drivers vie for their positions in the playoffs.