This Weekend: Nascar Playoffs At Watkins Glen NY For The First Time Ever

Watkins Glen International, New York State’s only NASCAR Cup Series track, is about to take center stage this weekend as it hosts its first-ever NASCAR Playoff race. Traditionally, NASCAR visits this iconic Finger Lakes track in August, but this year, the Go Bowling at the Glen Weekend has been moved to September 11-15, putting The Glen right in the heart of the playoff action.

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Why is this such a big deal? Well, Watkins Glen isn’t just any track—it’s the crown jewel of New York’s racing scene, and this year, it’s hosting the second race of the first round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Drivers will be battling it out on the 2.45-mile short course, fighting to keep their championship hopes alive. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and The Glen is the perfect venue for this kind of high-octane drama.

New York fans know how to pack a track, and Watkins Glen has been delivering sellout crowds year after year. Last year was the eighth consecutive grandstand sellout, and infield camping sold out by early August. Moving the race to mid-September not only spices up the playoff schedule but also gives local businesses a late-season boost as fans pour into the area.

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If you’re planning to catch the action, you’ve got plenty of options. Whether you’re grabbing a reserved grandstand seat or bringing a lawn chair to one of the viewing berms, you’re in for a treat. With family-friendly prices—kids and teens can get in for as little as $20—it’s a perfect weekend for some family fun. And if you’re looking to make a weekend out of it, GEICO Camping at The Glen offers one of the best setups in motorsports, but you’ll want to secure your spot soon because they’re going fast.

So gear up, New York—Watkins Glen International is about to make NASCAR Playoff history, and you’ll want to be there to see it. Whether you’re there for the racing, the concerts, or just to soak in the atmosphere, the 2024 Go Bowling at the Glen Weekend is going to be something special.