Chris Buescher came out of the woods to win the Pennsylvania 400 at Pocono Raceway thanks to weather that almost seemed biblical. The NASCAR Sprint Cup series will look to put that behind them as they head to Watkins Glen for the Cheez-It 355 at the Glen. Here is the weekend schedule, notebook, and predictions from the Vavel NASCAR team on who they think will win this weekend.
Weekend Schedule (All times eastern)
Friday, August 5
12:30 p.m. - First Practice (NBCSN)
3:00 p.m. - Final Practice (NBCSN)
Saturday, August 6
12:15 p.m. - Qualifying (CNBC)
Sunday, August 7
2:30 p.m. - Race (USA Network)
Weekend Notebook
- The big news this week was an announcement from Hendrick Motorsports that Dale Earnhardt Jr. will miss this weekend's race due to concussion-like symptoms. He has missed the last three races after complaining of headaches, and it is still unclear when he will return to the car.
- Jeff Gordon, who retired at the end of last season, has been filling in for Earnhardt Jr. for the last two weeks. This will be Gordon's 800th career Sprint Cup start, and a win would tie him with Tony Stewart for most wins at the track with five.
- Speaking of Stewart, this will be his last trip to Watkins Glen, as he is set to retire at the end of this season. In his career at the Glen, Stewart 10 top-10 finishes, although he hasn't won a race there since 2009. A win gives him six career wins, which would keep him in the lead for most at the track.
- While not as impressive as Gordon's 800th start, Matt Kenseth will make his 600th career Sprint Cup start his weekend. In his career at the track, Kenseth six top-10 finishes, but no wins. He does have two wins this season, making him one of just five drivers to have multiple wins.
- After his win at Pocono, Buescher has a chance to crash the season-ending Chase for the Sprint Cup. If he gets into the top-30 in points before the Chase, he will be the first rookie to make the Chase since Denny Hamlin in 2006. He is just six points away from the magical 30th position in points.
Pick 'Em
Every week, the VAVEL NASCAR team picks who they think will win that weekend's race. Here are the current standings entering this weekend's race at Watkins Glen.
Here are the picks for this weekend's race.
Mark Smith
Driver: A.J. Allmendinger
Reason: "The driver of the #47 is one of the best when it comes to road course racing, as his victory here a few years ago proved. Expect the 'Dinger to be strong all race if he stays out of trouble."
Stevie Larson
Driver: Tony Stewart
Reason: " The driver of the #14 Chevy is entering his last race at the road course. Combine that with his five previous wins at the track, and I believe that he has the best shot to win this weekend."
Stephen Furst
Driver: Jeff Gordon
Reason: "Gordon is in a winning car and knows how to get around the Glen. He will do the Nationwide team proud and bring the #88 Chevrolet home in 1st place on Sunday."