Watkins Glen moves to September for 2027

On Thursday, NASCAR announced that Watkins Glen International will be moving into the Chase for the 2027 schedule with a date in September.

The announcement came from track president Dawn Burlew. The current weekend in May is the earliest date in history on the schedule for the NASCAR Cup Series.

The move will also fill a gap in the Chase. Charlotte Motor Speedway moved their fall race from their Roval layout back to the oval this October. There will now be a road course in the Chase again next year.

It also puts the track in warmer weather again amid cooler and cloudier temperatures expected at this weekends races. Conditions for campers have also been more difficult with more muddy and wet conditions.

Due to this, the track announced that incoming campers will have to wait until Friday morning to load into their spots. Tractors and mulch are also available for campers amidst the situation.

Road ringers such as Shane Van Gisbergen or Connor Zilisch should they make the Chase, will also have a better shot to contend quickly. Both drivers won the Cup and NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races last year respectively.

Other drivers such as Christopher Bell, Ross Chastain, Carson Hocevar, and Chris Buescher who won this race in 2024 could also benefit greatly. These drivers all have some of the highest average finishes at the track.

An exact date or support series’ for the race were not announced. Currently, the O’Reilly Series, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series all support the Cup Series at the Glen.

The announcement means that Watkins Glen being in May will be a one and done for the forseeable future. The race goes back into camping season too.

The Go Bowling At The Glen will occur on Sunday, May 10, at 3 P.M. EST for a 100 lap race around the 2.45 mile road course.