"Stubbs: Intensified Playoff Tension at Watkins Glen"
The region of New York known as the Finger Lakes is renowned for its breathtaking beauty. The tranquil landscape has a calming effect on all who venture to western New York.
Just thirty minutes south lies a town with a rich history in racing since the 1950s. Watkins Glen International has been a fixture on the NASCAR schedule since 1986.
This Sunday, the track will host its first ever NASCAR Cup Series playoff race, with 16 drivers vying for the championship title in the second race of the opening round.
One driver feeling no pressure is Joey Logano, who secured his spot in the Round of 12 with a win at Atlanta. However, the other 15 drivers are in need of a strong performance, with some already facing a must-win situation.
After the first race of the postseason, here are the top contenders for Sunday's race, as well as a potential dark horse.
Favorite: Kyle Larson
Spoiler alert: Hendrick Motorsports has dominated at WGI, winning every race since 2017. Larson, who has two victories in 2021 and 2022, is in need of a strong showing after a crash at Atlanta narrowed his lead over the cut line. While he is not in a must-win situation, a third win at Watkins Glen would certainly boost his chances.
Favorite: Chase Elliott
Elliott was once considered the king of road courses in NASCAR, but his success has waned with the introduction of the Next-Gen car in 2022. He has yet to win on a road course with this new car, but came close at Watkins Glen in 2022. Unfortunately, a fuel issue ended his chances and ultimately led to his elimination from the playoffs. This year, Elliott and his team have a chance for redemption at Watkins Glen.
Favorite: Tyler Reddick
While it would be easy to choose defending Watkins Glen winner William Byron as a favorite, let's give a Toyota driver some recognition. Reddick has emerged as a road course specialist in the Next-Gen era, winning three times on these tracks. If anyone can break Hendrick's dominance at Watkins Glen, it's Reddick, who has been one of the top drivers in NASCAR over the past few months.
Underdog: Martin Truex Jr.
Just a few years ago, calling Truex an underdog would have been unheard of. But as he nears the end of his final full-time season, his struggles have made this label more fitting. Truex barely made it into the playoffs and is now facing a 19-point deficit to the cut line. However, he has a strong track record at Watkins Glen, with a win in 2017 and seven top-five finishes in 18 starts. While it may seem unlikely, Truex could surprise everyone and secure a victory at this unpredictable road course.
--Samuel Stubbs, Field Level Media
