Here is my selection of Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers picks for this weekend’s Go Bowling at the Glen at Watkins Glen International.
Brilliant – These NASCAR drivers have the best shot to win at Watkins Glen
Chase Elliott
Who has the best chance of winning at the Glen? Number 9…number 9…number 9. Chase Elliott is the modern King of the Road Course. He’s going to either win a stage or the entire race. Or maybe all three stages. Either way, count on a good show from the kid from Dawsonville on Sunday.
Wins at Watkins Glen: 2
Top-5 finishes: 2
Top-10 finishes: 2
Martin Truex Jr.
Martin Truex Jr. has been all over the place this season. He’s familiar with this track, showing a range of good numbers—especially in recent years. Truex Jr. finished second, second, and first (respectively) in the last three races at the Glen. He has a great opportunity to take home another win this season.
Wins at Watkins Glen: 1
Top-5 finishes: 6
Top-10 finishes: 9
Kyle Busch
Love him or hate him, Kyle Busch is back. Outside of the last week before the break, you’d have to go back to Dover for a poor finish. He certainly has the experience here at Watkins Glen International, and he’s not afraid to bump and run on the road course. Look for another great run out of Rowdy on the road this weekend.
Wins at Watkins Glen: 2
Top-5 finishes: 6
Top-10 finishes: 12
Bold – These are my NASCAR sleeper picks for Go Bowling at the Glen
Ross Chastain
Need to pick one of the “little guys” for your NASCAR fantasy team this weekend? Try Ross Chastain. His record on the road courses this season has been ultra-impressive. After receiving the good news that he’ll be piloting the No. 1 for Trackhouce Racing next season, he’s likely so pumped up, it will carry him to a great ending.
Wins at Watkins Glen: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 0
Ryan Blaney
You might think that I’d leave Ryan Blaney out of this discussion, but I can’t help but see how adept he’s becoming at road courses on the circuit. This is a great opportunity for the No. 12 to come back around to the heat we saw early in the season. With a fifth-place finish here last time around, he might just end up in a top position by the end of the race.
Wins at Watkins Glen: 0
Top-5 finishes: 1
Top-10 finishes: 2
Denny Hamlin
Between Sonoma, Road America, and the Daytona Road Course, Denny Hamlin shows promise as an experienced road driver. Pair that with his numbers at The Glen since 2016 and you just might see the first win of the 2021 season for the No. 11. Barring, of course, pit crew mistakes and pit road penalties.
Wins at Watkins Glen: 1
Top-5 finishes: 4
Top-10 finishes: 7
Bonkers – Stay away from these NASCAR drivers in your fantasy lineup for Watkins Glen International this weekend
William Byron
William Byron is in a little bit of a slump after an amazing season of single-digit finishes. He hasn’t quite mastered the road course yet, but he’s young. Give him time. But don’t give him a place in your NASCAR fantasy lineup until we move on to a better track for the No. 24.
Wins at Watkins Glen: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 1
Chris Buescher
There are some tracks where Chris Buescher shows his talent—this isn’t one of them. Road courses just aren’t his thing, and therefore, I’d advise you to leave him in the pits for Watkins Glen on Sunday.
Wins at Watkins Glen: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 0
Erik Jones
Erik Jones actually has a hot reputation at Watkins Glen. However, since he moved to the No. 43 team, he’s had trouble getting his footing. As interesting as it would be to see him take a win this weekend, it might be a while before he gets himself back to form.
Wins at Watkins Glen: 0
Top-5 finishes: 2
Top-10 finishes: 3
