The historic road course in upstate New York is set to shake up its calendar, with the 2027 NASCAR weekend now slated for September 17‑19, placing the action squarely inside the early stages of The Chase, NASCAR’s high‑stakes postseason.
A Revamped Schedule for the Finger Lakes Track
Fans can look forward to three distinct races over the course of the weekend: the ARCA Menards Series will kick off on Saturday, September 17, followed by the O’Reilly Auto Parts‑sponsored NASCAR Xfinity Series on Sunday, September 18, and the premier Cup Series event on Monday, September 19.
Van Gisbergen’s Quest for a Three‑Peat
Shane van Gisbergen captured his second consecutive Cup victory at the same venue earlier this year, leading 112 of 190 laps and winning by nearly 18.5 seconds. A triumph in 2027 would place him among an elite group, potentially becoming the first driver since Jeff Gordon to achieve a three‑peat in the series.
Vintage Grand Prix Festival
Coinciding with the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association’s Hilliard US Vintage Grand Prix Presented by Mission Foods, the weekend will also feature a Grand Prix Festival on September 11, showcasing classic automobiles, period‑correct vendors and a celebration of the track’s rich racing heritage.
A Track Steeped in Tradition
Watkins Glen International, long regarded as North America’s premier road‑racing facility, sits in the Finger Lakes region and has been a staple of motorsport since its opening in 1968. The venue’s combination of challenging elevation changes and historic corners continues to attract both competitors and enthusiasts.
Championship Implications Within The Chase
Crowning champions during The Chase adds an extra layer of drama, as the results will influence playoff positioning and shape the narrative of the season’s early championship race.
Beyond the on‑track action, the event promises a weekend of fan‑focused activities, from vintage car displays to local culinary offerings, reinforcing Watkins Glen’s reputation as a cultural hub as much as a sporting venue.