NASCAR to move Watkins Glen into the Chase for 2027 season in September switch
TL;DR
NASCAR will move the Watkins Glen Cup date back to the fall for the 2027 season, making it part of the Chase for the Championship. This change will likely make Watkins Glen the only road course in the Chase.
Key points
- Watkins Glen Cup date moved to fall for 2027 season
- Part of the Chase for the Championship
- Likely the only road course in the Chase
Mentioned in this story
Motorsport photo
NASCAR's decision to move Watkins Glen to the spring will not last, as the historic road course confirmed plans to move the Cup date to the fall in 2027.
WGI will be part of the Chase for the Championship, and unless there is a dramatic change to the schedule, it will likely be the only road course in the Chase. This year, there are no road courses in the ten-race Chase after the Charlotte Roval's late removal from the schedule.
Why May date was questionable
This is a remarkably quick announcement for next year's schedule, and comes after controversy surrounding the decision to move the race into early May for 2026 -- the earliest in the year NASCAR has ever raced at Watkins Glen. Not only is the weather far more volatile (making for muddy conditions in the campground that fans are already battling), but it's an odd time for CNY and the Finger Lakes region.
Many local residents keep their campers in storage until Memorial Day Weekend, and the main Gorge trail at the popular Watkins Glen State Park is not even open yet as it's one of the slowest times of year in the region for tourism. Various local tracks (likeĀ Oswego) don't even begin their racing season until the end of the month.
Watkins Glen is also one of the more visually stunning tracks on the schedule, but many trees are still barren in early May as they just begin to grow spring leaves.
No official date has been set for The Glen's 2027 date, but the confirmation for September means that it will be in the first-half of the Chase. Watkins Glen was part of the Chase in 2024, taking place on September 15 as the 28th round of the season.
Read Also:
How to watch NASCAR at Watkins Glen: Weekend schedule, weather, start time, TV
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Q&A
Why is Watkins Glen moving to the fall for the 2027 NASCAR season?
Watkins Glen is moving to the fall to become part of the Chase for the Championship, a shift from its previous spring date.
What impact does the move of Watkins Glen have on the NASCAR Chase?
The move will likely make Watkins Glen the only road course included in the Chase for the Championship, following the removal of the Charlotte Roval.
Are there any other road courses in the NASCAR Chase for 2027?
As of now, Watkins Glen is expected to be the only road course in the Chase for the 2027 NASCAR season.
