Best of the Rest: Watkins Glen

NASCAR’s Xfinity and Cup Series teams arrived at the historic Watkins Glen road course last weekend. While the usual cast of drivers and road course aces had their success, some teams and drivers had much needed strong runs.

Xfinity Series (Mission 200 at The Glen)

1. Connor Zilisch (#88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet): Up and comer Connor Zilisch made his Xfinity Series debut at the Glen. Zilisch, a Trackhouse Racing development driver upstaged everyone on this Saturday in JR Motorsports part-time #88 Chevrolet. Earning an easy pole in his first start, Zilisch would have a strong run leading 45 of 90 laps. This dominant performance would result in the rookie earning his career win in his first start.

1. Joey Logano (#15 AM Racing Ford): While Cup drivers would not normally be considered underdogs, there are exceptions. In a season filled with struggling to finish races, Logano gave the #15 Mustang one of its best performances of the season. Logano would earn AM Racing only their second Top 10 (9th) of the season after starting 33rd.

1. Jeremy Clements (#51 Jeremy Clements Racing Chevrolet): A long-time driver with a family-owned team, Clements and his #51 Chevrolet have been a full-time series staple since 2011. The JCR team has shown they are consistent dark horse contenders on road courses, as Clements would start and finish his race in 18th. Clements also owns one career win on a road course at Road America in 2017.

   

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   Cup Series (Go Bowling at The Glen)

1. Spire Motorsports (#7, 71, 77 Chevrolets): Spire Motorsports as a whole had a strong Sunday in Watkins Glen, placing all three drivers in the Top 10. Rookie Carson Hocevar would wheel his #77 Chevrolet to a 3rd places finish after starting 29th. Following Hocevar, rookie Zane Smith bring the #71 Chevrolet home 5th. Veteran Corey LaJoie rounded out the finishes, placing his #7 Camaro in 8th.

   

2. Ryan Preece (#41 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford): Another surprise from Sunday was Ryan Preece. Preece would methodically work his way through a drama filled field and bring his SHR entry home 9th.

1. Austin Cindric (#2 Penske Racing Ford): While Cindric does drive for the powerhouse Penske team, the #2 Mustang has been missing from the front of the field this season. Cindric would score his second-straight 10th place finish, after starting 5th.