Noah Gragson and his No. 4 team are heading to Watkins Glen, New York, to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International. This upcoming Go Bowling at The Glen event marks Gragson’s second start in the Cup Series at this challenging 2.45-mile road course, where he hopes to build on his previous performances and make an impact in this highly competitive racing season.
Gragson’s Past Performance at Watkins Glen Reflects Experience and Skill
Though still early in his Cup Series career, Gragson is no stranger to the twists and turns of Watkins Glen. At 27 years old, the Las Vegas native has competed three times in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at this track, finishing in the top 10 on every occasion. His best finish came most recently in 2022, when he placed fourth, demonstrating his ability to navigate the track’s complex layout. In his first NASCAR Cup Series start this year, Gragson earned an encouraging 11th-place finish, showing promise for the upcoming race.
A&W Root Beer Returns as Primary Sponsor at Watkins Glen
For this weekend’s race, A&W Root Beer is once again sponsoring Gragson’s No. 4 car, marking their second collaboration of the season. Established in 1919, A&W has a long-standing history in the fast-food and beverage industry, originating from a roadside root beer stand opened by Roy W. Allen in Lodi, California. Allen’s partnership with Frank Wright led to the A&W name, and the brand started franchising in 1926, growing into an international presence. Even after over 100 years, A&W Root Beer remains a leading choice among consumers in its category.
In support of the race weekend, A&W is hosting a special promotion on August 6, offering free small root beer floats at participating U.S. locations from 2 to 8 p.m. During this event, customers can also donate to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization and purchase a collector’s mug for $10.
Gragson Reflects on the Unique Challenge of Racing at Watkins Glen
Commenting on the track, Gragson described Watkins Glen as an exciting yet demanding venue.
“Watkins Glen is just a fun place to race – you’re constantly shifting, hitting curbs, and hauling ass,”
he said.
“It’s a fast track with a fairly simple layout, but it takes precision to get your timing right and really maximize each corner. We had a strong run there last year – qualified inside the top 10 and ran up front most of the day before finishing 11th. That was my first Cup start at The Glen, I’m hoping to take the package from last year into this weekend’s race.”
—Noah Gragson, NASCAR Driver
The Stakes and Outlook for This NASCAR Season at Watkins Glen
This race at Watkins Glen International offers Gragson a valuable opportunity to demonstrate his growth in the NASCAR Cup Series and to leverage his prior experience on this road course. With A&W Root Beer supporting his efforts and a solid car setup, Gragson aims to climb higher in the standings and secure a noteworthy finish. The competitive atmosphere surrounding the race, combined with the track’s demanding nature, will test his skills and strategy, potentially influencing his momentum as the NASCAR season progresses.