Watkins Glen International, known as one of the premier road circuits in the United States, has established itself as a venue synonymous with unforgettable NASCAR finishes. The excitement surrounding Chris Buescher Watkins Glen Battles continues the legacy of intense, last-lap action that has become standard at this iconic track.
One of the most remarkable conclusions in Watkins Glen history occurred in 2012, when Kyle Busch appeared poised for victory before being forcefully hit by Brad Keselowski as the race entered its final lap. The drama escalated as Tasmanian driver Marcos Ambrose engaged in a fierce duel with Keselowski, ultimately overtaking him after a tire problem struck Keselowski in the final corners, allowing Ambrose to capture the win.
Memorable Voices on Unforgettable Finishes
Dale Jarrett, former NASCAR Cup Series driver and respected broadcaster, perfectly encapsulated the intensity of that finish by saying,
“That was a year’s worth of excitement in 2.45 miles (WGI’s length).”
Despite losing, Keselowski expressed agreement with Jarrett’s assessment during an ESPN.com interview, stating,
“That’s how racing should be.”
Last Year’s Double Overtime Thriller Highlights Buescher’s Rise
The excitement at Watkins Glen continued with last year’s dramatic race, which extended into double overtime and featured a final restart packed with tension. Shane van Gisbergen, fresh off winning the inaugural Chicago Street Race in his NASCAR Cup debut, seemed ready to claim a second victory. However, a critical mistake during the closing laps derailed his run, ultimately handing the win to Chris Buescher.
Buescher reflected on van Gisbergen’s error, telling NASCAR.com,
“I had a feeling something big was going to happen and sure enough, he had that big slide.”
Commenting on the magnitude of the moment, Buescher added,
“There have been so many fantastic last one or two laps here at The Glen and I certainly feel like I’m going to go back and watch that one, and it’s going to feel like it’s going to add up with some of the old school Ambrose, Keselowski battles or a handful of others.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Watkins Glen Battles
Although van Gisbergen was disappointed by his narrow loss last year, he has since demonstrated enormous skill, winning three races in 2025 and positioning himself as a strong contender for upcoming events. Given his previous performance and competitiveness, it is reasonable to expect that if another late-race showdown unfolds, van Gisbergen will be among the key drivers battling for the checkered flag once more.
Chris Buescher Watkins Glen Battles have now firmly etched themselves among the sport’s most thrilling moments, continuing the tradition that has made Watkins Glen International a must-watch locale for NASCAR fans eager for edge-of-seat finishes.