Ryan Blaney of Team Penske secured the pole position for the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International on Saturday afternoon, edging out Shane van Gisbergen by a mere 0.033 seconds. This qualifying session set the stage for the 2025 Go Bowling at The Glen race, with Blaney’s performance highlighting the tight competition expected on Sunday.

The qualifying event unfolded in two groups, with van Gisbergen topping the first segment. However, Blaney, competing in the second group, managed to better the Kiwi driver’s time just before qualifying concluded. This narrow victory establishes Blaney at the front of the starting grid, followed closely by van Gisbergen and Chase Briscoe.

Kyle Busch’s Strategic Starting Spot Provides Playoff Boost

Kyle Busch’s fifth-place qualifying finish offers a significant advantage in his current playoff situation, providing a much-needed boost for his championship hopes at Watkins Glen. Given his team’s urgency, Busch is expected to aim for a victory during Sunday’s race to maintain a strong playoff run. His solid qualifying time positions him among the top contenders, hinting at an aggressive strategy to secure vital points and possibly a win.

Meanwhile, the day was challenging for Kyle Larson, who qualified in 27th place after struggling during the session. Larson’s low starting position complicates his race outlook, requiring a recovery effort on the track amid fierce competition.

Complete Starting Lineup for the 2025 Go Bowling at The Glen

The full qualifying results reveal the starting order for Sunday’s race, highlighting the front-runners and those facing uphill battles late in the field:

1. Ryan Blaney, No. 12, Team Penske, Ford – 71.960 seconds
2. Shane van Gisbergen, No. 88, Trackhouse Racing, Chevrolet – +0.033 seconds
3. Chase Briscoe, No. 19, Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota – +0.037 seconds
4. Ross Chastain, No. 1, Trackhouse Racing, Chevrolet – +0.121 seconds
5. Kyle Busch, No. 8, Richard Childress Racing, Chevrolet – +0.184 seconds
6. Michael McDowell, No. 71, Spire Motorsports, Chevrolet – +0.220 seconds
7. Alex Bowman, No. 48, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet – +0.239 seconds
8. Carson Hocevar, No. 77, Spire Motorsports, Chevrolet – +0.240 seconds
9. Christopher Bell, No. 20, Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota – +0.250 seconds
10. William Byron, No. 24, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet – +0.255 seconds
11. Joey Logano, No. 22, Team Penske, Ford – +0.275 seconds
12. Chris Buescher, No. 17, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, Ford – +0.305 seconds
13. Austin Cindric, No. 2, Team Penske, Ford – +0.340 seconds
14. Ty Gibbs, No. 54, Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota – +0.344 seconds
15. Bubba Wallace, No. 23, 23XI Racing, Toyota – +0.452 seconds
16. Brad Keselowski, No. 6, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, Ford – +0.467 seconds
17. Ryan Preece, No. 60, RFK Racing, Ford – +0.483 seconds
18. AJ Allmendinger, No. 16, Kaulig Racing, Chevrolet – +0.491 seconds
19. Daniel Suarez, No. 99, Trackhouse Racing, Chevrolet – +0.501 seconds
20. Chase Elliott, No. 9, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet – +0.505 seconds
21. Tyler Reddick, No. 45, 23XI Racing, Toyota – +0.527 seconds
22. Denny Hamlin, No. 11, Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota – +0.547 seconds
23. Justin Haley, No. 7, Spire Motorsports, Chevrolet – +0.592 seconds
24. Josh Berry, No. 21, Wood Brothers Racing, Ford – +0.616 seconds
25. Connor Zilisch, No. 87, Trackhouse Racing, Chevrolet – +0.643 seconds
26. Austin Dillon, No. 3, Richard Childress Racing, Chevrolet – +0.707 seconds
27. Kyle Larson, No. 5, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet – +0.758 seconds
28. Todd Gilliland, No. 34, Front Row Motorsports, Ford – +0.758 seconds
29. Riley Herbst, No. 35, 23XI Racing, Toyota – +0.776 seconds
30. Erik Jones, No. 43, Legacy Motor Club, Toyota – +0.804 seconds
31. John Hunter Nemechek, No. 42, Legacy Motor Club, Toyota – +0.878 seconds
32. Cole Custer, No. 41, Haas Factory Team, Ford – +0.963 seconds
33. Ty Dillon, No. 10, Kaulig Racing, Chevrolet – +1.029 seconds
34. Zane Smith, No. 38, Front Row Motorsports, Ford – +1.193 seconds
35. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47, HYAK Motorsports, Chevrolet – +1.210 seconds
36. Noah Gragson, No. 4, Front Row Motorsports, Ford – +1.230 seconds
37. Cody Ware, No. 51, Rick Ware Racing, Ford – +1.738 seconds
38. Katherine Legge, No. 78, Live Fast Motorsports, Chevrolet – +2.544 seconds
39. JJ Yeley, No. 44, NY Racing Team, Chevrolet – +2.995 seconds
40. Josh Bilicki, No. 66, Garage 66, Ford – +3.132 seconds

Challenges and Dynamics at Watkins Glen

With Ryan Blaney setting the pace and Shane van Gisbergen close behind, Sunday’s race at Watkins Glen International promises a dramatic contest. Kyle Busch’s strong qualifying pace is critical for his playoff survival, intensifying the pressure on his No. 8 team. This high starting position provides Busch with a crucial opportunity to earn points and keep championship hopes alive.

On the other hand, Kyle Larson’s difficulties during qualifying position him deep in the pack, creating a daunting task to climb the ranks amid intense competition. Fans and teams alike are watching closely, knowing that performances at Watkins Glen can have significant playoff ramifications.

Other drivers like Chase Briscoe, Ross Chastain, and Denny Hamlin will also play key roles in the unfolding drama, each aiming to capitalize on their own starting locations to improve standings as the season advances.