The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Watkins Glen for Go Bowling at The Glen on Sunday, August 21st. The race will be streamed live on DirecTV Stream, which offers a free trial.
With two races left in NASCAR’s regular season, Chris Buescher has only one way to make the playoffs — to win.
His next chance comes Sunday at Watkins Glen International, a high-speed road course where one small mistake in the 90 laps of the 2.45-mile circuit can ruin a day.
Buescher gave another indication in Richmond last week that RFK Racing is making progress with the next generation car. He drove the No. 17 Ford into the rear bumper of leader Kevin Harvick on the final laps before dropping to third place as Harvick took his second straight win.
Watkins Glen and the regular-season finale at Daytona International Speedway on August 27 are also the last chances for Ryan Blaney and Martin Truex Jr. to reach the 16-rider playoff field.
They are not among the 15 to have won this season and lie second and fourth in points, separated by just 26. That leaves little room for error if no one gets on the winning track and there isn’t a breakthrough by one of the other winless riders.
Blaney, who signed a long-term contract with Team Penske this week, has made the playoffs every season since 2017 and has two top-10 finishes in five career starts at The Glen.
When is the NASCAR cup race?
The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Watkins Glen for Go Bowling at The Glen on Sunday, August 21 at 2:00 p.m. (3:00 p.m. ET).
Will it be streamed live?
DirecTV Stream offers a free trial.
There are four options for DirecTV Stream, but the entertainment package does not include SEC network:
The entertainment package, which consists of more than 65 channels, costs $54.99 until the end of the promotion on April 30th. It’s the basic package for entertainment that shouldn’t be missed – including ESPN, TNT, Nickelodeon and HGTV.
The Choice Pack has 90+ channels and costs $74.99 during the promotion. The channels in ENTERTAINMENT as well as MLB Network, NBA TV, College Sports Networks and more. Enjoy regional sports networks without additional fees.
The Ultimate package has 130+ channels and costs $89.99 during the promotion. All in CHOICE, plus Oxygen, Golf Channel, NHL Network, Universal Kids and more.
The Premier Package has 140+ channels and costs $134.99 during the promotion. All in ULTIMATE, plus HBO Max, SHOWTIME, STARZ, Cinemax and more.
DirecTV Stream offers a free trial that doesn’t require much effort.
To sign up, enter a phone number, email address, and credit card and you’ll get five days of free service.
Also, enhance your experience with the DirecTV Stream device. While it doesn’t come with a free trial, it gives you access to thousands of apps like Netflix and more on Google Play. You can search with Google Assistant using voice remote control and enjoy a traditional live TV channel guide. It is sold separately.
Which channel is broadcasting the race?
The NASCAR Cup Series race will be televised by USA Network.
preview
Roughing: Watkins Glen rose to prominence a decade ago with three straight fender banging finishes involving trio Kyle Busch, Brad Keselowki and Marcos Ambrose. If there’s a late warning in Sunday’s race, beware.
“These are also wildcards at the end of these street courses,” said Busch. “I don’t know if we can get five on the front stretch at Watkins Glen but watch out for us. We’ll try to see what happens.”
STREAKING HARVICK: Harvick was on a 65-race win streak in Michigan two weeks ago and did it twice last week. Three in a row promises “to be very difficult,” he said, despite Harvick winning at Watkins Glen in 2006.
EXTERNAL FACTOR: Former Formula 1 champion Kimi Raikkonen of Finland comes out of retirement to make his cup debut for Justin Marks’ TrackHouse Racing. He is part of a contingent of international drivers registered at Watkins Glen that could increase stress levels.
Also in the field are sports car aces Mike Rockenfeller of Germany and England’s Kyle Tilley, NASCAR Euro Series champion Loris Hezemans of the Netherlands and ex-F1 driver Daniil Kvyat of Russia.
Raikkonen worked with Suárez to prepare for the race.
“It’s a new experience. I don’t know how things will continue,” Raikkonen said on Saturday.
BITS AND PIECES: FanDuel Sportsbook names two-time Watkins Glen winner Chase Elliott as the favorite. He can win the regular-season title with just four points. Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson won at The Glen last season. …Chevrolet is aiming for its 11th straight road win in the Cup Series. … Hall of Fame driver Rusty Wallace is the Grand Marshal. … No Cup race at Watkins Glen has been won from a starting position outside the top 20. Deepest in the field for a winner was Steve Park in 2000 from 18th place.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
