The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Heads to Watkins Glen This Saturday

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Updated: 11:53 AM CDT May 9, 2026

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By Kansas City’s Own® KCWE

The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series heads to Watkins Glen today as the 2026 season reaches race No. 13 and drivers prepare for the second road-course event of the year.

Junior Motorsports enters the weekend with momentum after another strong performance at Texas, where Kyle Larson drove the No. 88 car to victory for the second straight year at the track. Larson held off late pressure from Justin Allgaier to secure his third series victory at Texas.

That momentum could continue at Watkins Glen, a track where Junior Motorsports has consistently been one of the teams to beat. The organization has delivered several strong road-course performances in recent years and is expected to contend again today.

Rain changed part of the outlook for the weekend after qualifying was canceled Saturday morning, forcing NASCAR to set the lineup by metric scores. Rajah Caruth earned the pole position in the No. 88 Chevrolet, while Allgaier will start alongside him on the front row when the green flag drops in New York.

Last season’s race at The Glen featured an exciting showdown between Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen, with Zilisch earning the victory after battling one of the top road racers in the sport. Zilisch has quickly built a reputation as one of the series’ most dangerous drivers whenever the schedule turns to road courses.

The No. 88 team also found victory lane at Watkins Glen a year ago, and Roger Crews will take over driving duties for the entry today as Junior Motorsports looks to continue its recent success at the New York road course.

Retina surgeon and rookie Patrick Staropoli will start 19th for Big Machine Racing. BMR is a promotional partner with KCWE this season.

Live coverage begins today at 2:30P on Kansas City’s Own® KCWE and The CW.