In one of the most thrilling NASCAR Cup Series playoff races of the season, Chris Buescher captured victory at Watkins Glen International after a dramatic last-lap pass in overtime, stealing the win from veteran Martin Truex Jr. With the season winding down and the pressure at an all-time high, Buescher’s victory couldn’t have come at a better time as he continues to assert himself as a serious contender in the NASCAR playoffs.
Held at the legendary road course in upstate New York, the race was packed with excitement, twists, and strategy from start to finish. After 90 laps of intense racing, a late-race caution brought the field back together, forcing an overtime finish. Truex, a dominant force throughout the day, appeared poised to seal the win, but Buescher’s determination and impeccable timing on the final restart changed everything.
As the race restarted in overtime, Truex had the lead, but Buescher was right on his tail. On the first lap of overtime, Buescher made his move, diving low into Turn 1 and sticking his No. 17 Ford Mustang to the inside of Truex. The two raced side-by-side through the iconic Watkins Glen esses, but it was Buescher who got the edge as the cars hit the backstretch. With the lead now his, Buescher masterfully navigated the final turns and held off Truex to claim the checkered flag.
“I’m at a loss for words right now,” Buescher said after the race. “We had a fast car all day, but it came down to that final restart. Martin (Truex Jr.) is such a fierce competitor, and to be able to make that move and pull off the win—it’s a dream come true. This is huge for our team and our playoff run.”
Buescher’s win was his third of the 2024 season, cementing his status as one of the most consistent and dangerous drivers on the circuit this year. His ability to remain calm under pressure and execute when it counts has made him a rising star in NASCAR’s playoff picture, and this win further solidifies his shot at competing for the championship.
Martin Truex Jr., a playoff favorite and road-course expert, was visibly disappointed after the race. Leading a large portion of the event and appearing in control late, Truex was unable to hold off Buescher’s charge in the final moments. Despite the disappointment, Truex still finished second, keeping his strong playoff position intact. “We had the car to win, no doubt,” Truex said post-race. “Chris (Buescher) made a great move on that last lap, and I just couldn’t get back to him. It stings, but we’ll regroup and keep fighting.”
Chase Elliott, another road course standout and fan favorite, finished third, marking his best result in weeks as he continues to try and turn his season around. Elliott fought hard throughout the day, battling both the track and tough competition to secure a podium finish. “We were right there, but just didn’t have enough at the end,” Elliott said. “Still, a solid finish for us, and we’ll keep pushing.”
Rounding out the top five were Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson, both of whom are still in strong positions in the playoff hunt. Hamlin’s fourth-place finish adds to his momentum as he continues to be one of the top threats in the postseason. Larson, meanwhile, who has excelled on road courses throughout his career, came up just short in his bid to capture a Watkins Glen win.
The race at Watkins Glen was a spectacle from start to finish, with multiple lead changes and strategies playing out as drivers tackled one of NASCAR’s most challenging and technical road courses. Known for its tight turns and high-speed straights, Watkins Glen has been the site of many memorable races, and this one added another chapter to its storied history.
The race’s turning point came in the final 10 laps when a caution for debris bunched the field together and eliminated what had been a comfortable lead for Truex. That set up the overtime finish, allowing Buescher the chance to make his bold move and secure victory. His precise timing and aggressive yet controlled driving on the restart were crucial in making the pass on Truex.
For Buescher, the win is not only a major boost in the playoff standings but also a clear statement that he’s ready to take on NASCAR’s biggest names as the championship chase intensifies. With only a few races remaining before the playoff field is narrowed further, every point and every win counts, and Buescher is now riding high with momentum on his side.
As the NASCAR Cup Series continues its march toward the Championship 4, Buescher’s victory at Watkins Glen will likely be seen as a pivotal moment in the 2024 playoffs. His blend of consistency, speed, and calm under pressure has made him a legitimate contender, and this win will certainly have the rest of the playoff field on notice. With upcoming races at challenging tracks, Buescher and his team will look to keep this momentum rolling as they aim for NASCAR’s ultimate prize—the Cup Series Championship.
