Overview
- The revised layout, in place for the May 8–10 weekend, adds four tire packs at Turn 1 set 11, 9, 6 and 6 feet off the racing line, spaced about 180 feet apart.
- A connected barrier now lines the Carousel exit, tapering from 20 feet to 5 feet from the track to curb runoff use after last year’s multi-car crash involving Michael McDowell and Austin Hill.
- Forecasts show a strong rain threat Saturday that could upend Cup practice and qualifying, with cool 50s–60s temperatures and widespread mud making campsites and infield travel difficult.
- Teams confirmed notable Truck Series changes, with Kyle Busch out and Connor Mosack in for Spire’s No. 7, Connor Zilisch taking Spire’s No. 71, and TRICON assigning Adam Andretti and Brent Crews to the Nos. 5 and 1.
- Track president Dawn Burlew said Watkins Glen will shift back to a September date in 2027 as an early Chase race, reversing this year’s one-off May slot.