NASCAR lineup at Watkins Glen: Starting order, pole for 2026 Go Bowling at The Glen based on qualifying results

NASCAR lineup at Watkins Glen: Starting order, pole for 2026 Go Bowling at The Glen based on qualifying results originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Shane van Gisbergen is the best road course racer in NASCAR. He’ll look to prove as much on Sunday afternoon.

Advertisement

The New Zealand-born racer came on the scene — at least to U.S. audiences — in 2023, racing to gold during his first ever Cup Series race in Chicago. In the years that have followed, van Gisbergen has become the sport’s finest talent when the turns are ever-present and the course layout is winding, claiming another five wins in 2025 to pace the field.

van Gisbergen hasn’t quite been able to match his output in 2026, posting just two top-10 finishes thus far. However, he is expected to dazzle at Watkins Glen on Sunday, just as he did one year earlier.

His performance during Saturday’s qualifying session indicates that isn’t too far-fetched, either.

With that, here’s what you need to know about qualifying results ahead of Sunday’s race, Go Bowling at The Glen.

Advertisement

MORE: Why NASCAR Truck Series’ Daniel Dye was suspended after controversial comments

Who won the Go Bowling at The Glen pole for 2026?

Qualifying for Go Bowling at The Glen took place on Saturday. Shane van Gisbergen captured the pole, surging to the top of the field with a blazing run across the winding terrain.

van Gisbergen posted a 71.165s lap time, three-tenths of a second-faster than second-place Michael McDowell. He will take his rightful place at the top of the pyramid on Sunday afternoon, looking to record his second-consecutive win at the central New York colliseum.

“Crazy,” van Gisbergen said of his run. “It’ll be a good race to watch but probably a hard one to manage.”

Advertisement

Go Bowling at The Glen starting lineup 2026