Watkins announces driver appearance lineup

WATKINS GLEN--As the Go Bowling at The Glen NASCAR race weekend approaches, fans are looking to every opportunity to interact with their favorite drivers. A number of this season's most successful drivers will be appearing at The Glen's hospitality areas - The Bog, Pit Inn, and the Turn One Tavern, leading up to the green flag on Sunday, Aug. 5.
Jimmie Johnson (Sunday, Aug. 5 - Sahlen's Pit Inn): A first win at The Glen could be Johnson's ticket to this year's playoff field. Johnson's trips here haven't been without adventure, however, given his wild ride (without brakes) into the turn one barrier that ended his 2000 Zippo 200.
Kevin Harvick (Sunday, Aug. 5 - Busch Turn One Tavern): Kevin Harvick is among the 'Big 3' drivers that have dominated the season to this point. With five wins to his name so far, the 2006 WGI winner is fighting for the top seed in this year's playoffs. After just missing out on a second victory here in 2016, you can bet revenge is on the mind of the former champion.
Clint Bowyer (Sunday, Aug. 5 - Sahlen's Pit Inn): Clint Bowyer has seen something of a resurgence in 2018, scoring two victories so far, while earning consistent, productive runs throughout the year. Could this be the year that the Emporia, Kansas native goes to Gatorade Victory Lane at The Glen?
Chase Elliott (Sunday, Aug. 5 - The Bog presented by Red Cat): Elliott has shown road course prowess throughout during his climb through the developmental ranks of the sport, so him putting the No. 24 back in victory lane and scoring his first career Cup triumph at The Glen wouldn't be a complete surprise. Finding an open seat during his Sunday appearance, though, would be.
A.J. Allmendinger (Sunday, Aug. 5 - Sahlen's Pit Inn): Allmendinger's stirring first win career win here in 2014 sits as the golden standard for the Go Bowling at The Glen as a 'wild card' driver's chance to making the postseason. After a disappointing result at Sonoma earlier this year, you can bet the road course ace will be looking to WGI as his best opportunity to punch his ticket.
Kurt Busch (Sunday, Aug. 5 - The Bog presented by Red Cat): The 2004 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion is yet to breakthrough on the New York road course, but always finds his way to the front at race's end. Busch has Top-10 finishes in five of his last six starts at The Glen, so expect him to be a contender.
Erik Jones (Sunday, Aug. 5 - Busch Turn One Tavern): Jones finally broke through with his first career Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series victory earlier this summer at Daytona. Now, with his playoff plans in place, the 22-year-old will be looking to pile on the points as he tries to figure out the tricky short course layout.
Kasey Kahne (Sunday, Aug. 5 - The Bog pres. by Red Cat): Kahne, with a new team in 2018, is seeking the victory that puts him in the playoffs for back-to-back seasons, following his win at the Brickyard last year. His best run at The Glen came in 2014, when he finished 12th for Hendrick Motorsports.
Michael McDowell (Sunday, Aug. 5 - The Bog pres. by Red Cat): McDowell has a road course background, so if he can keep the No. 34 car out of trouble and into the late laps of the final stage, look out. McDowell's season highlight to this point has been a 9th place finish in the Daytona 500.
Appearing in The Bog on Saturday, Aug. 4 will be XFINITY drivers Brandon Jones and Ryan Truex. Times for all appearances are forthcoming.
The Go Bowling at The Glen headlines a weekend full of Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR XFINITY, and NASCAR K&N Pro Series East action at Watkins Glen International, Aug. 2-5. For more information or to purchase tickets, fans can visit www.theglen.com or call 1-866-461-RACE.