Chris Buescher triumphed at Watkins Glen International in a thrilling NASCAR Cup Series finish, marking his first victory of the season after an intense battle with Shane Van Gisbergen. Buescher initially lost the lead during a late restart but capitalized on Van Gisbergen's mistake in the bus stop chicane, which allowed him to reclaim the position and secure the win. Van Gisbergen acknowledged his error, expressing disappointment but also recognizing the competitive nature of the race. This win serves as a significant boost for Buescher and RFK Racing, especially after a frustrating season and missing the playoffs. The race featured early chaos, including a multi-car crash on the first lap that impacted several playoff contenders, notably Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney. Notably, Buescher's victory adds to Ford's recent success in the series, following Joey Logano's win the previous week.