It’s road course week in the Finger Lakes, and if you’re hunting for sharp NASCAR race picks or some solid free betting picks, you’re in the right spot! The NASCAR Cup Series turns left and right at "The Glen" — Watkins Glen, that is — for the iconic Go Bowling at The Glen on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. ET on USA.
This year, the classic New York track dishes up some of the trickiest corners and boldest passing zones in the sport, plus a prop market loaded with opportunity (even if we're making some "square plays").
With road course pros, Cup regulars, and a field stacked with both veterans and up-and-comers, this year’s edition is anything but predictable. Late cautions, tricky pit sequences, and strategy might decide everything — but with some racing luck, the nut is ours to take, mmkay?
NASCAR prop picks for Go Bowling at The Glen
- Top 3: Zilisch (+140)
- Top 5: McDowell (+175)
- Top 10: Gibbs (+100)
NASCAR Go Bowling at The Glen props and best bets
Top 3 Finish: Connor Zilisch (+140 at bet365)
The rising star’s road course form and rapid Cup learning curve make him a threat in any race, especially in the great state of New York. Here are some reasons why you won't have to worry about him pulling a Yankees-like choke job:
- 🏁 Five wins in 2025 Xfinity season (including Sonoma, Indy, and Chicago)
- 🔥 Outdueled SVG at Sonoma and narrowly lost to him in Chicago — currently rivals SVG as the top road talent in lower NASCAR divisions. The kid has a shot to be one of the better drivers in the Cup Series moving forward. Some might say he's a legend in waiting.
- 🏎️ Strong showings in limited Cup starts; learned from adversity at COTA (accident) and gained experience at Charlotte and Atlanta. It doesn't hurt when he's got some of the best drivers of yesteryear, like Dale Jr., giving him props on their podcasts, too. Game respects game. Remember, a lot of drivers can be egomaniacs, so when they're giving out kudos, take it seriously.
With the right pit strategy, Zilisch’s upside at Watkins Glen — his best track historically — is too sharp to ignore. Some books had him listed at +220 when the lines opened. Obviously, the steam dropped our play down to +140, but I had Zilisch's Top 3 prop projected closer to -110. I'll take a chance on the kid. He'll be giving SVG a run for his money.
Top 5 Finish: Michael McDowell (+175 at bet365)
Lawd have mercy, the bookies have listed this bloke above all the Hendrick drivers. It must be a cold day in hell... or maybe I just don't respect Double M's game as much as I should? The "road guru" keeps cranking out strong results:
- 🥇 7th and 6th in the last two road events (Sonoma, Chicago): He's right there. Technically, these numbers would look better if we were backing him for a Top 10 finish. However, that price is way too short. Plus, our buddy here is racing good enough to finish a few spots higher. Ride the line, pressure cars on the turns, and don't take "no" for an answer.
- ⏱️ Best green-flag pit stop efficiency of all non-Hendrick full-timers — probably explains why the bookies priced him shorter.
- 🏆 Five Top 10s in his previous 7 Glen races
Overall, McDowell blends smart strategy with a cool head — and that’s golden at road course roulette. This price? Still value, all day. I would've liked +200, but beggars can't be choosers in this situation.
Top 10 Finish: Ty Gibbs (+100 at bet365)
The young gun has some shine to him. As such, we've liked him in the past, and once again, we're backing him this week. Here's why:
- 🔥 Best driver rating at Sonoma for Cup regulars under 26
- 🏁 3 Top 10s in last 4 road course starts
- 🛞 Improved braking, tire management, and late-race poise
Gibbs is reliable when things turn chaotic. If his pit crew nails the stops, he’ll be battling for a Top 10 sticker this Sunday. Yes, I would've liked a +125 to +150 price, but the bookies are getting sharper with these road course races. We're just taking what they're giving us.
💡 Why these picks stick
Watkins Glen demands discipline and split-second decisions. Strategic pit sequences and late cautions always stir up drama — but our picks lean on recent pace, sharp pit work, and drivers that stay cool when others overheat. Zilisch, McDowell, and Gibbs check every box for this weekend's showdown.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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