The Glen was the Spire show, with Todd Gilliland finishing as the only other underdog inside the top 20. With a special person in his corner, Gilliland turned in a solid day at the office with a 16th-place showing in his 100th career Cup start.

Carson Hocevar recaps his day at Watkins Glen International and comments on his first career top-five finish in NASCAR's premier series.

Here are the key storylines for the race: Four playoff drivers will be eliminated Saturday night. Two former champions — Martin Truex Jr. and Brad Keselowski — are among the four drivers below the cutline entering the race. Also below the cutline are Denny Hamlin and Harrison Burton.

Who won the NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen? Chris Buescher is the winner, plus full NASCAR Cup results, at Watkins Glen International.