While this particular trip doesn’t include the word “new” in the title, it does still have that shiny feeling to it.

Whilst there’s no giant bronze bull in the middle of the circuit, this one has received the moniker “Bull Ring” from the drivers for its notorious elbows-out racing - a concept that has become synonymous with the Gen 3 era.

Wide run-off areas that are usable without penalty, high kerbing that you have to climb all over to extract lap time … Oh! And don’t forget that Armco barrier that pokes out right next to the entry of the bus stop chicane that claimed Ethan Grigg-Gault late in the race last year.

This could have anything go on, and given what's been on show this year from Supercars itself, I would expect elbows to be commonplace.

With a short and punchy lap of just 3.93km, this layout of Watkins is only topped by Sandown for the shortest lap of this season. However, Watkins’ incredibly high average speed figures make for near identical lap times despite the extra distance. Laps absolutely fly by around here, with speeds that make you feel dizzy!

When looking at past results, one stat jumps to mind over the rest; pole position is yet to be converted to a race win. 

Remember that short lap we talked about? That means qualifying will be broken up into two sessions with 45th to 23rd in the championship in Group 1, and 22nd to the lead in Group 2.

Tracks with fine margins like this always plant seeds of drama, with anyone who is a touch out of position in the championship getting an opportunity to set the time sheets alight and grab a solid starting position.

The emerging story between races has been the switch of Zach Rattray-White from Vermillion to Eclipse. Now a lot has been made of what Rattray-White can gain, but also consider the flip side of that coin. Eclipse have talent to burn, but lack experience in the strategy nuance of Supercars racing. 

The easy pick for the race win would, once again, belong to Jarrad Filsell. But with the season progressing and patience being tested, we may finally start seeing a few people shake up that order. Lobs Esports fired out of the box strong, but the others are starting to catch back up again.

Looking through the supplementary regulations for the round is always important from a driver's perspective, and even offers some insight into how stewarding decisions are reached. When NASCAR runs at this layout, track limits become a suggestion; but for our series, the line denoting the edge of the track reigns supreme at the exit of the carousel - drivers outside of this line will have to rejoin safely and compromise their runs.

Predictions

1. Safety Car, Safety Car, Safety Car - The BMW GT4 Safety Car has sat on the sidelines to this point, but it's finally time for it to make an appearance. Safety Cars have appeared in both Watkins Glen races to date and I expect this to be no different.
2. Rattray-White has been desperate for a podium, he’s been there and thereabouts and confidence is high. I predict it won't be this race, but rather next time out. Changing scenery typically leads to a small downtrend, look for it to follow with an immediate resurgence.
3. ERT have been quick, particularly in qualifying trim. Grigg-Gault took pole last season, but I think Robbie Gibbs might just nick pole! Dark horse, but he’s been driving well and I think there’s a definite chance.
4. Undercuts are huge, someone is going to roll the dice aggressively, probably at the back end of the top 10.
5. The big one! NASCAR track leads to a NASCAR accident!

That’s all from me, folks! I hope to see you Wednesday as we kick into high gear at Watkins Glen!