eNASCAR College Series: Time Attack Sets Grid for Watkins Glen Tournament
Over 200 collegiate sim racers competed in the Watkins Glen Time Attack session, locking in the top 100 drivers for the upcoming eNASCAR College iRacing Series event.
Between 20 and 25 October, more than 200 collegiate drivers took to Watkins Glen International in qualifying for the third round of the 2026-27 eNASCAR College iRacing Series season, presented by Logitech G. Titled the Big Apple Battle, the upcoming tournament scheduled for 28 October will feature 100 qualified students.
Departing from the oval NASCAR Craftsman Truck machinery used in the opening two rounds, this event runs in association with IMSA and shifts competitors into the Ford Mustang GT4. Sacramento State driver Dylan Ault secured the top qualifying spot for the third consecutive round, entering the field as the number one seed. Avery Mendoza from the University of Georgia captured the second seed and will head Group 2.
The competitive field also includes Calgary's Connor Yeroschak as the seventh seed, alongside recent IMSA Esports eNASCAR College Showcase victor Joonsuh Lim representing Michigan in 11th. Standings leader Jacob Wilkerson of Tarrant County placed 24th, lining up in Group 2 against Brian Mercurio (10th seed) and Adam Garza (14th seed). Other notable qualifiers include Daniel Nanney in 18th, Nick Luetje in 19th, and recent Queen City Crown winner Timothy Holmes in 22nd.
Institutional participation was led by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with 16 qualified drivers, while UNC Greensboro entered road specialist Sean Campbell. Purdue at Indianapolis contributed seven drivers, alongside four entries apiece from Belmont Abbey and Ball State.
The tournament format remains unchanged, culminating in a 40-car Final Round during the second week. Action commences on Wednesday, 28 October at 7:00 p.m. ET, followed by the concluding races on 4 November, where points are distributed to the top ten in each semifinal prior to the feature race payouts.