NASCAR Xfinity Driver Replaced During Watkins Glen Race After Health Issues

Thomas Annunziata, a promising teenage driver in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with the Joey Gase Motorsports, faced an unexpected challenge during the Watkins Glen race that forced him to retire mid-race due to health concerns.

Joey Gase, the team’s owner and an experienced driver, stepped in to fill the gap for the remainder of the race, ensuring the team’s participation continued.

Annunziata, who has been gaining recognition for his participation in the Trans-Am Series and noteworthy debut at Sonoma earlier this season, was forced to bow out due to dehydration.

Reports suggest a possible equipment failure—a disconnected helmet hose—might have exacerbated his condition. Despite being physically fit, Annunziata struggled to cope with the race’s grueling demands.

The team shared to social media:

“Thomas Annunziata is bringing car to pit road as he is starting to feel dehydrated and under the weather. Joey Gase is putting his suit on and will jump in.”

Thankfully, Annunziata was cleared after visiting the on-site medical center.

The Watkins Glen race was nothing short of electrifying. Notable competitors like Connor Zilisch, Ty Gibbs, and Shane van Gisbergen were at the forefront, alongside established Cup Series drivers such as William Byron, Ross Chastain, and Joey Logano, all contributing to a thrilling race atmosphere. Xfinity Series road course races are revered for their challenging nature, laying bare the endurance and skill required from the drivers.

Annunziata’s premature exit was undoubtedly a setback, curtailing what could have been a full demonstration of his burgeoning talent.

NASCAR Xfinity at Watkins Glen

Stage 1 Results – Driver Rankings

1. Connor Zilisch
2. Justin Allgaier
3. Aric Almirola
4. Chandler Smith
5. Sheldon Creed
6. Cole Custer
7. Jesse Love
8. Riley Herbst
9. Ryan Sieg
10. Jeremy Clements
11. Sammy Smith
12. Ross Chastain
13. Parker Retzlaff
14. Joey Logano
15. Mike Skeen
16. Parker Kligerman
17. Ed Jones
18. Matt DiBenedetto
19. Anthony Alfredo
20. Josh Bilicki
21. Brennan Poole
22. Ty Gibbs
23. Thomas Annunziata
24. AJ Allmendinger
25. William Byron
26. Josh Williams
27. Sam Mayer
28. Alon Day
29. Ryan Ellis
30. RC Enerson
31. Kyle Sieg
32. Jeb Burton
33. Austin Hill
34. Brandon Jones
35. Leland Honeyman
36. Shane Van Gisbergen
37. Austin Green
38. Kyle Weatherman

Stage 2 Results – Driver Rankings

1. William Byron
2. Ty Gibbs
3. Connor Zilisch
4. Sam Mayer
5. Justin Allgaier
6. Cole Custer
7. Riley Herbst
8. Austin Hill
9. Ryan Sieg
10. Jeremy Clements
11. Jesse Love
12. Ross Chastain
13. Parker Kligerman
14. Ed Jones
15. Mike Skeen
16. Brennan Poole
17. Austin Green
18. Parker Retzlaff
19. Josh Williams
20. Matt DiBenedetto
21. Jeb Burton
22. RC Enerson
23. Ryan Ellis
24. Alon Day
25. Kyle Sieg
26. Anthony Alfredo
27. Thomas Annunziata
28. AJ Allmendinger
29. Sheldon Creed
30. Aric Almirola
31. Shane Van Gisbergen
32. Brandon Jones
33. Chandler Smith
34. Joey Logano
35. Josh Bilicki
36. Sammy Smith
37. Leland Honeyman
38. Kyle Weatherman