WATKINS GLEN, NY (WENY) -- When NASCAR returns to Watkins Glen International next August, drivers will hit the road course later in the month than usual.

WGI announced the NASCAR Cup Series will take the green flag on Sunday, August 21st, after NASCAR announced the 2022 Cup Series schedule. Historically, the race at WGI has happened in early August. Moving the race to late August makes it the second-to-last race in the regular season for the NASCAR Cup Series.

“The on-track intensity is going ramp up even more for next year’s race,” WGI President Michael Printup said. “Moving our race to later in August means the drivers will be in desperation mode to secure one of the few remaining chances at the championship. Dreams will be made, and title hopes dashed, on the twists and turns at The Glen.”

The final race of the regular season will be held the following weekend at Daytona International Speedway, to set up the Playoff field of 16 NASCAR Cup Series drivers.