A sliding window assembly for a vehicle including a first fixed panel and a second fixed panel spaced a distance from the first fixed panel to define an aperture therebetween. A sliding panel is movable relative to the fixed panels between a closed position and an open position. The sliding panel includes a top end and a bottom end spaced from the top end. A track is coupled to the fixed panels with a central section of the track spanning the aperture. The track defines a channel for receiving the top or bottom end of the sliding panel. The central section of the track defines a notch having a width substantially equal to or greater than the distance between the fixed panels for revealing either the top end or the bottom end of the sliding panel within the channel of the track between the first and second fixed panels.