Watkins Glen, known as "The Glen" is one of the oldest road courses in America. For many years, from 1961 -1980, it was famous for being the home of the United States Grand Prix but the race track has been used for road racing for nearly every type of race. Now owned by the International Speedway Corporation the track was opened in 1953. The track used at that time was a temporary arrangement until the new, permanent track was completed in 1957. The NASCAR Grand National Series was the first professional race to take place there and it was Buck Baker who won this inaugural event. Although many improvements were made to the track the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Corporation was unable to maintain the high safety standards demanded through the ever increasing speed of the cars and eventually, in May 1981, the Corporation was forced to close the track because of financial limitations. In 1983 the Corning Enterprises and International Speedway Corporation bought the track, reopening it after renovations were carried out and it became known as the Watkins Glen International.
1986 saw the return of the top NASCAR Series when one of its three road events took place, using the 1971 Six Hours Course, the winner of the 1986 event was Tim Richmond. Nowadays NASCAR runs two events at Watkins Glen International, the first being the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the other is the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Other events held there are the IRL IndyCar Series, the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, the IRL Firestone Vintage Racing Association and the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association. The drivers need to keep alert whilst racing because there are several right hand turns and this is against the norm as drivers usually make left turns on the track. The 1971 Six Hours Course has a surface of asphalt, is 2.454 miles long with eight turns. A very demanding track and the drivers either love it or hate it! The Watkins Glen International race track can be found at 2790 County Route 16, Watkins Glen, New York, 14891.
Tickets
Ticket office: 866-461-RACE (7223). Online: Buy tickets. Pit passes: Available, call the track ticket office for further information. Fan hospitality & special packages: Call track ticket office for details.
Carry-In Items
Coolers: Allowed (campsite - any size; grandstands - one soft-sided bag/cooler with a size limit of 6X6X12, and one clear, plastic bag with a size limit of 18X18X4). Glass containers: Grandstands - not allowed; campsites - allowed.
Alcoholic beverages
Allowed. Cameras/binoculars: Allowed; must be worn separately.
Souvenirs and Displays
Merchandise: Driver and NASCAR merchandise haulers on-site.
Scanners
Scanners available for rent on-site.Gift shop: The Pyramid Souvenir Centre is located at the track in the infield. The Shop, the official retail store of Watkins Glen International, is located at 2 N. Franklin St. in downtown Watkins Glen.
Autographs
Check local newspapers and TV; drivers rarely available on race day.
Pit Area Guidelines
Shirts: Required; must cover shoulder area. Shoes: Required; no open-toe shoes allowed. Shorts/capri pants: Not allowed. Alcoholic beverages: Not allowed.
Camping
Reserved: Available.Unreserved: Available; call the track ticket office for further information.
Parking
Free parking: Available. Handicapped parking: Available; call the ticket office for details.
Location
Getting There: Watkins Glen International is located approximately 3 miles outside of the Village of Watkins Glen.
From Franklin Street in the Village: Drive south on Route 414 to the traffic light (¾ mile) at the top of the hill and turn right onto Route 16. Travel approximately 2¼ miles to the track (on the left).
From Buffalo and points west: I-90 East to Route 14 South (Geneva exit 42), take Route 14 South or, I-90 East to 390 South to Route 17 (I-86) East to Route 414 North in Corning (exit 46 turn left at end of exit ramp).
From Williamsport and points south: Route 15 North to Route 17 (I-86) East to Route 414 North (exit 46 turn left at end of exit ramp).
From Albany, Springfield, Mass., and Oneonta: Route 88 West to Route 17 (I-86) West to Route 14 North in Horseheads.
From Utica and points east: I-90 West to Route 81 South to Route 79 West (in Ithaca) to Route 414 South.
From Binghamton, Scranton, New York City and points southeast: Route 17 (I-86) West to Route 14 North in Horseheads.
From Syracuse, Auburn and Oswego: I-90 West to Route 14 South (Geneva exit 42). Drive 40 minutes from exit 42.
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