Racing

Watkins Glen gave American Road Racing its official rebirth after World War II, when people lined the hay-baled-stacked streets of the village and cars drove around those village streets. The original 6.6 mile road course, which is still drivable today, cuts through the village streets and the back roads of the countryside. Once the course was closed, mainly due to safety issues, racing was moved on to "the hill." 

Watkins Glen is now home to not only a historic Grand Prix course, it is also home Watkins Glen International (WGI). WGI is a 2.45 mile Road Course, as it has both left and right hand turns, while most tracks are just oval shaped with left turns. This makes for exciting motorsport action! WGI offers a full schedule of events! There's truly something for every race fan!

Take a tour in your own vehicle, with "Thunder Road Tours."  From May through October, The Glen offers you the chance to drive three paced laps around the historic course, beginning at noon each day for just $25. Tour dates are subject to track availability and schedule.  Motorcycles are prohibited.

To get your tour pass, stop by "The Shop", the official retail store of Watkins Glen International, located at 2 North Franklin Street in the village of Watkins Glen. For more information, call at (607) 535-2338.

Interested in the History of Racing in Schuyler County?  Be sure to check out the International Motor Racing Research Center while you are in town, located at 610 S. Decatur Street in the Village of Watkins Glen.  For an online look, check out www.racingarchives.org.

Don't forget to check out the local celebration honoring our racing history - The Grand Prix Festival.  For more information about the festival, check out: www.grandprixfestival.com