NASCAR Oldest Grounds: In two weeks, NASCAR Cup Series has visited two of the oldest US racing grounds. After a dramatic race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the world’s best stock-car drivers are preparing for Watkins Glen International, Located in beautiful upstate New York.
The Sunday Go Bowling at The Glen Race is near the Finger Lakes. The race airs on USA, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, and the NBC Sports app at 3 p.m. ET. Racing aficionados have always enjoyed this place. The longtime location and good atmosphere make it a fantastic setting to celebrate NASCAR’s 75th anniversary.
Kevin Harvick, who won the 2006 Watkins Glen race in the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford, values the track. “Watkins Glen is a special road racing venue in our country,” he remarked. There is a lot of history and wonderful stuff between the town and the track.” That site has hosted some cool races, and our races there in the past decade have been popular and exciting to watch. They demonstrate road racing’s evolution. It’s great up there.
The track began with the 1948 amateur Watkins Glen Grand Prix. Its history is awesome. Frank Griswold won an eight-lap race. The 6.6-mile race track had paved and unpaved roads. Frank won in an Alfa Romeo. Then, Cornell University engineers developed a 2.3-mile road track on 550 acres. So racers didn’t have to drive in the city.
A unique NASCAR race was held on this calm mountain in 1957. Buck Baker defeated Fireball Roberts by 0.46 miles, a huge margin. In 1961, it hosted the final Formula One World Championship event. Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, Emerson Fittipaldi, and Gilles Villeneuve won that year.
NASCAR and The Glen had a great relationship, and the 1986 NASCAR Cup Series returned with excitement. Since then, the track has become a famous sports venue.
Tim Richmond, who has since died, won a race on a 2.45-mile track with 11 turns in 1986. This started a fascinating new stock car era. Rusty Wallace, Ricky Rudd, Mark Martin, and Jeff Gordon are NASCAR Hall of Famers. At Watkins Glen, Tony Stewart has won the most NASCAR Cup Series races. This implies he’s the most successful driver on this track. Five races have been won there by him.
Marcos Ambrose, from Australia, won six NASCAR Xfinity Series titles. This enhanced track history. Ron Fellows, from Canada, also shaped the track. Famous NASCAR driver Richard Petty has won seven NASCAR Cup Series races. He hasn’t won at Watkins Glen, though. Son Kyle Petty, who works for NBC Sports, won in 1992.
Harvick, Kyle Busch, AJ Allmendinger, Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr., Chase Elliott, and Kyle Larson have won races at the track.
The Watkins Glen event this weekend is the fifth of six road track races, One of the last two regular-season races. Winning this event might make the winner’s season successful. Chase Briscoe, who races with Harvick for Stewart-Haas Racing, said, “I can’t wait for it.” I always think the weekend will be lovely; therefore, it will.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What is the second oldest NASCAR track?
Established in 1940, Greenville-Pickens Speedway is a NASCAR-sanctioned track that boasts a rich history. Originally a half-mile dirt track, it is now the second-oldest of its kind in the United States. With its unique heritage and thrilling races, Greenville-Pickens Speedway is a must-visit destination for any racing enthusiast.
What is the oldest NASCAR race ever recorded?
In 1948, NASCAR, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, was born. The first race took place on February 15th in Daytona Beach on the beach road course, where Red Byron emerged victorious in a Ford. The following year, on June 19th, the inaugural NASCAR “Strictly Stock” race, which is now known as the NASCAR Cup Series, was held at Charlotte Fairgrounds Speedway.
What is the oldest speedway?
Established in 1876 as a horse track, the Milwaukee Mile made history in 1903 by hosting its first automobile race. Situated on the Wisconsin State Fair Park grounds in West Allis since 1891, it is renowned as the world’s oldest continuously operated motor speedway. With a rich legacy spanning over a century, the Milwaukee Mile is a testament to the enduring passion for speed and racing.
Where was the first NASCAR track built?
In December 1947, NASCAR’s first official race was organized by William H.G. France, also known as “Big Bill,” a mechanic, driver, and race promoter. The meetings were held at the Streamline Hotel in Daytona Beach. The race took place on February 15, 1948, on the 2.2-mile Daytona Beach-Road Course. France was later inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010.