Watkins Glen International is more than a racetrack—it’s a stage where some of motorsport’s greatest moments have been written. For over eight decades, The Glen has hosted legendary events that transcend their results, shaping racing history across Formula One, sports car endurance classics, and NASCAR’s raw stock car battles. Each event has brought its own drama, triumphs, and heartbreaks, giving fans and drivers memories that last a lifetime. These are the famous races that built The Glen into an icon of global motorsport.
Key Highlights
Formula One’s U.S. Grand Prix at The Glen brought global prestige and unforgettable rivalries between 1961 and 1980.
NASCAR’s Go Bowling at The Glen produced historic finishes and legendary performances from drivers like Tony Stewart and Chase Elliott.
The Six Hours of The Glen remains one of North America’s most celebrated endurance sports car races.
Xfinity and Truck Series events have delivered surprise winners and showcased NASCAR’s next generation of talent.
IndyCar, SCCA, Trans-Am, and vintage racing events added to Watkins Glen’s rich and diverse history.
Formula One’s American Home
Between 1961 and 1980, Watkins Glen transformed into the heart of Formula One in the United States. Each autumn, the world’s fastest drivers came to New York’s Finger Lakes, chasing glory on a fast, technical circuit that tested skill and courage. Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, Emerson Fittipaldi, Niki Lauda, and James Hunt all stood atop The Glen’s podium. Stewart’s three victories remain a hallmark of his career, while François Cevert’s fatal crash in 1973 cast a lasting shadow over the sport.
Beyond the racing, the event became a cultural phenomenon. Fans camped in droves, camaraderie filled the hillsides, and the charismatic starter “Tex” Hopkins, clad in a green suit and top hat, made every green flag a spectacle. Formula One’s tenure at The Glen not only solidified the track’s reputation as America’s “Spiritual Home of Road Racing” but also cemented its place on the global motorsport map.
NASCAR Thrills and Legendary Battles
Stock cars first appeared at Watkins Glen in 1957, but it was the Cup Series’ annual summer return beginning in 1986 that turned The Glen into a must-watch NASCAR venue. Unlike oval tracks, this fast, flowing road course demanded finesse, braking precision, and rhythm from stock car racers. The race has produced some of NASCAR’s most iconic moments. Tony Stewart’s five victories remain unmatched, earning him the nickname “Road Course King.”
The 2012 finish between Marcos Ambrose and Brad Keselowski—a last-lap, bumper-to-bumper brawl—delivered one of the wildest NASCAR road course battles in history. Chase Elliott’s maiden Cup Series victory in 2018 marked the rise of a new generation star, electrifying fans who packed every vantage point around the circuit. Each year, the race blends strategy, chaos in the Bus Stop chicane, and the unique roar of stock cars through high-speed corners, making it one of NASCAR’s most beloved events.
Endurance Glory: The Six Hours of The Glen
The Six Hours of The Glen has become a crown jewel of North American sports car racing. Since 1968, this endurance classic has tested prototypes and GT cars under grueling conditions. Teams and drivers battle changing weather, traffic from multiple classes, and the ever-present challenge of staying fast and mistake-free for six relentless hours. Legends such as Hurley Haywood, Derek Bell, Scott Pruett, and Wayne Taylor etched their names into its history books with unforgettable drives.
The race often comes down to dramatic final-hour lead changes, daring overtakes, and high-risk strategy calls that can make or break a team’s day. The combination of speed, endurance, and unpredictability has made the Six Hours a must-watch event, one that defines The Glen’s global importance beyond single-lap sprints.
More Classics: Xfinity, Trucks, IndyCar, and Vintage Racing
Watkins Glen’s racing legacy extends well beyond headline F1, Cup Series, and IMSA events. The NASCAR Xfinity Series has provided thrilling finishes and given young drivers a proving ground on one of NASCAR’s toughest non-oval circuits. Stars like Chase Briscoe and Joey Logano added to the lore with hard-fought wins and career-defining performances. The return of the Truck Series brought fresh energy, offering fans another chance to see up-and-coming talent battle on the high-speed course.
IndyCar’s presence, both in the CART era and more recent returns, highlighted the track’s versatility for open-wheel racing. The 1970s Can-Am series, SCCA runoffs, and today’s Zippo U.S. Vintage Grand Prix celebrate the track’s roots, with historic machines and passionate fans reconnecting with racing’s golden era. This eclectic mix of series reflects The Glen’s unique ability to host diverse disciplines, each showcasing a different facet of its layout and spirit.
News in Brief: Watkins Glen International Famous Races
Watkins Glen International has hosted some of the most famous races in motorsport history, from Formula One’s 20-year U.S. Grand Prix run to NASCAR’s unforgettable Go Bowling at The Glen showdowns. The Six Hours of The Glen endurance race remains a cornerstone of IMSA, while Xfinity, Truck, IndyCar, and vintage events continue adding layers to its legacy. The track’s unique layout, unpredictable weather, and iconic atmosphere create drama year after year.
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