Watkins Glen International
Watkins Glen International (WGI), located near Watkins Glen, New York, is one of the most historic and iconic road racing circuits in the United States. Known as “The Glen,” the track is a pivotal venue for American sports car and NASCAR racing, recognized for its challenging layout and scenic Finger Lakes backdrop. The facility has hosted major racing series including NASCAR Cup Series, IndyCar, and sports car endurance races, making it a beloved fixture in motorsports.
History
Racing at Watkins Glen originated with road races held on public roads surrounding the village beginning in 1948, organized by Cameron Argetsinger, a local law student and early SCCA member passionate about European-style racing. These early races used a challenging 6.6-mile course on roads including a railroad crossing. After several fatal accidents caused races to be discontinued on public roads in 1952, the venue moved to a permanent racetrack on a 550-acre wooded hilltop southwest of the village in 1956.
The present Watkins Glen International circuit was designed with input from Bill Milliken and Cornell University engineers, initially measuring 2.35 miles. Through the years, the track has undergone expansions and safety improvements, including the addition of the “Boot” section in 1971, creating the 3.45-mile Grand Prix course, and later a “short course” layout of 2.45 miles used for NASCAR races. Following several safety concerns and accidents, a chicane known as the “Inner Loop” was added in 1992 to reduce speeds before the high-speed “Outer Loop.”
The track has hosted the United States Grand Prix for Formula One, IndyCar Series races, and a NASCAR Cup race annually since 1986. Despite periods of decline in the 1980s, the track was revived by new management and remains a premier road racing venue.
Most Famous Races Held
Watkins Glen International is renowned for the annual NASCAR Cup Series race known as the “Go Bowling at The Glen,” attracting top teams and fierce competition on the road course. It has hosted historic NASCAR finishes, memorable driver battles, and playoff implications due to its challenging layout. The track is also famous for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s Grand Prix at Watkins Glen and previously the legendary United States Grand Prix for Formula One, making it a crossroads of racing disciplines.
Track Information
WGI’s primary layout is the 2.45-mile (3.94 km) NASCAR short course, featuring 10 turns, including the “Inner Loop” chicane added to enhance safety. The technical and fast circuit demands precise car control and setup. The longer “Boot” section, 3.45 miles, is used primarily for sports car and open-wheel racing. Grandstands accommodate tens of thousands of fans with modern amenities, and the track sits on expansive grounds offering various track configurations, road course schools, and racing events year-round.