Emergency texting available to race patrons: International Speedway Corporation (ISC) has partnered with InStadiumSolutions to implement a text-message based communication system at all of its 12 motorsports facilities. The service was introduced last weekend during the NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup races at Darlington Raceway. The system allows fans to communicate with the racetrack's command post if assistance is needed inside the facility. The technology was tested at Homestead-Miami Speedway last November during the final weekend of the NASCAR season. Instructions will be posted throughout each racetrack and will be broadcast through audio and video public announcements. Besides Darlington and Homestead-Miami, ISC owns and/or operates Daytona, Talladega, Michigan, Richmond, Auto Club Speedway, Kansas, Phoenix, Chicago, Martinsville and Watkins Glen. The Fan Text Messaging Service is also being used by several professional and college teams, as well as at events such as the Super Bowl, BCS National Championship and World Baseball Classic.(Associated Press)(5-14-2009)

There are four race tracks the Sprint Cup Series currently races at that #48-Jimmie Johnson has not won a Sprint Cup race at:
Watkins Glen: 0 for 8 with a best finish of 3rd in 8/2007
Michigan: 0 for 17 with a best finish of 3rd in 8/2007
Homestead: 0 for 9 with a best finish of 2nd in 11/2004
Chicago: 0 for 9 with a best finish of 2nd in 7/2004 & 7/2008
plus Johnson ran five races at Rockingham Speedway and didn't win there.(7-10-2010)

2009 Race Winner: #14-Tony Stewart, 90.297, started 13th

Race Record: Mark Martin, 103.900mph, 8/13/1995

Slowest Race Record: Kyle Petty, 50.879mph, August 1992

Youngest Winner: Kyle Busch (08/10/2008 - 23 years, 3 months, 8 days)

Oldest Winner: Geoffrey Bodine (08/11/1996 - 47 years, 3 months, 24 days)

2009 Pole Sitter: #48-Jimmie Johnson, 123.533, finished 12th

Track Qualifying Record: Jeff Gordon, August 2003, 124.580mph

Worst Starting Spot to Win: Steve Park, August 2000, started 18th

Youngest Pole Winner: Jeff Gordon (08/09/1998 - 27 years, 0 months, 5 days)

Oldest Pole Winner: Morgan Shepherd (08/13/1989 - 47 years, 10 months, 1 days)

Most Wins: 4 - Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart

Most Poles: 3 - Mark Martin, Dale Earnhardt

Most Top 5s: 12 - Mark Martin

Most Top 10s: 16 - Mark Martin

Most Lead Changes: 14 - 8/11/1991

Fewest Lead Changes: 0 - 8/4/1957

Most Leaders: 12 - 8/13/1995

Fewest Leaders: 1 - 8/4/1957

Most Cautions: 8 - 8/14/1988 and 8/12/2007

Fewest Cautions: 0 - 7/18/1965

Most Caution Laps: 36, 8/14/1988

Few Caution Laps: 0, 7/18/1965

Most Finishers on a lead lap: 34, 8/14/2005

Fewest Finishers on a lead lap: 2, Twice most recently 7/18/1965

Most Running at the Finish: 40 - 8/10/2003

Fewest Running at the Finish: 11, 7/18/1965

Most Laps Led by a Race Winner: 83, Tony Stewart, 8/14/2005

Fewest Laps Led by a Race Winner: 4, Ricky Rudd, 8/14/1988

Most Wins by Manufacturer: 15 - Chevy

Watkins Glen race to move back a week in 2011: The excitement level surrounding the 25th consecutive running of NASCAR at The Glen is still climbing high and fans can already start making their plans for the 2011 event weekend. Watkins Glen International officials confirmed today that Juan Pablo Montoya will defend his title at The Soul of American Road Racing one week later in 2011, August 11-14. The announcement comes on the heels of a highly successful Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen, including increased overall weekend attendance at the historic road course compared to 2009.(WGI)(8-12-2010)

Watkins Glen increases recycling efforts: Watkins Glen International has partnered with TOMRA to help provide bottle and can returns for recycling all over the racing facility for the 2010 Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen, August 5-8. The Corning West High Marching Band is returning for the weekend to once again raise money through recycling to help fund their New Years’ Day trip to London, England. The Corning Painted Post “Band Aides” will be handing out information about the WGI recycling program throughout the race weekend.
TOMRA is a leading global provider of advanced solutions enabling recovery and recycling of materials. The international resource recycling company works out of Connecticut and is working with WGI to assist with the legendary road course’s recycling efforts during the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen event weekend.
The official recycling company of WGI, Swarthout, will once again be working diligently to promote the track’s Go Green efforts to reduce the event’s foot print on the enviro
nment. Swarthout will have their five cent redemption center running from 10am to 8pm Thursday through Sunday.
Tickets for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Zippo 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series and Crown Royal 200 GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series races, August 5-8, are still on-sale. Fans can purchase tickets by calling the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE (7223) or logging on to the official website, www.TheGlen.com.(WGI)(8-6-2010)

McDonald’s and Watkins Glen renew partnership: McDonald’s and Watkins Glen International have renewed their partnership for the next three years which is great news for families. Not only does McDonald’s remain the official drive-thru restaurant of WGI but the family-friendly atmosphere of the McDonald’s Family Zone will continue to provide fun for children of all ages. The McDonald’s Family Grandstand offers a smoke and alcohol-free area for families to watch all of the racing action at an affordable price and the McDonald’s Kid Zone is home to games, inflatables, McDonald’s characters, and driver question and answer sessions. The kid zone will be open 10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. on Friday, August 6, and Saturday, August 7, and then 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 8. While the McDonald’s Family Grandstand is sold-out the Kids Zone that is adjacent to that grandstand is still open and for free for any ticket holder. Fans can purchase tickets or learn more about the race weekend by calling the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE (7223) or logging on to the official website, www.TheGlen.com.(WGI)(8-6-2010)

All You can eat package at Watkins Glen: Watkins Glen International has created the "All-You-Can-Eat" package that is good for a 4-day admission and hospitality on race day. The cost to upgrade from a standard Turn 11 Grandstand seat to the All-You-Can-Eat package is only six-dollars making it a great way for fans to catch all the action of NASCAR's 25th visit to The Glen, during the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at the Glen at an affordable price. The all-you-can-eat concession tent will be open 10:00 am - 12:00 pm on Sunday, August 8th to allow fans plenty of time to fill their stomachs and then head to their seats for the new 1:00 pm start time. The tent will be conveniently located just behind the Turn 11 Grandstand. Fans that have already purchased a ticket for the Turn 11 grandstand can call 866-461-RACE and add the all you-can-eat package for only $6.00. Fans can purchase tickets by calling the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE (7223) or logging on to the official website, www.TheGlen.com.(WGI)(8-5-2010)

Bo Bice to perform National Anthem at Watkins Glen: National recording artist and former American Idol star Bo Bice will be on-hand to sing the American National Anthem leading up to the fall of the green flag of the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen just after 1:00 PM on Sunday, August 8. Bice will not only sing the American National anthem but will also perform a “surprise” concert during the weekend and take part in a Q&A with fans in The Bog Hospitality. The “surprise” concert will be a rare first at historic Watkins Glen International. The “surprise” is that the time, date, and location will not be officially released prior to the event weekend. Tickets for the entire 2010 season including the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen, August 5-8, and Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen, July 2-4, weekends are on sale now! Fans can purchase tickets by calling the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE (7223) or logging on to the official website, www.TheGlen.com.(WGI)(8-2-2010)

USA World Cup Title means $1 NASCAR tickets: Once every four years Americans and the entire world get swept up in World Cup fever and this year NASCAR fans will want to pay extra close attention to the results. If the United States can win its first World Cup title since 1950, a limited number of general admission tickets for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen, August 5-8, will be only $1 – that’s right $1! In the event of an US tournament victory, a total of 2,010 tickets will be made available for purchase (4 per customer) and be ordered by calling 866-461-RACE. FIFA has the United States ranked #14 in the world going into the 2010 World Cup. The World Cup Championship Game will be taking place on July 11, a game all NASCAR and WGI fans will undoubtedly be hoping includes the United States! Tickets for the entire 2010 season including the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen, August 5-8, and Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen, July 2-4, weekends are on sale now! Fans can purchase tickets by calling the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE (7223) or logging on to the official website, www.TheGlen.com.(WGI)(6-15-2010)

Construction Currently Taking Place at Watkins Glen: The sound of engines roaring can be heard throughout Watkins Glen International these days but instead of stock cars, sports cars, or open-wheel cars making the noise, the sources are dump trucks, cement trucks, and bulldozers. Several projects are currently underway at multiple locations making The Soul of American Road Racing a very, very busy place. The new construction includes two new RV dumping stations, expanding the walkway leading from Gate 2 to the East Tunnel, and changes to several turns that were previously announced in January 2010.
The decision to add the RV dumping stations and expand the walkway came largely from fan feedback. WGI has long asked its fans to share their thoughts and opinions which has helped guide some of the improvements made throughout the legendary road course over the last several seasons. This year fans will find one of the new RV dumping stations next to the bathrooms just outside the West Tunnel as they head towards Gate 6 and the other in the middle of Gate 7 camping. The new stations are being built by Beaver Dams, NY-based R.L. Callahan Inc. and have already been attached to the sewer system with concrete foundations for each currently being poured. Once the stations are finished they, along with the one located outside the East Tunnel that was completed in 2005, will provide fans with three options for clearing their RV storage tanks before the leave the facility following an event weekend.
The road between Gate 2 and the East Tunnel is currently closed because an earth mover is covering newly installed drainage pipes that run the length of it. The gravel and dirt being backfilled over the new drainage will be leveled-off shortly in preparation for adding 10 ft of pavement to increase the width of the road. Prior to the installation of the expanded sidewalk, this area was often very congested during event weekends with the mixture of car and foot traffic. The new 10 ft of space will provide plenty of room for vehicles and fans to use the road safely and easily both entering and exiting the facility.
While there is plenty of work being completed on the infield, the majority of the construction is taking place on the track itself and is being handled by Dansville, NY-based Genesee Construction Services Inc. The areas surrounding the Inner Loop, Turn 10, Turn 11, and The Carousel all look more like standard construction sites than turns for a world-renowned road course. The tire barriers that once lined the inside (driver’s right) of the Inner Loop or “bus stop” have already been removed as has all of the gravel that filled the trap between the racing surface and retaining wall. A new concrete wall is being poured to replace the old tire barriers and once it sets then a new SAFER barrier will be hung from it. Fresh asphalt is scheduled to be laid next week to fully pave-over the old gravel trap.
The construction in The Carousel is moving just as quickly as in the Inner Loop and it looks just as different. The tire barriers and guardrail that were located on driver’s left as they exited The Carousel onto the short straight have been removed. Dirt and gravel have been brought in to level-off the ground to allow a new run-off area to be paved and 400 ft of new curbing has also been added along the edge of the turn. The guardrail will be replaced in the coming weeks but will be located farther from the track and be lined with large trashcans filled with sand much like the ones currently in use at the entrance of pit road.
The work completed thus far in Turns 10 and 11 is not as extensive as in the Inner Loop or The Carousel but they are still full of activity. Half of the gravel trap in Turn 10 has been removed and the remaining dirt is being packed and leveled to allow for paving to begin next week. The curbing that was already in place has been extended by approximately 350 ft. The tire barriers in Turn 11 have been removed and preparations are being made to pour the foundation for the cement wall that will be used to hang the new SAFER barrier.
Tickets for the entire 2010 season including the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen, August 5-8, and Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen, July 2-4, weekends are on sale now! Fans can take advantage of advanced sale prices and new options by calling the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE (7223) or logging on to the official website, www.TheGlen.com.(WGI)(4-16-2010)

Jim Boeheim named Grand Marshal for Nationwide race at the Glen: Fans that attend the Zippo 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at The Glen on Saturday, August 7 will see a well-known face in a very new place during the pre-race ceremonies. Syracuse University Men's Basketball Coach Jim Boeheim will serve as the Grand Marshal for the race and say the most famous words in racing "Gentlemen, start your engines" just minutes before the green flag drops at approximately 2:00 PM EST. In addition to his honorary duties, Coach Boeheim will watch the race with a limited number of S.U. hoops fanatics from the confines of one of WGI's VIP hospitality areas. Tickets for this special package start at $150 and include; weekend reserved seat, upscale food & beverage stations, guided garage tour, race day collectible as well as a chance to rub elbows with one of college basketball's all-time greats. Fans interested in this once-in-a-lifetime experience should call 888-356-7223 to place their order. All of the proceeds of tickets purchased to this rare opportunity going towards The Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation.(Watkins Glen PR)(4-7-2010)

All-You can eat at Watkins Glen: Race fans looking for a great seat and more bang for their buck during the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen weekend, August 5-8, need to look no further than the newest offer from Watkins Glen International. For only $75, fans can purchase the NEW All-You-Can-Eat package that includes 4-day general admission access, a Sunday reserved seat in the Turn 11 Grandstand, and access to the exclusive all-you-can-eat concession tent. Those interested in purchasing this money-saving package or upgrading their Turn 11 Grandstand seats to include the “All-You-Can-Eat” option simply need to call 866-461-RACE.
The cost to upgrade from a standard Turn 11 Grandstand seat to the All-You-Can-Eat package is ONLY $6 making it a great way for fans to catch all the action of NASCAR’s 25th visit to The Glen and feed themselves and their families for an affordable price! The all-you-can-eat concession tent will be open 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM on the morning of Sunday, August 8th to allow fans plenty of time to fill their stomachs and then head to their seats for the new 1:00 PM start time. The tent will be conveniently located just behind the Turn 11 Grandstand. This offer is just the latest in a line of changes The Glen has made to help fans save money that already included reduced prices on NASCAR general admission tickets, the special family-friendly prices in the McDonald’s Family Grandstand, and expanded kids pricing to include fans 15 and under.
Tickets for the entire 2010 season including the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen, August 5-8, and Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen, July 2-4, weekends are on sale now! Fans can take advantage of advanced sale prices and new options by calling the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE (7223) or logging on to the official website, www.TheGlen.com. Tickets, gift certificates and track merchandise can all be purchased at The Shop located at 2 North Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen. The Shop is open Monday-Friday 9-5, Saturday 9-4, and is closed Sunday. (WGI)(4-3-2010)

Five NASCAR Races at Michigan and Watkins Glen...$95: For the first time ever, two historic tracks both known for their picturesque locations, Watkins Glen International and Michigan International Speedway, have come together to offer race fans two great experiences for one low price. As part of the new Heluva Good! ticket package, NASCAR fans get a total of five exciting races for ONLY $95 including the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 at MIS on Sunday, June 13, and the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen on Sunday, August 8. Both race tracks offer some of the most unique camping opportunities in the sport of racing and are both located in popular vacation destinations. Watkins Glen International is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes Wine Country where tourism to the region has seen a substantial increase in visitation in the past few years as well as being featured in top tier publications such as Travel + Leisure, Budget Travel, and a featured road trip in the 2010 Rand McNally Atlas. This “Heluva Good!” ticket package saves fans $20 compared to the cost of purchasing separate tickets and includes general admission tickets to both of the International Speedway Corporation (ISC) sister facilities. This great package includes two races on the high-speed oval of MIS during Heluva Good! 400 June 12 and 13. Not only will fans be able to watch NASCAR’s first visit of the season to the Great Lake State but also the VFW 200 NASCAR Camping World Series race on Saturday, June 12. Fans that attend the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen weekend, August 5-8, in New York’s Wine Country, will not only get to watch the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series challenge The Soul of American Road Racing but also the double-header featuring the Zippo 200 NASCAR Nationwide and Crown Royal 200 GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series races on Saturday, August 7. Any fans that are ready to catch the excitement of the legendary twists and turns of WGI and the high-speed action at MIS simply need to call 800-354-1010 to order their tickets today.(MIS and WGI)(4-1-2010)

Fan Vote in for Watkins Glen songs: The votes are in and in a race too close to call, the fans have decided that the rock song “Big” by Ten Man Push and the country song “Down at the Honky Tonk” by The Custom Taylor Band are the top songs on this year’s Summer Soundtrack to The Glen. Both songs will be used for the background music in the TV commercial for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend, August 5-8, which will debut during the broadcast of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 14. Each band will also perform LIVE on the Red Cat Summer Stage during New York’s largest weekend sporting event on Saturday, August 7. The concert is included with the price of admission and weekend tickets start at only $60. Fans can download the entire Summer Soundtrack to The Glen for FREE by simply going to www.TheGlen.com/summersoundtrack. Tickets for the entire 2010 season including the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen, August 5-8, and Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen, July 2-4, weekends are on sale now! Fans can take advantage of advanced sale prices and new options by calling the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE (7223) or logging on to the official website, www.TheGlen.com.(WGI)(2-5-2010)

Watkins Glen makes changes, including SAFER: Fans and drivers will notice some major changes in several turns when they come back to the legendary road course of Watkins Glen International during the 2010 season. The Glen is continuing their capital improvement plan and undergoing another major renovation project, which is just the latest series of changes, since the permanent road course’s debut in 1957. Among the changes is the removal of gravel traps and grass, modification of the catch fence, installation of SAFER Barriers, and the relocation of guard rails. The project will be the largest improvement project on the 3.4-mile road course since the installation of new catch fences prior to the first IZOD IndyCar Series race at Watkins Glen International in 2005. The renovation project will affect all series that race on the 3.4-mile circuit and include improvements to the Inner loop or “Bus Stop”, Turn 5 (known as Turn 9 of the short-course or the “Carousel”), Turn 10 and Turn 11.
Along the portion of the course known as the inner loop or “bus stop,” the existing gravel trap will be replaced with a paved runoff area, which will allow more side-by-side racing throughout the tight turns. Additionally, a SAFER barrier will be installed along the interior concrete barrier wall and the existing catch fence system will be removed with a modified version installed. Turn 5, also known as the “Carousel Turn” will include the removal of the existing grass to pave an extended runoff area and the installment of a rumble strip built to FIA specifications along the track edge of pavement. The existing guard rail system will be modified to install a crash attenuator system, to help absorb the impact when a car makes contact with the wall.
Similarly, the project in Turn 10 will include the removal of a portion of the current gravel trap, which will be replaced with another paved runoff area. Additionally, the current FIA rumble strip will be extended along the track edge of pavement. Finally, Turn 11 improvements will feature the installation of a SAFER barrier in front of the exterior guide rail system. Additionally, all grass areas between the new SAFER barrier and the track will be paved to help provide better traction when a driver is attempting to bring their car to a stop.
Tickets for the entire 2010 season including the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen, August 5-8, and Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen, July 2-4, weekends are on sale now, call the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE (7223) or logging on to the official website, www.TheGlen.com.(Watkins Glen International)(1-18-2010)

Fan Voting to pick songs for Wartkins Glen: Watkins Glen International announced that all potential songs for the Summer Soundtrack to The Glen have been submitted and the top eight are now available on the TheGlen.com. Almost 50 New York State-based bands submitted their best songs for consideration in the hopes of being selected for the first-ever soundtrack that represents the event season at the historic road course. Voting runs until midnight on Sunday, January 3, 2010 and the winning band will have its music used as the background music for the television commercial for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event weekend, August 5-8, and perform live on the Red Cat Summer Stage during that weekend.(WGI)(1-3-2009)

Heluva Good! will continue sponsor Watkins Glen; adds Michigan: Watkins Glen International announced that Heluva Good! will continue as the title sponsor for the historic road course’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race through 2011. The two year agreement is a two track deal that includes the title sponsorship for Michigan International Speedway’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in June. The green flag is scheduled to drop on the 25th running of the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen at 1:00pm/et on Sunday, August 8, during its traditional weekend, and will be broadcast live on ESPN. Heluva Good! will remain the official dip product of Watkins Glen International for 2010 and 2011. The Sodus, NY-based company will become the title sponsor for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday, June 13, and be designated the official cheese and dip products of MIS.
Tickets for the entire 2010 season including the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen, August 5-8, and Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen, July 2-4, weekends are on sale now! Fans can take advantage of advanced sale prices and new options by calling the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE (7223) or logging on to the official website, www.TheGlen.com.(WGI)
AND Race fans who missed out on renewing tickets at Michigan International Speedway can leave a $30 goodwill deposit and ensure the best, guaranteed lowest prices in 2010. Deposits will be accepted through Jan. 5 only. After that, ticket prices will likely increase as demand goes up. More info at MISpeedway.com.(12-17-2009)

2010 Watkins Glen tickets on sale: Tickets for the 2010 season at Watkins Glen International will go on sale to the general public on Saturday, November 14. The great deals and new options for the 2010 season give fans more ways to save and more choices then ever before. The Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen has some of the biggest savings with general admission tickets starting at only $60 and reduced priced McDonald’s Family Grandstand tickets, $65 for adults and $20 for kids 15 and under, returning. New in 2010 - fans will also have the option of purchasing Sunday-only reserved grandstand seats to this event. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will return for their 25th Running at The Glen, August 5-8, when they compete in the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen on Sunday, August 8th. Tickets for the entire 2010 season will go on sale to the general public on November 14, 2009. For more information, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE (7223) or log on to the official website at www.TheGlen.com.(WGI)(11-14-2009)

Watkins Glen donates prints to USS New York crew: Over the years, Watkins Glen International has worked very hard to show its support of the men and women of the United States military, but its most recent donation is a first for the historic road course. With the help of the drivers from the NASCAR Sprint Cup and IndyCar Series, The Glen was able to donate specially signed and framed prints to the captain and crew of the U.S. Navy’s newest addition – the USS New York. These prints are the only ones signed by all of the drivers from each series and are just the latest of The Glen’s efforts which have included military discounts on tickets, featuring all branches in pre-race ceremonies, supporting the Climb to Glory Charity at nearby Fort Drum, and a wide range of fly-overs. The top drivers of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series signed one of the event posters for the 2009 Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen that was designed by renowned artist Sam Bass. The sailors of the USS New York will find the names of almost every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver that competed at The Glen this year. The donation was made following a request from the U.S. Navy for items and memorabilia from major sites and attractions around New York State to be placed in the soon-to-be commissioned ship. The goal is to enhance the connection between the ship and the state for which it is named as well as provide numerous displays throughout the ship to represent various aspects that have formed the culture of New York.
The USS New York is the fifth ship in the LPD 17 San Antonio class of amphibious transport dock ships to be built. It is very unique from the other four ships of this class for two specific reasons. The first, and most important, is that steel from the World Trade Center wreckage was used in the construction of the bow stem of the ship. The bow stem is the part of the ship that reaches the farthest forward where it cuts through the water and also helps provide hull integrity. The second is that state names have typically been reserved for submarines but an exception was made in the case of the USS New York. George Pataki was the Governor of New York in 2001 and, following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, he sent a letter to Secretary of the Navy, Gordon England, asking the Navy to please revive the name USS New York and give it to a surface ship that would fight in the war on terror. The USS New York is currently docked in New York City for its commissioning ceremony which will be held on Saturday, November 7. The general public is welcome to tour the state-of-the-art ship until Wednesday, November 11. More information about the USS New York can be found by visiting www.ussnewyork.com.
Tickets for the entire 2010 season will go on sale to the general public (non-renewal customers) November 14, 2009. For more information, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE (7223) or log on to the official website at www.TheGlen.com.(WGI)(11-9-2009)

Watkins Glen goes green: Officials at Watkins Glen International announced the continuation of their green efforts with the purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to offset 100% of their annual electricity usage. WGI has agreed to purchase 1,000 Wind Energy RECs annually from NextEra Energy Resources. The two-year agreement will ensure The Glen uses [100%] renewable power, reducing emissions and its’ carbon footprint by using wind power. In addition to offsetting The Glen’s annual electricity use, the purchase will support the development and advancement of wind and solar energy in the United States. NextEra Energy Resources commits to invest an amount equal to 100% of the proceeds from The Glen’s REC purchase in new wind and solar energy projects across the country. NextEra Energy Resources, LLC is a competitive wholesale power generator. The company is the largest generator of wind and solar power in North America and the leading producer of hydroelectric power it the Northeastern United States. Based out of Juno Beach, Fla., NextEra Energy Resources owns nearly 90 facilities operating in 25 different states and Canada. In addition to the partnership with NextEra Energy, Watkins Glen International is also an active partner with Swathout Recycling of Beaver Dams, NY. The agreement provides fans camping at Watkins Glen International an option to participate in a curbside recycling program. Fans simply place all of their recyclables curbside in a special bag provided by WGI each night, and crews come around to collect the bags.(WGI)(8-14-2009)

No rain tires for Cup...yet UPDATE:
NASCAR president Mike Helton said more research will have to be done before fans see Sprint Cup Series cars racing in wet conditions. #24-Jeff Gordon said he isn't thrilled about the idea but enjoyed watching the 2008 Nationwide race in Montreal run in wet conditions. #39-Ryan Newman was more open to the idea but pointed out that Sprint Cup cars are heavier than Nationwide vehicles. "I think that in bad weather, NASA sends up smaller space craft instead of the big space craft and it is pretty similar," Newman said. "You don't want to risk a lot. I don't think it would be an ideal situation for all of the fans. It hasn't, per se, been done yet. It has been tested and practiced a little bit. I am all for it. I have never raced in the rain. It would be a disadvantage to me. I think it is still racing."(Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)(8-9-2009)
UPDATE: Well before the first raindrops fell at Watkins Glen International this weekend, NASCAR president Mike Helton publicly stated there were no plans in place to run a Sprint Cup road race on a wet track in the near future. But if there was ever a change of heart from the sanctioning body, Goodyear officials said Sunday the Akron-based tire company would be equal to the task. "We certainly think so," Goodyear spokesman Greg Stucker said. "There's not that big a difference between the two cars and if you go back years ago, we did run them in Japan on the Cup cars. We're confident we could have a package that would be suitable, if that's what they chose to do." In fact, Goodyear's newest stock-car racing rain tire, closely related to the Eagle One passenger tire, underwent extensive testing this past November at Goodyear's facility in Texas. They used one of Chip Ganassi's Nationwide cars with Juan Montoya behind the wheel, and from all indications, the improvements made to the tire proved successful.(NASCAR.com)(8-9-2009)

Race Officials for Watkins Glen:
The pre-race ceremony for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen on Sunday, August 9 will not only include participation from local military and up-and-coming country band, TelluRide, but it will also feature executives from Heluva Good! and even fans. Scott Blake of Heluva Good! will give the command to start engines for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen. Blake will act as grand marshal of the event of the 90-lap event. Blake is the Senior Vice President of Operations for Heluva Good!, which formed more than 75 years ago in Sodus, N.Y.
Jim Leonard won the experience of a lifetime by entering the Heluva Good! VIP Race Weekend Sweepstakes and will also be participating in the pre-race festivities. As a part of his prize, Leonard will get the responsibilities of the honorary starter for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen. Leonard will wave the green flag to start the race at approximately 2:20pm/et.
In addition to participation from the Heluva Good! representatives, the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen pre-race will also feature local military troops and the up-and-coming Country band, TelluRide. Just before the command to fire engines, TelluRide will perform the American and Canadian National Anthems. Meanwhile, color guards from the ARMY's 27th Combat Brigade of Syracuse, the U.S. Niagara Falls Air Force Color Guard and the U.S. Navy Color Guard of Buffalo will join the West Point Military Police Honor Guard in presenting the nation's colors. The fly-over will be performed by the 174th Fighter Wing of Syracuse, N.Y.(WGI)(8-9-2009)

Riesbeck named to Legends of The Glen Class: Watkins Glen International announced Jim Riesbeck as the final inductee into the “Legends of The Glen” Class of 2009. After honoring the Drivers of the Decade in 2008, the Class of 2009 is composed of individuals who have had a significant influence over the history and success of Watkins Glen International. The induction was a part of the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen weekend, August 6-9, which featured racing by the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series—a series that Riesbeck helped bring back to The Glen more than twenty years ago. The award was accepted on Friday afternoon by members of the Riesbeck family. Family members in attendance included his brothers John and Larry Riesbeck, and his sister Mary Linda Vetter. In early 1983, Riesbeck was searching for a way to increase the economic viability of Upstate New York, which would benefit his employer, Corning, Inc. After visiting the 1983 Daytona 500, Riesbeck knew that bringing NASCAR’s top division to the region was exactly what he needed to do. He began searching for a facility near Corning, N.Y. and stumbled upon the racetrack in Watkins Glen which was for sale. At the time, The Glen was going through one of the darkest periods in its history. The Watkins Glen Grand Prix Corporation filed for bankruptcy in 1981, leaving the track to be auctioned off and all spectator events cancelled for 1982 and 1983. After looking at the facility for the first time on 1983, Riesbeck was surprised with the good condition of the track and quickly traveled back to Daytona Beach for a meeting with executives of International Speedway Corporation (ISC). Within just a few months, the two companies announced a new entity formed through their joint venture. The newly announced “Watkins Glen International” would begin hosting spectator events in 1984. Riesbeck never gave up on his dream of bringing NASCAR racing to Upstate New York and continued to work with NASCAR executives until he was successful in securing an agreement. In August 1986, Watkins Glen International hosted its first race for NASCAR’s top division in more than 21 years. After an afternoon on great racing on the 2.45-mile circuit, Tim Richmond took the checkered flag to win from the pole position. Riesbeck continued to be a driving force at The Glen until his untimely death in 1993. In appreciation of everything Riesbeck has done to make The Glen on of the premier road courses in America, Watkins Glen International presents a Steuben bowl, The Riesbeck Cup, to the winner of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race every year.(WGI)(8-8-2009)

Soldier to be honored at Watkins Glen: Staff Sgt. Jonathan Madonna will be honored as a "Hometown Hero" during the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen weekend at Watkins Glen International. Madonna, of North Syracuse, was injured in an explosion two years ago while serving in Iraq. He now works with the U.S. Army's Wounded Warrior Program, which helps soldiers recover from devastating injuries. At the track, Madonna will tour the garage, hauler and pit areas, and he'll meet the U.S. Army Racing Team of the Sprint Cup #39 Chevy driven by Ryan Newman. Madonna will watch the race from the grandstand, and he will talk to fans who visit the Army's Strength in Action Zone, an interactive area featuring simulators, fitness tests and other challenges that allow race fans to experience what a soldier's life is like.(Elmira Star Gazette)(8-7-2009)

Text Service available at Watkins Glen: Watkins Glen International has partnered with InStadiumSolutions (“ISS”) to implement a text-message based communication system at their facility. The service debuts this weekend, August 6-9, at Watkins Glen International, host to the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Crown Royal 200, NASCAR Nationwide Series Zippo 200 and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen. The text messaging system allows fans to communicate directly with the racetrack’s command post if assistance is needed in dealing with any special needs inside the facility. The service is being provided at all International Speedway Corporation facilities and successfully debuted in May at Darlington Raceway. Texting instructions will be placed prominently throughout each facility via static signage and will be regularly broadcast through audio and video public announcements. Fans are still encouraged to dial 911 for facility emergencies.(WGI)(8-6-2009)

New York Armed Forces to highlight ceremonies at Watkins Glen: The pre-race ceremonies for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen and Zippo 200 are sure to be memorable in 2009. As a special tribute to our country and our local troops, several local military groups will be participating in the pre-race festivities by providing fly-over crews and color guards. Fans can expect goose bumps from the ceremonies that involve members of the Army, NAVY, Air Force, and West Point Military Police.
Leading up to the start of the Zippo 200 on Saturday, August 8, fans will get to cheer on members of the armed forces from around New York State. During the singing of the National Anthem, color guards from all different military branches will be posted around the 2.45-mile circuit. The U.S. Niagara Falls Air Force Color Guard of Niagara Falls, N.Y., will be joined by the Army’s 27th Combat Brigade of Syracuse, N.Y., and the U.S. NAVY Color Guard of Buffalo, N.Y., to present the nation’s colors. Following the Anthem, multiple Black Hawk helicopters from the N.Y. Army National Guard of Albany will pass over the grandstands at a low altitude to amaze the fans.
The pre-race ceremony for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen on Sunday, August 9, will feature even more involvement from local military. Four F-16C Fighting Falcons of the 174th Fighter Wing from Syracuse, N.Y., will stun fans as they fly over the grandstands just moments before the drivers fire their engines. Just like Saturday, colors guards will be stationed around the road course from the U.S. Niagara Falls Air Force Color Guard, the 27th Combat Brigade of Syracuse, and the U.S. NAVY Color Guard of Buffalo.
Located front-and-center, the West Point Military Police Honor Guard will present the nation’s colors from the pre-race stage at the start/finish line. Each member of the West Point Military Police Honor Guard has served the country in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The West Point Military Police Color Guard’s primary purpose is to render military honors at military funerals for fallen comrades, but they also present the nation’s colors for various prestigious ceremonies and events. For tickets and information, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE or log on to the official Watkins Glen International website at www.TheGlen.com.(WGI)(8-5-2009)

Country Stars to sing National Anthems/hold concert at Watkins Glen: The Red Cat Summer Stage at Watkins Glen International will feature some of country music’s hottest rising stars following the Zippo 200 on the night of Saturday, August 8. The concert will feature both Megan Linville and TelluRide. Linville will open the concert beginning 6:30pm/et in the Turn 10 Village, and then TelluRide will take over as the main act. Once again the concert is included in the price of admission for both Weekend and Sunday-Only ticket holders to the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen, August 6-9. Sunday-Only ticket holders will be permitted to enter the track starting at 5:00pm/et on Saturday evening. In addition to performing Saturday night, both TelluRide and Linville will perform the National Anthem leading up to the racing action at The Glen. Linville will perform the Canadian and American Anthems just before the Zippo 200 on Saturday afternoon. Then, minutes before the green flag falls for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen, TelluRide will perform the anthems for the crowd around the 2.45-mile road course. For tickets and information, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE or log on to the official Watkins Glen International website at www.TheGlen.com.(WGI)(8-4-2009)

Watkins Glen's McDonalds Family Grandstand Sold Out: Tickets in the McDonalds Family Grandstand are sold out for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen weekend, August 6-9. The family-friendly grandstand offers one of the best seats in the house, allowing fans to watch the stars of the Sprint Cup Series zip through the Esses and head for the backstretch. For the first time in recent memory, the McDonald’s Family Grandstand has sold out two weeks before the green flag falls at The Glen. Other great seats at The Glen are still available for the upcoming Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen weekend, August 6-9. For tickets and information, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE or log on to the official Watkins Glen International website at www.TheGlen.com.(WGI)(7-28-2009)