Watkins Glen looking for Cup race sponsor: Watkins Glen International is searching for a new title sponsor for its NASCAR Sprint Cup race. Centurion Boats, which has sponsored the event the last two years, is opting out of the third and final year of its contract with the Glen, said Les Clark, the East Coast general manager for Fineline Industries, the parent company of Centurion Boats. "What I understand is that we won't be back as a (title) sponsor next year," Clark said Wednesday. "It's based on the downturn of the national economy. With the tough economic times, we have to focus on our core business." The Glen's Sprint Cup Series event will return for its 24th consecutive year Aug. 6-9. "Centurion was a great partner, but nobody could have foreseen the economy turning the way it has," WGI President Craig Rust said Wednesday. "We're supportive of their decision and pleased that they will still have a presence here, but in a greatly reduced role." Although no official announcement had been made of Centurion's departure, securing a title sponsor is something Glen officials have already been working on. "The economy is not going to make this easy, but we will do everything possible to find a title sponsor for our Sprint Cup event," Rust said. "We've been active and have a couple of companies that we're looking at. We've been a strong partner with our sponsors and feel like we offer a good value."(Elmira Star Gazette)(12-11-2008)
Stewart, Martin named drivers of the decade at WGI: Prior to the scheduled time for qualifying for the Centurion Boats at The Glen, Watkins Glen International honored two of NASCAR's greatest racers. Mark Martin and Tony Stewart were each named as a Driver of the Decade and inducted into The Legends of The Glen during a press conference held in the media center this afternoon. The Sprint Cup Series stars have etched their names in WGI history with a combined stat line of 7 wins, 19 Top 5's, and 23 Top 10's.
Stewart had one of the most dominating ten year runs of all-time from 1998 to 2007. He scored four wins over six years and captured a total
of eight Top 10 finishes. Stewart used his victory in 2004 to help propel him to his second career Sprint Cup Series championship.
In 2005, he become the third driver to win two consecutive Sprint Cup Series races at The Glen, but this time it came from the pole.
Stewart seemed to have a great appreciation for the prestige that goes along with being named Driver of the Decade along with legends such as Al Holbert, Sir Jackie Stewart, and Graham Hill.
Mark Martin was undoubtedly the man to beat at Watkins Glen International during the 1988-1997 time periods. During that ten-year span, Martin scored an incredible nine Top-5 finishes. Martin not only had three consecutive wins from 1993-1995, but all three of those wins
came from the pole. Martin's only result outside the top ten during that decade was a 28th place finish, which he achieved during his debut
at Watkins Glen International in 1988. Martin was unable to accept the award in person this weekend, but recorded a message to be shared with fans via the Sprint Vision Screen during the pre-race ceremony for Sunday's Centurion Boats at the Glen. In the recorded message, Martin discusses his experiences at The Glen and what the Driver of the Decade award means to him.(WGI)(8-10-2008)
Several Bands Will Perform at Watkins Glen: Fans can rock the night away at the Saturday Night Concert on the Red Cat Summer Stage on Saturday, August 9. The concert, featuring Emma Mae Jacob, Ragged Sole and Delilah Why, will be another added bonus for fans purchasing a weekend ticket to the Centurion Boats at The Glen, August 7-10. The concert will be held near the Esses, and is scheduled to begin immediately following the Zippo 200. Admission to the concert is included in the price of a weekend ticket. Emma Mae Jacob, an up-and-coming country star, will perform the opening act for the concert and is expected to sing 3-4 songs from her new album, "Breaking All the Rules." Also featured at the Saturday Night Concert in the Esses will be Ragged Sole, a rock band out of Ithaca, NY. Delilah Why will be the third band showcased during Saturday Night's Concert. This Southern rock band from Nashville formed in 2005 when singer/guitarist Dave Sanford joined forces with guitarist Dan Smith and drummer Pete Pulkrabek. Cullen Tierney, the bassist, joined the group in 2006. Tickets for the historic 60th Anniversary of racing in Watkins Glen are on-sale. For more information and ticket orders, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE or log on to the official website at www.TheGlen.com.(WGI PR)(8-6-2008)
Emma Mae to perform national anthem at Watkins Glen: Emma Mae Jacob, a young country music star, will perform the National Anthems during the pre-race festivities for the Centurion Boats at The Glen on Sunday, August 10. Jacob will warm-up for her performance by opening for the Saturday Night Concert on the Red Cat Summer Stage on Saturday, August 9. Despite being just 16, Jacob moved from her family's home in California to Nashville to pursue a country music career. Jacob is expected to sing between 3-4 songs from her new album "Breaking All the Rules" during the Saturday Night Concert. The concert will be held near the Esses and is scheduled to begin immediately following the Zippo 200. Admission is included in the price of a weekend ticket. Tickets for the historic 60th Anniversary of racing in Watkins Glen are on-sale. For more information and ticket orders, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE or log on to the official website at www.TheGlen.com.(WGI PR)(8-5-2008)
Sunoco & Watkins Glen Provide Relief at the Pump: In light of rising gas prices and the economic hardships that many NASCAR fans are facing today, Watkins Glen International and Sunoco are trying to give fans a little relief at the pumps. Fans that purchase an $85 Turn 11 Grandstand weekend ticket for the Sprint Cup Series' Centurion Boats at The Glen can receive a $20 Sunoco gas card for each ticket ordered. The gas card can be redeemed at over 400 participating Sunoco retail outlets within a 300 mile radius of Watkins Glen International. The offer is good for one gas card per WGI ticket voucher with a limit of four ticket vouchers per household. To receive your gas cards, make a purchase at a participating Sunoco dealer and receive your Watkins Glen International ticket voucher. Once you have the voucher, call 866-461-RACE to order your tickets for the Centurion Boats at The Glen and mention "Sunoco." You will receive your gas cards with your tickets approximately two weeks prior to the event. The offer ends July 25, 2008. (Watkins Glen PR)(7-20-2008)
Watkins Glen to be powered by Renewable Energy: Watkins Glen International, one of the nation’s most historic racetracks, will soon be leading the way towards reducing their carbon footprint with the help of Juice Energy. The 60 year old raceway, known worldwide as “The Glen,” has signed a new contract with Juice in an effort to lower their ever-rising electricity costs, and limit the track’s impact on the environment. Juice Energy, Inc. is a New York-based electricity supplier that utilizes unique methodologies to deliver electricity to their clients at the lowest possible rates. By constantly monitoring the energy markets, Juice creates custom solutions that bring the advantages of electricity competition to clients. At the same time, Juice offers clients access to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, making them a popular choice for businesses looking to curb their environmental impact. The new deal will cover all of The Glen’s electricity needs for the next three years. In addition, the track will become one of the first motor sports facilities in North America to adopt a greener electricity strategy with the purchase of wind power equal to 100% of their annual electric use. The green power purchase effectively offsets the track’s electricity related greenhouse gas emissions.(WGI PR)(7-8-2008)
Holbert honiored as first driver of the decade: Al Holbert has been named "Driver of the Decade" for the 1978-1988 time period at Watkins Glen International. Holbert is
the first driver honored with the title "Driver of the Decade" and will be part of the inaugural induction class of "Legends of The Glen." During a ceremony held in the Media Center, WGI president Craig Rust presented a hand-blown vase from Vitrix Hot Glass Studio in Corning, NY and a specially framed picture of Holbert racing at The Glen to Kevin Doran. Doran, the crew chief for Holbert's win in the 1986 Camel Continental, accepted the award on behalf of the Holbert family. Holbert put on one of the most exceptional runs during a ten year period in WGI history. During the 1978-1987 time period, he claimed an incredible five wins including three consecutive Camel Continental GT victories. His first victory of the decade came in the Budweiser Can-Am on July 12, 1981 in a Holbert CRC-2. Holbert was selected for the honor by a six-member panel of Glen experts. The criteria were, in order of importance, number of Glen victories, number of Top-5 finishes, number of Top-10 finishes, average finish, records set, and the significance/impact of their performances.
The committee was required to consider the results from one decade at a time with the breakdown being as follows: 1948-1957, 1958-1967, 1968-1977, 1978-1987, 1988-1997, or 1998-2007. For more tickets and more information, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE or log on to the official website www.TheGlen.com. Holbert made 19 Cup starts with four top-10's.(WGI PR)(6-9-2008)
Six drivers to be honored at Watkins Glen: The list of legendary drivers that have graced the streets of Watkins Glen and the twists of Watkins Glen International is almost second to none. The stars of all forms of racing - sportscar, open-wheel, and stock car - have come to The Glen for 60 years and many have left their everlasting mark on its history. As part of the 60th Anniversary of racing in The Glen, a selection committee of esteemed Glen experts analyzed the six decades that make up The Glen's history and determined the "Driver of the Decade" for each 10-year time period. The fortunate drivers that were selected will be members of the first class ever inducted into The Glen's hall-of-fame, the "Legends of The Glen."
Everyone that has ever been associated with the village of Watkins Glen and/or Watkins Glen International knows of the pride that comes from being the birth place of post-World War II American road racing. Numerous drivers accumulated impressive career stats at The Glen which made the job of the selection committee to pick the best of the best all the more difficult. A very specific list of criteria was provided to the committee to help them determine the most deserving drivers. The criteria was, in order of importance, number of Glen victories, number of Top-5 finishes, number of Top-10 finishes, average finish, records set, and the significance/impact of their performances. The committee was required to consider the results from one decade at a time with the breakdown being as follows: 1948-1957, 1958-1967, 1968-1977, 1978-1987, 1988-1997, or 1998-2007. Drivers could be nominated for more than one decade but their stats could not carryover from one decade to the next.
The "Driver of the Decade" selection committee was comprised of six individuals that combined for over 150 years of motorsports experience. The individuals tasked with selecting the cream of the racing crop were Craig Rust, president of Watkins Glen International; Bill Green, historian for Watkins Glen International; J.J. O'Malley, former director of communications of Watkins Glen International; Chris Gill, motorsports beat writer for The Leader; Chris P. Bacon, radio voice of "Track Talk" and 100.9 the Pig for the Twin Tiers at Backyard Broadcasting; and Henry "Hank" Kimball, a participant in many Glen racing events over the last 40 years. Drivers were selected through the use of a weighted voting
system, similar to those used to determine other sports' awards such as the Heisman Trophy. The selection process involved an opening round of discussion to nominate specific drivers and was followed by two rounds of voting. In the first round of voting, each committee member voted for up to six nominees with 1st place votes worth six points, 2nd place
votes worth five points, and so on. The three drivers that received the most points moved on to the second round. In the second round, members again used a weighted vote with 1st place votes worth three points, 2nd place votes worth two points, and 3rd place votes worth one point. The driver that received the most points won the title of "Driver of the
Decade" for that period of 10 years. Fans will have the opportunity to make their voices heard as to who they think will be named "Driver of the Decade" using a live poll located on the "Buy Tickets" page on TheGlen.com starting on Friday, April 25. This poll will change every three weeks so fans are encouraged to come back and vote each time.
The six winning drivers will be announced over the course of the 2008 season during the four larger event weekends; the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen, June 6-8, Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen, July 4-6, Centurion Boats at The Glen, August 7-10, and the final driver during the U.S. Vintage Grand Prix, September 5-7. These drivers will make up
the first class inducted into the new WGI hall-of-fame, the "Legends of The Glen." At the end of the 2008 season, the "Driver of the Decade" selection committee will become the selection committee for the future members of the "Legends of The Glen." The committee will meet at the end of each year to evaluate potential inductees and then elect a
maximum of four honorees. Drivers, owners, track officials, and anyone that has had an immense impact on racing in The Glen will be eligible for election into the "Legends of The Glen."(WGI)(5-4-2008)
Face Lift of Watkins Glen Pit Road Complete: The pit road project at Watkins Glen International was completed on Friday, April 18 and the Media Center is still on schedule to be completed in May. Ever since the Sprint Cup Series came to The Glen in1986, teams have been sharing pit boxes. The historic road course has added additional boxes since that time, but was limited to building a total of 41 due to the placement of the old Press Tower which was in front of pit road. This all changed when funds to build a new Media Center were approved in September 2007 and the subsequent demolition of the Press Tower two months later. The sudden increase in available space made it possible for changes to be made to pit road; the most noteworthy being the addition of two new pit boxes to bring the total to 43. This will allow every team in the Sprint Cup Series to have
their own pit box and will also provide additional space for the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series when both the Daytona Prototypes and GT class compete during the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen, June 6-8. The new boxes cover a total of 4,000 square feet and are located on the site of the old Press Tower. The changes on pit road and the work on the pit wall allowed for the widening of the space that allows cars to enter the pits from the garage area. The old space was 30 feet in length and it has now been doubled to a total of 60 feet which should allow cars to enter and exit pit road at the same time. The construction of the new Media Center began on December 12, 2007 and crews worked on the project through the winter. The new two-story building will have over 17,000 square feet of space and provide plenty of room to host the hundreds of media and series officials that visit
the track over the course of the season. The design also makes the Media Center a multi-use building with a meeting room, lounge area, and food preparation room on the 2nd floor. Tickets for the historic 60th Anniversary Season at Watkins Glen International are on-sale now. For more tickets and more information, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE or log on to the official website www.TheGlen.com.(WGI)(4-29-2008)
Opening Day at Watkins Glen International is Sunday, April 27th, and marks the LAST day race fans can save money on tickets. Fans will also have the opportunity to
support NASCAR Day, this coming May 16th and drive the 3.4 mile Grand Prix course. A portion of the proceeds collected during Opening Day will be donated to a regional charity that benefits children with chronic illness. The regional charity and complete charitable giving program will be announced at a later date. Opening Day officially opens The Glen for the highly anticipated 2008 racing season at the historic road-course. This year the track will celebrate 60 years of racing in The Glen and will welcome back the stars of the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series during the Centurion Boats at The Glen weekend, August 7-10 and the open-wheel cars and stars of the IndyCar Series for the Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen, July 4-6. Fans can also catch the unique and popular Daytona Prototypes and GT class of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series with the 27th Running of the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen, June 6-8. For only $20.00 per vehicle, fans can drive legendary Watkins Glen International for three parade-style paced laps or take a spin around the Soul of American Road Racing in a 2008 Toyota Camry - the official pace vehicle of Watkins Glen International. Gates open at 9:00 am, the first cars will hit the track at 10:00 am and laps go until 4:00 pm. Motorcycles are not permitted on the track.
April 27th also marks the LAST day to purchase racing tickets for all of the events at The Glen at the advanced prices. Fans can save as much as $15.00 on race packages and $11.00 on individual tickets. Save BIG on the premium "3-Pak" offer that can save fans up to $50 on reserved grandstand seating for the Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen, July
4-6 and the Centurion Boats at The Glen NASCAR Sprint Cup and Zippo 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series races, August 7-10.
NASCAR Day has become the signature charitable event of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) Foundation, which supports a wide range of worthy causes, including: enriching the lives of chronically ill children; expanding literacy; encouraging bone marrow donation; and fighting cancer. This year it will be celebrated on May
16th but fans will be able to do their part to support NASCAR Day during Opening Day. The cornerstone of the celebration is the distribution of collectible NASCAR Day lapel pins, which fans and other supporters can obtain in exchange for a $5 donation to the NASCAR Foundation. 50% of the funds raised surrounding NASCAR Day will be used locally. Pins are available at The Shop, located at 2 North Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen, NY from now until NASCAR Day. Pins will be available at Watkins Glen International, starting Sunday, April 27th, during Opening Day. Fans can also get their companies involved by going online and signing up to be a NASCAR Day Crew Chief. After signing up you will receive a FREE NASCAR Day Participation Kit that includes pins, a Crew Chief Manual, collection and donation envelopes and posters to help encourage fellow employees to contribute. To sign up your company or organization and get your FREE NASCAR Day Kit go to http://foundation.nascar.com,click on the "Become a NASCAR Day Crew Chief" icon and fill out the online form. Make sure to enter "The Glen" when asked for your promotional code to help benefit our local charity.
Tickets for the historic 60th Anniversary Season at Watkins Glen International are on-sale now! This year the season kicks-off with the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, June 6-7 paired with the NASCAR Camping World Series' East Division on Sunday, June 8. General admission tickets for Kids 12 and under are FREE
during the June 6-7 and July 4-6 event weekends when accompanied by an adult. Open-wheel racing returns for the 4th of July weekend during the Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen, July 4-6, and the Centurion Boats at The Glen NASCAR Sprint Cup and Zippo 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series weekend highlights the summer action, August 7-10. For more tickets and more information, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE or log on to the official website www.TheGlen.com.(WGI)(4-16-2008)
Reserved Camping for NASCAR race at The Glen is sold out: Camping sites during the Centurion Boats at The Glen and Zippo 200 race weekend continues to be a hot ticket at Watkins Glen International. The Soul of American Road Racing announced that reserved camping sites during the August 7 -10, Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series weekend are already SOLD OUT! The final reserved spot was sold in mid-February topping last year's pace of March 2007, once again setting the mark for the earliest date these popular
locations have been sold out at The Glen in ten years. General (non-reserved) camping passes during the race weekend are still available, but going fast! General camping during the NASCAR weekend can be enjoyed along the "Boot" through Gate 7 as well as outside the backstretch by Gate 1. General camping during the Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen weekend is also available in the infield. General camping passes are still only $65 for the NASCAR weekend if purchased before Opening Day, April 27th. Tickets for the racing action at Watkins Glen International are on-sale now! For more tickets and more information, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE or log on to the site.(WGI PR)(3-26-2008)
Watkins Glen unveils Media Center sketches: The construction of the new media center at Watkins Glen International is in high gear and on schedule for completion for the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series weekend, The Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen, June 6-8. The new 17,600-square foot building consists of a dedicated workroom
that can host over 180 members of the media on a deadline, a dedicated photographer's workroom, a press conference/large meeting room, radio station and sanctioning body workrooms and a lounge/cafeteria. The two-story building is set back approximately 125 feet to the east of the previous press tower which was demolished this past December. Both the first and second floors of the new building are already in place and the construction of the peaked roof began earlier this week. Help celebrate the 60th Anniversary of racing in The Glen by purchasing your tickets for the 2008 season now! Tickets can be purchased at The Shop, located at 2 North Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen. Gift Certificates worth cash value toward any ticket at Watkins Glen International can be purchased at the Information Center of Corning located in Centerway Square on Historic Market Street. For more information, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE or log on to the official website www.TheGlen.com.(WGI PR)(2-6-2008)
Press Tower at Watkins Glen Demolished: Another chapter in the storied history of Watkins Glen International came to a close when Craig Rust, President of WGI, began the demolition of the historic road course's iconic Press Tower during a ceremony this afternoon. Members of the WGI staff and local media also took turns leaving their final "mark" on the building - with the use of a sledge hammer. The demolition of the Press Tower is segueing for a new state-of-the-art Media Center, which is expected to be completed in June of 2008. The Press Tower has been one of the most recognizable landmarks at The Soul of American Road Racing since its construction in 1971. With the loss of the Glen Club in early 2007, the Press Tower became the second oldest structure at The Glen behind the Main Operations Building. The 4,000-square foot building was part of a modernization project requested by Formula 1 that included widening the road surface of the entire track, relocating the start-finish line and building new pits and garage. The original structure also housed timing and scoring for The Glen until 2006 when Race Control was added to the top of the FrontStretch Grandstand. Over the course of its over 35 year history, the Press Tower hosted national and international media and officials from virtually every major racing series including NASCAR, IndyCar, Grand-Am, Formula 1, CART, Trans-Am, Can-Am, IMSA and SCCA.
The new Media Center will not be placed in the same location as the former Press Tower. Groundbreaking began on Monday, and the crew is in the process of pouring the concrete footers on the foundation of the new building. The building will be located approximately 100-150 feet east of the old press tower, in an area previously used for high-end team recreational vehicles (RV's), known as the Newel RV lot. For more information on tix, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE or log on to the official website www.TheGlen.com.(WGI PR)(12-20-2007)
Tickets for all Watkins Glen Events Go On Sale on Dec 1: Tickets for the highly anticipated 60th Anniversary season at The Soul of American Road Racing go on sale December 1st. Gift Certificates are also available and can be used towards any 2008 event at Watkins Glen International. Gift Certificates can be purchased NOW at the Information Center of Corning located on Historic Market Street in downtown Corning or at The Shop on Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen. Fans looking for a bargain can stretch their dollar and save by taking advantage of the advance ticket prices to all of the major event weekends at Watkins Glen International, starting on December 1st. Fans can call 866-461-RACE or order online at TheGlen.com for all 2008 events at Watkins Glen International. Tickets for the Centurion Boats at The Glen and Zippo 200 weekend featuring the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series, the Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen weekend and 4th of July celebration, The Finger Lakes Wine Festival or The Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen will be available. Tickets for the entire 2008 season go on sale December 1. To order tickets please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE or log on to the official website at www.TheGlen.com.(WGI PR)(11-30-2007)
Watkins Glen to have new media center in 2008: Watkins Glen International announced that funds for a new media center have been approved by the International Speedway Corporation Board of Directors. Construction of a new building is expected to begin very soon by Welliver McGuire Inc., a Schuyler County based commercial construction
services company, with the design provided by Hunt Engineers headquartered in nearby Horseheads, NY. Demolition of the current structure will begin soon and concepts and renderings for the nearly $4M project will be released when completed. Updates on the progress of the center will be available at www.theglen.com.(WGI PR)(9-13-2007)
Fan arrested after going on the track UPDATE: The sports marketing folks will tell you NASCAR has become a Big Four sport in the country because easy access to drivers makes them seem like ordinary people. Very easy access, one fan proved on Sunday afternoon when he simply walked onto the track for an autograph. During a late-race, red-flag period, a man ran up to Matt Kenseth's #17 Ford, reached through the passenger window and asked the driver to sign his hat. "He just said, 'Will you sign this?'" Kenseth was heard saying to his crew over the driver radio. "I'm like, 'I'm a little busy right now.'" The man, half inside the car window, asked again but Kenseth refused. The man finally gave up and ran — in a far from straight line — back toward the fans' area. He was soon arrested. The man apparently gained access to the track by climbing over the large wire fence, ran across the grass, then stepped over the blue barrier at trackside.(Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)(8-13-2007) UPDATE: Statement from Watkins Glen International President Craig Rust Regarding Fan on Track during Centurion Boats at the Glen: "During the Centurion Boats at The Glen we apprehended a fan after he climbed a fence in attempt to get an autograph from a Nextel Cup Series driver while the race was under a red flag caution for clean up
after an incident in Turn 1. The person was immediately apprehended by WGI Security and Schuyler Co Sheriff's Deputies and charged with reckless endangerment in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor and criminal trespass in the third degree, a Class B misdemeanor. He was arraigned before the Town of Dix Justice where he was committed to the
Schuyler County Jail in lieu of $3000 cash bail or $5000 bond. He was later released Sunday night after posting bail. He faces one year in jail if convicted of the endangerment charge. The Schuyler Co. District Attorney's office is now involved in the on going investigation into the incident. Watkins Glen International is committed to providing a fun and safe
environment for fans and competitors therefore we will not tolerate this type of behavior. We feel that it is in the best interest of the track and NASCAR to ban this fan from all future events held here. We are also asking all other NASCAR facilities, including our sister ISC facilities, to also honor this ban at any of their future events."(WGI PR)(8-14-2007)
Food donated by Watkins Glen caterer: The Food Bank of the Southern Tier continued its race against hunger by collecting food at Watkins Glen International this past weekend. Leftover food such as bread, buns, salads, hot dogs, hamburgers, water and soda were among likely items to be collected through the track's catering department to distribute to agency partners, said Paul A. Hesler, president and chief executive officer of the food bank. He believes this is the fifth year food has been collected at the race. "Visibility really is the key for us," he said as he stood next to a refrigerated truck parked near the Glen Club where collected items were to be deposited. "We've picked up as early as Sunday night and as late as sometimes Monday, when they have a lot of stuff they're trying to manage," Hesler said. The collected food items will be taken to the food bank's warehouse and go into freezers and coolers or onto dry racking and then get distributed to any of the 200 or so agencies that want them in the six counties served by the food bank, he said. Partners include food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and programs for youths and seniors. Food is collected during the IRL IndyCar Series weekend in July and at the Nextel Cup weekend, he said. The yearly total can range anywhere from 1,000 pounds to 5,000 pounds, he said. The food bank projects it will distribute 6 million pounds or more of food this year in Chemung, Steuben, Schuyler, Tioga, Tompkins and Broome counties. The track collection came about after food bank officials were introduced to WGI President Craig Rust and other WGI officials by Lorie Gerstel, owner and president of Noah's Ark in Corning. Gerstel has been a big supporter of the food bank for a long time, Hesler said.(Elmira Star Gazette)(8-13-2007)
NY Governor Eliot Spitzer named Grand Marshal of Watkins Glen Cup race: Watkins Glen International announced that the Governor of New York State, Eliot Spitzer will be the Grand Marshal for this year's Centurion Boats at The Glen Nextel Cup Series race this Sunday. "As a NASCAR fan for over two decades, being Grand Marshal at Watkins Glen International is a dream come true," said Governor Spitzer. "I'm excited to join fellow fans at The Glen for a day of racing and take part in a Southern Tier tradition." Eliot Spitzer was elected Governor of the Empire State in November of 2006 and previously served as New York's Attorney General for eight years. He lives in Albany and New York City with his wife and their three daughters. Weekend tickets start at only $80 and can be purchased by calling 866-461-RACE, stopping by The Shop, located at 2 North Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen, NY or at the WGI ticket office located on the old Bronson Hill Road off of County Rte. 16.(WGI PR)(8-10-2007)
Crown Royal partners up with Watkins Glen International: Watkins Glen International announced that the Crown Royal brand of Diageo has expanded its partnership with the track. The four-year agreement continues to make Crown Royal the title sponsor of the Crown Royal 200 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series race in August, as well as Official Spirit of WGI. The deal also includes the renaming of the former historic Glen Club, which held its name for over 20 years, to the newly titled "Crown Royal Club at The Glen." Weekend tickets start at only $80 and can be purchased by calling 866-461-RACE, stopping by The Shop, located at 2 North Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen, NY or at the WGI ticket office located on the old Bronson Hill Road off of County Rte. 16. A complete weekend schedule can be found on www.TheGlen.com.(WGI PR)(8-10-2007)
One-way travel planned for NASCAR traffic Sunday: The Schuyler County Sheriff’s office plans to limit some roads leading to and from Watkins Glen International to one-way traffic before and after the race Sunday, according to a press release from the office.
County Route 16 will serve as one-way traffic with two lanes of traffic from state Route 414 to Gate 2 at the race track. There will also be two lanes of traffic from Townsend Toad to Kuhl-Winner Way, with one lane of traffic from Bronson Hill Road to Townsend Road.
These traffic patterns will begin at 6 a.m. and end at 2 p.m. to allow the large volume of vehicles coming to the NASCAR NEXTEL Centurion Boats at the Glen Race.
The Sheriff’s office advises that for those living along this route, travel with the traffic to Meads Hill and go north to state Route 329 and into Watkins Glen, or left onto Meads Hill to Wedgewood Road to state Route 414, where you can turn right for Corning or left to Watkins Glen or Montour Falls.
After the race, at about 4 p.m. on Sunday, county Route 16 will be one way away from the race track with three lanes heading to state Route 414 (where there is a traffic light). The traffic will then condense to two lanes down into the village of Watkins Glen.
Traffic leaving Watkins Glen International is expected to last more than three hours. One-way traffic, in two lanes will also continue down Kuhl-Winner way from Gate No. 6 to state Route 414.
Two lanes of traffic will exit from Gate No. 5 and No. 4 on Kuhl-Winner Way to county Route 16. Traffic coming off Kuhl Winner Way will meet three lanes of traffic diverted in Townsend to county Route 16 or county Route 19 or the Watkins Townsend Road, preferably through the state park to the Station Road and down into the village through Steuben Street.(Elmira Star Gazette)(8-8-2007)
Fun stuff at Watkins Glen on Saturday: In addition to the thrilling racing of the Busch Series during the Zippo 200 race at Watkins Glen International on Saturday, August 11th, fans will be treated to an autograph session with Paula DeAnda, a jumbotron viewing of "Talladega Nights" and a LIVE concert on the Red Cat Summer Stage. These exciting activities will wrap-up a full day of fan-entertainment leading up to Sunday's Nextel Cup Series Centurion Boats at The Glen race. The day is highlighted by the drivers of the Busch
Series challenging the historic road course in the Zippo 200. The green flag is scheduled to drop at 3:30pm/et and will air live on ESPN 2. Prior to the race, up and coming Arista recording artist and Zippo 200 National Anthem singer Paula DeAnda will be signing autographs from 10:00 - 10:30am/et at the Pyramid located just inside the infield. The action will continue following the checkered flag for the Zippo 200 with live music on the Red Cat Summer Stage during The Concert in the Esses. The concert is included with the price of
admission and will feature Albany, NY-based "Sisry," Syracuse, NY-based "Brand New Sin" and Corning, NY-based "Brainbell Janglers" taking to the stage located at the bottom of the famed Esses, inside turn two on the infield at 5:30pm/et. Toyota is proud to present a viewing of the 2006 American comedy film "Talladega Nights" starring Will Farrell at 7:00pm/et on the Turn 10 Jumbotron. Seating will be available in the Turn 10 Grandstands. This is a new bonus for campers can enjoy during their stay at the historic track.
Don't miss out on New York State's largest weekend spectator sporting events August 9-12 with the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series taking center stage on Sunday in the much-anticipated Centurion Boats at The Glen. The Busch Series is back for a third straight year to compete in the Zippo 200 on Saturday and the stars of the Rolex Sports Car Series take to the track on Friday night. Weekend tickets start at only $80 and can be purchased by calling 866-461-RACE, stopping by The Shop, located at 2 North Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen, NY or at the WGI ticket office located on the old Bronson Hill Road off of County Rte. 16. A complete weekend schedule can be found on www.TheGlen.com.(WGI PR)(8-7-2007)
National Anthem at Watkins Glen: Recording artist Freeman will be performing the National Anthem prior to the start of the Centurion Boats at The Glen on August 12th at Watkins Glen International. Freeman, a native of Wales, currently resides in Los Angeles where he is already making a name for himself in the music industry. Freeman is currently in the process of making his debut album with producer Howard Benson. Weekend tickets start at only $80 and can be purchased by calling 866-461-RACE, stopping by The Shop, located at 2 North Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen, NY or at the WGI ticket office located on the old Bronson Hill Road off of County Rte. 16. A complete weekend schedule can be found on www.TheGlen.com.(WGI PR)(8-6-2007)
Centurion Boats to sponsor Watkin Glen Cup race: Centurion Boats announced that they will sponsor the Nextel Cup Race at Watkins Glen International through 2009. The newly titled "Centurion Boats at The Glen" is scheduled to take the green flag at 2:00pm/et on Sunday, August 12, during its traditional race weekend, and will be broadcast live on ESPN. Centurion Boats, based in Merced, California, is a part of Fineline Industries and considered a leader in world performing towboats specializing in ski and wakeboard boats. In 2000, they opened a state-of-the-art 40-acre operation in Woodland, NC where they have an onsite boat test lake, and house the most modern boat construction process in the watersports industry. During the press conference this afternoon Centurion also announced that
they have strengthened their partnership with Daytona International Speedway. They will sponsor the "Centurion Boats Pier" located on the
boardwalk at Lake Loyd, inside of the speedway. Centurion's towboats will be onsite during the Pepsi 400 this weekend hosting wakeboarding and waterskiing demonstrations. This partnership also extends through 2009 and involves Direct TV Speedweeks at the speedway. Visit www.centurionboats.com for more information. For ticket info go to www.TheGlen.com.(Watkin Glen PR)(7-9-2007)
Plans for Glen Club in 2007 Finalized: Officials at Watkins Glen International have finalized plans for the Glen Club in 2007 which will be in place for the rest of the season beginning with the Watkins Glen Grand Prix weekend July 6-8th. The upscale temporary structure will remain at the track for the NASCAR at The Glen weekend August 9 -12, as well as the Zippo U.S. Vintage Grand Prix, September 7-9. The club is also available for catered event rentals in July and August during non-race weekends. A fire destroyed the permanent Glen Club late in the evening on March 6. Since then, track officials have been working on a plan to for a temporary facility for the 2007 racing season. The temporary structure will placed where the Glen Club previously stood, inside the track on the famed "Esses".
Kirby Rental Services will provide the large tent that will be placed on scaffolding supplied by T&B Equipment Co, Inc., out of Ashland Virginia. The tent structure will provide fans with a window-enclosed, climate controlled setting. The temporary facility will have with numerous amenities, such as seating for 200 fans, a full bar, and fully catered meals. Fans will be able to watch the exciting racing action on one of several televisions inside the structure or take advantage of the outside tiered seating overlooking the famed Esses. The track is currently working on and evaluating various options for 2008 and hopes to make an announcement in the fall. Tickets for the race weekend Independence Day celebration during the Watkins Glen Grand Prix, or the Nextel Cup Series and Zippo 200 weekend August 9-12, are still available. For tickets and additional race weekend information, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE, log on TheGlen.com or stop by The Shop
located at 2 North Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen.(Watkins Glen PR)(6-18-2007)
NASCAR Reserved Camping Sold Out: Camping sites during the NASCAR weekend at The Glen have been a hot ticket at Watkins Glen International for over 20 years, and this season is no different. The Soul of American Road Racing announced today that reserved camping sites during the August 9 -12, NASCAR at The Glen weekend are SOLD OUT! This is the earliest date that these popular locations have been sold out at The Glen in ten years. General camping passes during the race weekend are still available. General camping during the NASCAR weekend can be enjoyed along the "Boot" through Gate 7 as well as outside the backstretch by Gate 1. General camping during the Watkins Glen Grand Prix weekend is also available in the infield. General camping passes are only $65 for the NASCAR weekend if purchased before Toyota Opening Day, April 29th. Tickets for the entire 2007 season are on sale now and can be purchased at an advanced price until April 29th. For more information, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE, or log on to the official website at www.TheGlen.com.(Watkins Glen PR)(4-9-2007)
Watkins Glen Loses Historic Club in Fire: The Glen Club at Watkins Glen International, caught fire yesterday evening and was extinguished around 6:00 am this morning [Wed, March 7]. The track was closed at the time of the fire and no one was injured, however the historic building is considered a loss. The club was located on the inside of the track midway up the famed Esses. An investigation is still taking place to determine the cause of the fire however, the fire will not affect the 2007 race season at Watkins
Glen International. The first race weekend will take place, June 8-10 during the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen. The Glen Club offered a VIP experience to fans, customers and sponsors during racing events held at WGI and was also available for rental during non-racing events. The history of the Glen Club dates back almost 50 years to a tent called the "Paddock Club" in 1958. The Club grew to an open-sided building in 1959 and was then upgraded by enclosing the building, adding a small kitchen and renaming it the "Onyx Club" in 1967. It underwent substantial improvements and was re-named the "Glen Club" in 1985 when the track re-opened under new management.(Watkins Glen International PR)(3-8-2007)
Fire at Watkins Glen UPDATE: Firefighters in Schuyler County were battling a fire late tonight at the Glen Club at Watkins Glen International racetrack in the town of Dix, NY. Although information was sketchy , flames were visible from nearby roads, but media was not allowed onto the WGI property. County Route 16, which was once part of the original road course and goes by the WGI grounds, was still open although state police directing traffic were questioning motorists about their destinations. Mutual aid was called as Dundee volunteer firefighters were standing by at the Watkins Glen firehouse in response to the alarm called in at 8:45pm/et Tuesday. The Glen Club is the racetrack’s catering facility that is also used for special parties. The track’s catering kitchens are located there. The Glen Club is located near the top of the hill after people enter the track at Gate 2. It faces the track’s Esses. The facility has expanded its schedule this winter, holding wedding receptions and other special functions. One such function was tied to the Daytona 500 last month. People paid to watch the race on large screens at the club on race day. The track reopens for the 2007 season on April 29. The first race weekend is June 8-10, the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen.(Elmira Star Gazette)(3-6-2007) UPDATE: WGI President Craig Rust said no event was held there Tuesday night and no one was working there. He said when he arrived at about 9 p.m., the building was engulfed in flames. A nearby, separate building, called the Suites, was not affected by the fire.
"The fire departments were doing their job," Rust said. No one was injured and a cause had not yet been determined, Rust said. He said a report on the damage will be released Wednesday. Rust also said The Glen Club is a small part of the overall WGI operation. "Fortunately it's not something integral to running races," he said. One event this month that will be affected is the Sports Club of America's 50th anniversary celebration scheduled at The Glen Club on March 31. Rust said renovating The Glen Club is on WGI's wish list, but not a high priority. "It was a dated building," he said. However, the building has been part of the nostalgia associated with the road racing facility, said William Green, the track's historian. "It's really too bad," Green said. "A lot of history has gone on there."
(Elmira Star Gazette see a video there)(3-7-2007)
Watkins Glen News, Tickets go one sale Sat; Sends gift box to Troops: On Saturday, December 2nd, Fans can call 866-461-RACE or order race tickets online at TheGlen.com for any 2007 event at Watkins Glen International including the Nextel Cup and Busch Series weekend, Watkins Glen Grand Prix weekend, The Finger Lakes Wine Festival supported by The Corning Museum of Glass or Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen. This is the time of year that everyone gives thanks and Watkins Glen International recently extended a very sincere "Thank You" to U.S. Army SFC Craig Edwards, a Seneca County resident, and his fellow soldiers in Iraq. The Glen sent a gift box that included hats and T-shirts from the 2006 Nextel Cup Series and Watkins Glen Grand Prix as well as event programs and racing flags. The Read for Speed program will make its return to Watkins Glen Elementary, located in Watkins Glen, NY, for the third year in a row and will also expand to include the first grade classes at Fassett Elementary, located in Elmira NY, in 2007. Watkins Glen International is working closely with each school to better motivate students to experience the joys of reading. The highly successful reading program offers exclusive track access and once in a life time opportunities at the track as rewards for reading
comprehension. The program will run February 26th until May 25th. This will be the first year that the Read for Speed program
will run outside of Watkins Glen Elementary.(WGI PR)(12-1-2006)
Repaving Begins at The Glen: The 2006 season concluded at The Soul of American Road Racing on October 1 and by
October 2 a major repaving project began in preparation for an exciting 2007. The concrete sections in Turn 1 and Turn 5 have been removed to begin a capital improvement project that was announced by track officials this past June. The track will undergo a series of repaving projects to address issues with water and drainage along the concrete sections of the racing surface, while new competition curbing will also be added to two more turns along the 3.4 mile road course. The project began this week with the removal of the concrete sections in Turn 1, also known as the 'Ninety', and Turn 5, or the 'carousel turn'. Final pieces of concrete in Turn 5 were removed today, while the base for each turn is expected to be put down this weekend. In the coming weeks, both the repaving and milling of the asphalt in Turns 1, 5 and 6 will take place. Once the repaving has been completed, the asphalt curbing in both Turn 5 and Turn 6 will also be replaced with new FIA curbing. Additional paving projects are expected to be announced later this month. While the track is already accepting 2007 ticket renewal orders, tickets for the entire 2007 season will go on sale December 2. That is one
month earlier than in the past, and just in time for the holidays. For tickets and information, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE or log on to the official website at www.TheGlen.com.(WGI PR)(10-17-2006)
Tony Award Winner Chenoweth to sing National Anthem at Watkins Glen: The race is on as Sony Pictures Home Entertainment celebrates the upcoming DVD release of the blockbuster comedy RV at Watkins Glen International. On August 13, RV star and Tony Award Winner Kristin Chenoweth is scheduled to sing the national anthem before the AMD at The Glen NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race. Chenoweth will be taking a ride in the RV for a parade lap around the historic road course during pre-race ceremonies on Sunday, August 13. She will sing the National Anthem prior to the start of the race, scheduled to take the green flag at 1:35 pm.
Tickets are still available for the AMD at The Glen weekend, August 10-13. For tickets and information the three races and weekend of activities at the legendary track call 866-461-RACE or visit TheGlen.com.(WGI PR)(8-9-2006)
AMD to sponsor Cup race at Watkins Glen? UPDATE: hearing AMD [Advanced Micro Devices] could be the new race sponsor for the Nextel Cup race at Watkins Glen [August 13th]....AMD at the Glen?.(8-1-2006) UPDATE - Yep: Watkins Glen International President Craig Rust announced that AMD, a leading global provider of innovative microprocessor solutions, will become title sponsor of the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series event at Watkins Glen International. The race will be called "AMD at The Glen." As the first Official Technology Partner of NASCAR, AMD helps NASCAR improve competition on the race track and enhance the safety of its participants. Earlier this season, AMD and NASCAR unveiled the new Mobile Technology Center (MTC), which houses NASCAR's timing and scoring system and travels to each NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race. The AMD powered command center provides NASCAR with the technology to officiate races with greater speed and accuracy. More information on AMD's motorsports sponsorships can be found at www.amdmotorsports.com. AMD, based in Sunnyvale, California, and the State of New York recently announced a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) for AMD to have the option to build a multi-billion dollar fabrication facility located in Luther Forest, New York, an Upstate New York neighbor of Watkins Glen. More information on that announcement can be found at www.amd.com.(Watkins Glen site)(8-4-2006)
AAA to sponsor Fan Zone at the Glen: As part of AAA's partnership with The Glen, North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization will sponsor the "AAA Finish Line Fan Zone" and provide fans with the opportunity to meet NASCAR NEXTEL Cup star, and three-time Watkins Glen International winner Mark Martin on Sunday, August 13. AAA members are offered an exclusive ticket package by calling 866-461-RACE and mentioning the "AAA Finish Line Fan Zone" offer. The ticket package for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series weekend at The Glen, August 10-13 includes the following:
- Weekend Reserved Grandstand ticket
- AAA Finish Line Fan Zone Access - includes a continental breakfast, buffet lunch & beverages
- A promotional Mark Martin racing helmet & a commemorative NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series program
- An exclusive Q&A session with Mark Martin on August 13, before the race.(Watkins Glen PR)(7-30-2006)
Watkins Glen to repave key areas of the track: Watkins Glen International President Craig Rust announced that portions of The Soul of American Road Racing will be repaved this fall. This is the first time that the track will shut down operations early to make track enhancements, in more than 10 years. The track will undergo a series of improvements including the milling and repaving of Turn 1, also considered the 'Ninety', Turn 5 or the 'carousel', and Turn 6, the first turn going into the extended 3.4 mile Grand Prix course, or the Boot. Some of the paving will address issues concerning emanate water and drainage along the concrete sections of the racing surface. Each year the track opens for the season in the early spring beginning on Toyota Opening Day and ending on or about, October 31st. When the facility isn't hosting a spectator event, the race track is typically rented to various sports car clubs and groups each day. This year the track has worked very closely with these groups in order to accommodate the planned improvements this fall. Improvements are scheduled to be completed in 2006, weather permitting. Tickets for the remaining 2006 race season at The Glen are still available, more info at 866-461-RACE.(Watkins Glen International PR)(6-22-2006)
S/F Line moved at Watkins Glen: A race control structure now sits on top of the front-stretch grandstand. The new structure will include race control, timing and scoring, television and a spot for the public address announcer. It frees up space in the existing media center for media and photographers. With timing and scoring further up the track, the start/finish line will also move 380 feet down the pit straight toward Turn 1.(Elmira Star Gazette)(5-23-2006)
Watkins Glen still looking for sponsor: Watkins Glen hasn't yet found a sponsor for the track's NASCAR Nextel Cup event in August. In December, Sirius Satellite Radio exercised an option to end its three-year contract that began in 2005. They had sponsored the event since 2002. With the high value of a Nextel Cup title sponsor, its loss at the Glen would have a big impact on yearly revenue. "Anytime you don't sell your presenting or title sponsorship, it affects the bottom line," Rust said. Rust attributed their sponsorship troubles to a number of factors, including the short time they've had to look for the sponsors. They also learned that Argent Mortgage wasn't coming back to the IRL event in November. "It's timing, it's finances, and for the IRL, it's the sponsorship pool," Rust said. "The number of companies that market themselves in the IRL is far less than what you find in NASCAR, so it's a number of factors." Sirius was the fourth Nextel Cup sponsor in the series' 20-year history at the Glen. The event, which began in 1986, has always had a title sponsor. Rust feels they'll find a sponsor before the Aug. 13 Nextel Cup race. "We have several companies taking a look at our NASCAR race, so we feel we will be able to get something done there," Rust said. "The value of the Cup race has not gone down. We are still in a position that we can provide full benefit for that race."(Elmira Star Gazette)(5-19-2006)
Drive Watkins Glen on April 30th and Save on Tix: Opening Day at Watkins Glen International is Sunday, April 30th and marks the last day to purchase tickets at the advanced price. Fans will also have the opportunity to drive the 3.4 mile grand prix course or get a ride around "The Soul of American Road Racing" before the track's opening race weekend, June 2-4. Toyota Opening Day officially opens The Glen for the highly anticipated 2006 racing season at the historic road-course. This year the track will celebrate 20 years of NASCAR Nextel Cup racing at The Glen, August 10-13 and welcome back the open-wheel cars and stars of the Indy Racing League for the 2nd Annual Watkins Glen Indy Grand Prix, June 2-4 - straight from the Indy 500. This year the IndyCar Series is
joined with the 25th Running of the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen showcasing the unique and popular Daytona Prototypes of the Rolex Sports Car Series. On Toyota Opening Day, fans will not only be able to SAVE on tickets, but they will also help raise money for charity. Proceeds from Toyota Opening Day will benefit Victory Junction Gang Camp, a Kyle and Pattie Petty organization for children with chronic illnesses. For only $20.00 per vehicle, from 10:00 AM until 4:30 PM, fans will get the chance to drive three parade-style paced laps, or take a ride in a pace car, and feel the excitement of the upcoming 2006 race season - before the likes of NASCAR stars Jeff Gordon, Dale Jr., or the newly crowed Indy 500 champion. Motorcycles are not permitted. April 30th also marks the last day to purchase racing tickets for all of the events at The Glen at the advanced prices. Tickets for the entire 2006 season are on sale now. For tickets and additional information, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE, log on to the official
Watkins Glen website at TheGlen.com.(Watkins Glen International PR)(4.28-2006)
Bank of America to sponsor four ISC tracks: Bank of America Corp. said Tuesday that it has reached a five-year agreement with International Speedway Corp. to sponsor four race tracks, including California Speedway near Los Angeles. Financial terms of the latest sponsorship deal, which also includes tracks in Kansas City, Mo.; Avondale, Ariz.; and Watkins Glen, N.Y., were not disclosed. In return for its financial support, Bank of America wins the right to place advertisements and ATMs at each of the four tracks as well as entertainment space and other promotional rights. Last summer, Bank of America struck a deal with ISC's chief rival, Speedway Motorsports Inc., to sponsor Lowe's Motor Speedway in nearby Concord, N.C., and tracks at Atlanta, Dallas, Las Vegas and San Francisco. Bank of America also will sponsor the Nextel Cup race at Lowe's Motor Speedway in October, the Bank of America 500.(ESPN.com/AP)(2-22-2006)
Watkins Glen Tix on sale Saturday: Tickets for the entire 2006 season at Watkins Glen International will go on sale Saturday, January 21st. The season kicks-off with the 25th Running of the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen on June 2-4th. On August 10-13th Watkins Glen International will be celebrating the 20th Anniversary of NEXTEL Cup Series racing at The Glen. The Busch Series is also back on Saturday to compete in the Zippo 200, while the Crown Royal 200 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve will kick off the weekend excitement on Friday, August 11. The Zippo U.S. Vintage Grand Prix will feature the 40th Reunion of Can-Am and Trans-Am together this fall, September 8 -10. The event is held in conjunction with the Grand Prix Festival taking place on the village streets of Watkins Glen that Friday evening. For tickets and additional information, including pricing and
other racing events on the 2006 schedule, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE, log on to the official website of Watkins Glen International at TheGlen.com or stop by The Shop located at 2 North Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen.(Watkins Glen International PR)(1-20-2006)
Sirius drops Watkins Glen sponsorship: Satellite radio provider Sirius, the title sponsor of the NASCAR Nextel Cup race at the track the last four years, has dropped its sponsorship of the race, WGI Senior Manager of Public Relations Eiron Smith said Tuesday.
"Sirius is no longer our title sponsor for the NASCAR event," she said. Smith said Glen officials were informed of Sirius' decision about a month ago, with the information coming to them through Daytona-based International Speedway Corp., which owns Watkins Glen International. Watkins Glen had a second three-year contract with Sirius that started with the 2005 race. However, Smith said Glen officials were told Sirius was not contractually obligated to remain as sponsor for all three years. She said she did not know why Sirius decided to drop its sponsorship. Sirius was the fourth title sponsor at Watkins Glen since NASCAR's top series, formerly known as Winston Cup, returned to the racetrack in 1986. Jones said there's no timetable to get a new sponsor and added the impact on the event will be minimal. "It's very early in the year," she said. "We're just creating the 2006 brochure. ... I hate to say it doesn't really affect us, but we're moving forward."(Elmira Star Gazette)(1-11-2006)
Watkins Glen Holiday Specials: Tis' the season to spread holiday cheer and Watkins Glen International has some great holiday opportunities and unique stocking stuffers - just in time for the holiday season. Gift Certificates are now available at The Shop, located at 2 North Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen during the end of the Season Holiday Blow-Out Sale. Gift Certificates that are purchased now can be exchanged for race tickets, camping, parking or hospitality when they go on-sale in January. This includes all of the events held at Watkins Glen International during the 2006 season including the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Weekend, The Watkins Glen Indy Grand Prix and the Finger Lakes Wine Festival supported by The Corning Museum of Glass. During the end of the Season Holiday Blow-Out sale, save up to 50% on NASCAR, IndyCar Series & Official Watkins Glen International merchandise, hats, mugs, key chains, posters, collectibles, and more. Select T-Shirts are buy-one get one FREE and make great gifts this holiday season. This sale is going on NOW until December 29th. Call 866-461-RACE or visit TheGlen.com for tickets or information.(11-29-2005)
National Anthem at Watkins Glen: Billy Joe Shaver will bring a little bit of country and a little bit of rock-n-roll to the SIRIUS
Satellite at The Glen, when he performs the American national anthem this Sunday August 14, 2005, prior to start of the NEXTEL Cup Series race. Shaver has seen hard times throughout his life like many other country musicians and writing country music was an inspiration to him. "Writing's the cheapest psychiatrist there is," Shaver said. "The songs give me comfort." Watkins Glen International performs both the Canadian anthem and the American national anthem during pre-race ceremonies. Tickets are still available for SIRIUS Satellite Radio at The Glen. For tickets and additional information, please contact the Watkins Glen ticket office at 866-461-RACE.(Watkins Glen International)(8-14-2005)
Jim Kelly named Grand Marshal of Watkins Glen Busch race: NFL Great Jim Kelly will be the Grand Marshall during this year’s Inaugural Zippo 200 NASCAR Busch Series Race at Watkins Glen International on Saturday, August 13th. Although he has recently undergone a serious tragedy in his family, he wants to continue to spread the word about Hunter’s Hope Foundation and support his NASCAR Busch Series #34 Team, Dollar General/Frank Cicci Racing with Jim Kelly. Kelly plans to address the crowd regarding the foundation and the importance of his efforts during pre-race ceremonies on Saturday. Kelly became involved with Cicci Racing earlier this year and continues to support the team’s efforts. He will give the famous command to start the Zippo 200 welcoming the NASCAR Busch Series back to The Glen for the first time since 2001.(WGI)(8-11-2005)
The Glen Tix Holders can get into concert free: With the success of the Saturday night concert in 2004. "Nasty Habit", a local cover band, will be returning to Watkins Glen International to perform once again. Nasty Habit, a 60's and 70's classic hard rock band, will perform Saturday, August 13th after the Zippo 200 NASCAR Busch Series race. The concert will be held on the Speed Stage located near Turn 11 in the infield. Any race fan with any weekend general admission or reserved grandstand ticket is welcome to join the event. The concert will kick off at 6:00 pm.(WGI PR)(8-10-2005)
Shannon Sharp, Grand Marshal at Watkins Glen: The NASCAR Nextel Cup Series drivers will get the command to start The Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen on August 14, 2005 from Grand Marshall Shannon Sharpe, a three-time Super Bowl champion and former Denver Bronco tight end. Sharpe will give the command to the 43-car field in preparation for the highly anticipated Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen race. Sharpe’s voice can also be heard weekly on SIRIUS NFL Radio’s Movin’ The Chains. Sharpe, 37, also studio analyst for The NFL Today on CBS, redefined the position of tight end during his 14-year National Football League career. With an unrelenting work ethic and strong desire to win, Sharpe became the all-time leader in receptions (815) and yards (10,060) by a tight end and won three Super Bowl championships as a member of both the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens. Sharpe retired from the NFL in 2004.
Joseph Alesandro will wave the green flag as the field crosses the line to begin The Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen. Alesandro is currently the Director of Field and Car Sales Maintenance for Hertz Rent-A-Car. Alesandro has been with Hertz Rent-A-Car for over twenty years and currently works out of the Hertz Rent-A-Car offices in Park Ridge, New Jersey.
Tickets are still available for SIRIUS Satellite Radio at The Glen, NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race and the Zippo 200 NASCAR Busch Series race. This year NASCAR Busch Series joins the NEXTEL Cup Series for the first time during the annual SIRIUS Satellite Radio at The Glen weekend, August 11-14. And the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series will also make their second stop of the season at The Glen in the newly titled CompUSA 200 on Friday, August 12th. For tickets and additional information, please contact the Watkins Glen ticket office at 866-461-RACE, purchase your tickets online or stop by The Shop located at 2 North Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen.(WGI PR)(7-29-2005)
Budweiser named official beer of Watkins Glen: Watkins Glen International (WGI) president Craig Rust announced that Anheuser-Busch, Inc. and WGI have entered into a partnership making Budweiser the official beer of the historic facility until 2006. Budweiser was previously the title sponsor of the NASCAR Nextel Cup race at Watkins Glen International known as Bud at The Glen. From the inaugural NASCAR event in 1986, the "king of beers" held the title position of the Cup race until 2001. Tickets for the Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen NASCAR NEXTEL Cup and Zippo 200 NASCAR Busch Series event weekend August 11-14 are still available. For tickets, reserved camping, and additional information, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 888-461-RACE or log on to the official website of Watkins Glen International at www.TheGlen.com.(WGI PR)(7-14-2005)
Shuttles at Watkins Glen: Watkins Glen International and Coach USA are teaming up to assist fans traveling to three of the major event weekends at The Glen this year including The Finger Lakes Wine Festival supported by The Corning Museum of Glass; the SIRIUS Satellite Radio at The Glen and Zippo 200; and the Inaugural Watkins Glen Indy Grand Prix presented by Argent Mortgage. This new relationship makes Coach USA the "Preferred Shuttle Provider of Watkins Glen International." Now, race fans and wine tasters can ride to The Glen in a luxury motorcoach from over 15 area hotels and campgrounds. A complete schedule, listing details including locations and timing is available on TheGlen.com under the Fan Information menu. For more specific information on pick-up locations, times and rates fans are encouraged to call Coach USA directly at 800-388-4415. Tickets for the entire 2005 season are on sale now! This year, the NASCAR Busch Series joins the NEXTEL Cup Series for the first time during the annual SIRIUS Satellite Radio at The Glen weekend, August 11-14 to compete in the newly titled Zippo 200 race. The cars and stars of the Indy 500 will go road racing during the Inaugural Watkins Glen Indy Grand Prix, presented by Argent Mortgage, September 23-25. And the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series will make three stops at The Glen during the 2005 season beginning June 10-12 during the Sahlen's Six Hours at The Glen event weekend. For tickets and additional information, please contact the Watkins Glen ticket office at 866-461-RACE, log on to the official Watkins Glen website at www.TheGlen.com, or stop by The Shop located at 2 North Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen.(5-4-2005)
Opening Day at Watkins Glen, drive the track: Watkins Glen International will be open all day on May 1, 2005 for the public to drive three paced laps around the historic 3.4 mile circuit in their own vehicles. Rides are also available. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Kyle Petty's Victory Junction Gang Camp. This also marks the last day to purchase tickets at the advanced price - up to $11 dollars savings per ticket and $15 on "3-Pak" packages. Call 866-461-RACE or visit www.TheGlen.com for tickets or information.(Watkins Glen International)(4-27-2005)
Zippo to sponsor the Watkins Glen Busch race: Watkins Glen International and Zippo Manufacturing Company announced today a new marketing partnership with making Zippo the title sponsor of the NASCAR Busch Series race on August 13, 2005 during the annual SIRIUS Satellite Radio at The Glen weekend. The race will be called the Zippo 200. Zippo Motorsports has recently launched a "HOT" new collectable line of over 60 lighters featuring the NASCAR license and drivers Dale Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick and Michael Waltrip. The Zippo 200 will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2005 and will start
at approximately 2:00 PM following the new NASCAR NEXTEL Cup qualifying. Both the Zippo 200 on Saturday and the SIRIUS Satellite Radio at The Glen NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race on Sunday will air live on NBC. For more information about Zippo,
log on to zippo.com. For tickets and additional information, please contact the Watkins Glen ticket office at 866-461-RACE, log on to the official Watkins Glen website at www.TheGlen.com.(Watkins Glen International PR)(2-26-2005)
Watkins Glen International launches new reading program: Watkins Glen International (WGI) launched their "Read for Speed" elementary school reading program at the Watkins Glen High School auditorium on Monday, February 7th. This new reading program offers race incentives to students, classes and teachers to encourage academic aptitude and comprehension in the classroom by showing children that reading can be fun through the thrill of auto racing. The program will run from February 7th until
May 27th.
Not only did Watkins Glen Elementary School students get to hear about the new initiative during the in-school assembly, but they got to shake hands with the face of the program, the "Read for Speed" mascot. All students who participate in the program are eligible to help name the new mascot in a contest that ends on March 11th. The student that comes up with a name that suits the mascot best will be awarded with a $25.00 gift certificate for The Shop, located at 2 North Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen. The Shop is Watkins Glen International's headquarters for official merchandise and apparel, event memorabilia, gift certificates and Thunder Road Tours.
To help kick-off the program, the yet-to-be-named mascot handed out tool kits to each participating classroom including comprehensive reading logs, classroom posters, bookmarks, and incentive coupons from Arnot Mall businesses including Friendly's, Burger King and Time-Out. The program is based on an 11-turn track map of Watkins Glen International and a points system that was developed in conjunction with Watkins Glen Elementary and Principal Rodney Weeden. "Read for Speed" was launched as a pilot program and is expected to expand across Southern Tier elementary schools in 2006.(WGI PR)(2-9-2005)
Official Cheese of Watkins Glen: Watkins Glen International announced a new partnership with Yancey's Fancy, New York's artisan cheese, which will give the upstate New York cheese business an official status at the historic road course for the next three years. Not only will Yancey's Fancy be involved with the Finger Lakes Wine Festival July 15-16 but they will offer their products on-site during all of the events at Watkins Glen International this season. The products that they will be selling include Fresh Cheddar Cheese Curds, Plain and Buffalo Wing Hot Sauce, their line of Euro-style cheeses, along with a variety of natural and flavored cheddars such as their Original Horseradish Cheddar, Roasted Garlic Cheddar, and Extra Sharp "Country Store" Cheese. Their world award winning NY Sharp process cheddar will also be used on cheeseburgers. Yancey's Fancy Inc. is headquartered in Corfu, NY east of Buffalo, NY. Yancey's Fancy Inc. was founded in New York State by John Yancey and Mike Wimble in 1996. Tickets for the entire 2005 racing season are on sale now. For tickets and additional information, including pricing, please contact the Watkins Glen ticket
office at 866-461-RACE, log on to the official Watkins Glen website at www.TheGlen.com.(WGI PR)(FYI: Krispy Kreme is the unofficial donuts of Jayski.com)(2-7-2005)
Watkins Glen Improvement Underway: As part of the ongoing capital improvement plan at Watkins Glen International (WGI) to enhance the experience of fans and prepare for one of their best racing seasons, Watkins Glen International President Craig Rust announced that the capital improvement plans are already underway. Renovations and enhancements will not effect the existing track configuration and are being made to areas surrounding the track such as runoff areas, fencing, and barriers. Renovations will be completed before the start of the 2005 season at The Glen. "This is the second largest renovation project in the 57-year history of Watkins Glen International and a very exciting time for The Glen," stated Rust. "We are committed to the continued success of Watkins Glen International, the Home of American Road Racing, and are getting ready for one of the best seasons in over 20 years."
The largest renovation project was in 1971, when the course was rebuilt to the present configuration including the addition of the famous "Boot."
The runoff area in Turn 1, also know as "The 90," has been regrated and elevated by approximately four feet and will be paved later this Spring along with Turn 9 (at the exit of the Boot), and Turn 11. Tire barriers have also been replaced throughout the facility, while some existing fencing will be replaced or extended around the Boot and along the front stretch, by Turn 11. New competition curbing will be added to the bottom of the Esses by Turn 2, throughout the Inner Loop, and by Turn 11. In several key areas, such as the Esses, the Boot, and Turn 11, the iconic blue guardrail will be shifted back from the track in order to improve sightlines for the Inaugural Watkins Glen Indy Grand Prix, IndyCar Series event September 23-25. The guardrail will not be permanently removed as reported in previous media articles.
In addition, Phase Three of the previously started capital improvement project involving upgrading the restroom facilities and adding a new 42-row high grandstand are also underway. The previous grandstands including the Gray, Green, Yellow, and Orange located along front stretch by the start/finish line, have been removed and the area is being prepared for the new aluminum FrontStretch Grandstand structure.
Eight events are featured at WGI in 2005 including the highly anticipated NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. This year they return with the NASCAR Busch Series, for the first time at WGI during the annual SIRIUS Satellite Radio at The Glen, August 11-14. Open wheel racing also returns to the famed road course, during the inaugural IndyCar Series event September 23-25. Tickets go on sale January 22 and are available at an advance price until Opening Day, May 1. For additional information, please contact the Watkins Glen ticket office at 866-461-RACE, log on to the official Watkins Glen website at www.TheGlen.com.(Watkins Glen International)(1-14-2005)
Watkins Glen to go to new qualifying procedure: The weekend schedule for next year's Sirius at the Glen will have a new look. The track, along with most others in the Nextel Cup Series, has adopted a new Saturday qualifying procedure that has pushed qualifying back a day and eliminated so-called "Happy Hour."
"Many of our fans are there for the entire weekend. It's the whole experience they seek, so we don't think that it would affect us that much," said Eiron Jones, manager of public relations at the Glen, who confirmed Wednesday that the Glen will use the new qualifying schedule. "We have the Grand Am series race on Friday and the Nextel Cup teams will still practice that day also." Jones said Nextel Cup qualifying will most likely take place before the Busch Series race Saturday. The weekend schedule won't be finalized for some time, she said. Under the new format, NASCAR will impound the cars after qualifying. Teams will not be permitted to work on the cars except in cases approved by NASCAR. The move was made in an effort to reduce costs for teams.(Elmira Star Gazette)(11-18-2004)
New SR Director at Watkins Glen: Craig Rust, President of Watkins Glen International (WGI) announced that Paul Hemingway has been named the new Senior Director of Sales and Marketing starting immediately. In this role Hemingway will oversee all of the sales, marketing, communications and admissions efforts at the historic road-course. Hemingway joins WGI after spending the last three years as the Director of Marketing for Keuka College, a liberal arts school located in the NY Finger Lakes region. During his time with Keuka, Hemingway played an instrumental role in the development a sports management concentration
at the College and has taught within that curriculum for the past two years. Hemingway is a New Hampshire native and prior to his stint with Keuka College was directly involved in professional sports marketing and management. He served as Director of Communications for the Manchester (NH) Monarchs (American Hockey League) and prior to that was Public/Media Relations Manager for the Nashua (NH) Pride (Atlantic League of Professional Baseball). Hemingway currently authors a monthly sports column for the Central New York Business Journal titled "On The Ball" and is a sports business correspondent on Sports Radio WHEN 620-AM out of Syracuse, NY. He holds a master's degree in Sports Management from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and a B.A. in Communications from the University of New Hampshire. He replaces Scott Rovn who was transferred to Phoenix International Raceway this past August to help lead their sales and marketing efforts. Hemingway and his wife Susan live in Canandaigua, NY.(Watkins Glen PR)(10-10-2004)
Sirius to stay Race Sponsor for 3 more year at WGI: Sirius Satellite Radio CEO Joe Clayton said Sunday the company agreed to be the title sponsor of the Cup race for another three years. The current three-year agreement between Watkins Glen International and Sirius Satellite ends this season. Watkins Glen is not guaranteed a Cup race, despite the sponsorship contract extension. NASCAR determines where the series stops on an annual basis. “As long as it's good to us, we'll be around,” Clayton said. “(The Glen) in on the upswing. Business and life are about timing.”(Rochester Democrat & Chronicle)(8-16-2004)
Commercial Shoot at the Glen: Sunday will begin a three-day television commercial shoot for Nextel at The Glen. Crews will film race footage Sunday, and then spend up to two extra days at the track shooting other aspects of the advertisement for Nextel's Fan Scan - a feature the communications giant provides, which allows spectators to use their cell phones to intercept driver-crew conversations. Monday and potentially Tuesday will involve stunt drivers, including New York City's Brian Smyj, who was the stunt double for Vin Diesel in the motion picture "XXX." Smyj will serve as stunt coordinator at The Glen.(Corning Leader)(8-13-2004)
National Anthem at Watkins Glen: Brad Arnold, Lead Singer of 3 Doors Down, will perform the "Star-Spangled Banner" as part of pre-race ceremonies for the SIRIUS at The Glen NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race this Sunday, August 15th. Arnold, an Escatawpa, Mississippi native, is no stranger to racing. 3 Doors Down collaborated with Dale Earnhardt Jr and Tony Stewart in 2003 for NASCAR single promotion "The Road I'm On". Arnold will also serve as an honorary pit crew member on Sunday with Brendan Gaughan's #77 Kodak Dodge team, who has an associate partnership with SIRIUS.(WGI PR)(8-13-2004)
Ride the Bus to the Glen: Watkins Glen International and Covered Wagon Tours are teaming up to assist race fans traveling to the SIRIUS at The Glen NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race on Sunday, August 15th. Now, race fans can hop on a deluxe motorcoach from an area hotel or one of four Park and Ride locations and let Covered Wagon Tours do the driving to and from the racetrack! Buses will transport race fans with their SIRIUS at The Glen tickets already in hand from Rochester, Binghamton, Syracuse Park and Ride locations for just $25 and a Buffalo area Park and Ride for $35. This pre-paid service also makes stops at area hotels, including Steuben and Chemung Counties and the Ithaca area for $15 and the Watkins Glen area for only $10. Motorcoaches are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. To make your reservation and find out more information, visit www.finger-lakes-tours.com or call 607-324-4200. Private motorcoach transportation is also available upon request.(Watkins Glen International PR)(8-12-2004)
Still Tix Available for Watkins Glen: Tickets for the SIRIUS at The Glen, as well as the remaining 2004 events at Watkins Glen International, are now available by calling The Glen's ticket office toll free at 1-866-461-RACE (7223), or log on to the official Watkins Glen Web site at www.theglen.com.(8-10-2004)
NFL Hall of Famer to give command at Watkins Glen: Pro Football Hall of Famer, Superbowl Most Valuable Player and more recently, radio host John Riggins will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 2004 SIRIUS at The Glen, officials at Watkins Glen International and SIRIUS Satellite Radio announced today. Riggins, who recently joined SIRIUS as a host on SIRIUS NFL Radio, will give the command to start engines on Sunday, August 15th at the historic road course.
"When I give the command at Watkins Glen, I know the hair is going to stand on the back of my neck," said Riggins [no mohawk?], who co-hosts 'The Afternoon Blitz' on SIRIUS NFL Radio from 3-7 p.m. with Adam Schein. "It just so happens that one of my favorite songs of all time is 'Thunder Road' by Robert Mitchum. Actually if one thinks about it, this song is to NASCAR what the egg is to the chicken. Finally some light has been shed on which came first - yeesss NASCAR!"
Riggins, a running back, played 175 games in 14 seasons with the New York Jets and Washington Redskins and was the first pick of the Jets and sixth player selected in the 1971 NFL Draft. He played with the Jets for five years and signed with the Redskins in 1976, where he played for nine years. He carried 2,916 times for 11,352 yards and 104 touchdowns during his career, and also caught 250 passes for 2,090 yards and 12 touchdowns. In 1983, he scored an NFL-record (since broken) 24 touchdowns, and he still ranks seventh all-time in touchdowns and tenth in rushing.
He was the Most Valuable Player in Super Bowl XVII with a then-record 38 carries for 166 yards. He capped off his big day with a 43-yard touchdown run that was immortalized as one of NFL Films' most memorable images, subsequently clinching Washington's 27-17 victory over Miami. The following year, Riggins was named All-Pro for the first time in his career.
New York State's largest weekend spectator sporting event returns August 12-15 with the NEXTEL Cup Series taking center stage on Sunday in the much-anticipated SIRIUS at The Glen. Support races include the Mohegan Sun 150 presented by Pepsi NASCAR Grand National Division, Busch North Series on Saturday and the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series' Sahlen's 200 on Friday night. NEXTEL Cup Series drivers take their shot at the pole during P&C Foods Qualifying Day on Friday, August 13th. Tickets start at only $50.(Watkins Glen PR)(8-10-2004)
Major Announcements at Sonoma and Watkins Glen: there are 'major announcements' scheduled for late morning on Tuesday, August 3rd at Infineon Raceway and Watkins Glen International - would imagine it has something to do with IRL race's being announced for 2005. UPDATEs IRL at each track:
see the Watkins Glen site: Open Wheel Racing [IRL] Returns to The Glen; and
see the Infineon Raceway site: Infineon Raceway to Host First-Ever Indy Racing League Road-Course Event
for full news on each.(8-3-2004)
Watkins Glen race gone if Staten Island happens? One week after Brian France's ominous "it's possible" quote appeared in Auto-Week, the Associated Press reported Friday that International Speedway Corp. signed contracts to purchase plots of land on Staten Island, situated off the southern tip of Manhattan. In the July 19 issue of AutoWeek, France was quoted as saying "it's possible" that Watkins Glen International could lose its NASCAR Nextel Cup race if a speedway was constructed in or near the metropolitan New York area. Now, ISC - WGI's parent company - has made down payments for a pair of properties near the Goethals Bridge, according to the AP. "I'm not worried about it. It's business as usual at The Glen right now," said WGI president Craig Rust. "There is a lot of work to be done (on Staten Island). There hasn't even been a shovel in the ground. If they started building the race track today, you're looking at years." Using 2009 as a target date, and assuming NASCAR yanks WGI's date in the event ISC does build a track near the Big Apple, it gives The Glen at least five more Nextel Cup events. WGI has Sirius Satellite Radio inked through 2007 for title sponsorship of its Nextel Cup race. However, ISC helped fund the municipal water and sewer project, which has started to bear results, in addition to making nearly $4 million in capital improvements. Those improvements, announced in May, include refurbishing the garage, improving restrooms and the addition of speedway-style grandstands in 2005. The WGI brass has also been wooing the Indy Racing League for the past two years, and the open-wheel series is expected to make its 2005 schedule announcement within the next few weeks.(The Leader)(7-24-2004)
Sponsor for Watkins Glen Pole Day: P&C Food and Pharmacy will serve as the title sponsor of this year's NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series pole qualifying day in preparation for the August 15th SIRIUS at Watkins Glen International scheduled for Friday, August 13th. P&C Foods and Pepsi customers will have a chance to also enjoy the partnership with a special promotion that runs through July 21st. The Ultimate Fan Experience Giveaway puts fans in the middle of all the action during the SIRIUS at The Glen weekend. One Grand Prize winner will be awarded the opportunity to wave the green flag for Jeff Gordon's qualifying run on August 15th. Registering is simple - just use your P&C Wild Card every time you purchase any Pepsi 24-pack product or Aquafina 16.9 oz. 24-pack
product and you are automatically entered. Tickets for the SIRIUS at The Glen, as well as the entire 2004 racing season at Watkins Glen International, are now available by calling The Glen's ticket office toll free at 1-866-461-RACE (7223), or log on to the official Watkins Glen Web site at www.theglen.com. (Watkins Glen International PR)(7-17-2004)
Promotions at The Glen: Watkins Glen International President Craig Rust announced today the promotion of three
individuals within the track's marketing and communications department. Andy Longenberger will now serve as Corporate Sales
Manager, while Ryan Mosher has been named Corporate Sales Executive. Rust also named Eiron Jones Public Relations Manager of the historic road course. Jones, PR Manager for Nazareth Speedway since August 2003, will lead the public relations efforts for The Glen and replaces Julie Giese, who departs following the 2004 season to serve as Director of Communications for Daytona International Speedway. In addition to her new role, Jones will also continue as Nazareth's PR Manager.(Watkins Glen PR)(6-30-2004)
Tickets available for Watkins Glen: Tickets for the SIRIUS at The Glen, as well as the entire 2004 racing season at Watkins Glen International, are now available by calling The Glen's ticket office toll free at 1-866-461-RACE (7223), or online at www.theglen.com. For the finest Watkins Glen International items and apparel, motorsports collectibles, and authentic NASCAR merchandise, diecasts and clothing, and now race tickets, stop by The Shop at 2 North Franklin Street in Watkins Glen or call 607-535-2338.(Watkins Glen PR)(6-30-2004)
Sirius and Watkins Glen to extend UPDATE three years: It appears that Watkins Glen International, which was granted a 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup date earlier this month, is about to extend its agreement with Sirius Satellite Radio as the title sponsor for the track's marquee event. "We anticipate a renewal with Sirius and an announcement will be made within the coming days," Julie Giese, the Glen's director of public relations, said Wednesday.(Elmira Star Gazette)(6-24-2004) SIRIUS, the premium satellite radio provider (NASDAQ: SIRI), known for delivering the very best in commercial-free music and sports programming to cars and homes across the country, will continue as the title sponsor of the SIRIUS at The Glen NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series event at Watkins Glen International for the next three years, track President Craig Rust announced today.
Tickets for the SIRIUS at The Glen, as well as the entire 2004 racing season at Watkins Glen International, are now available by calling The Glen's ticket office toll free at 1-866-461-RACE (7223), or log on to the official Watkins Glen Web site at www.theglen.com. For the finest Watkins Glen International items and apparel, motorsports collectibles, and authentic NASCAR merchandise, diecasts and clothing, and now race tickets, stop by The Shop at 2 North Franklin Street in Watkins Glen or call 607-535-2338. Watkins Glen International. It's Racing. Only Twisted.(Watkins Glen)(6-25-2004)
Nazareth Gone? races to Watkins Glen? UPDATE: Watkins Glen International, once thought as close to its death bed as a NASCAR track, may instead be set to expand with additional NASCAR and Indy Racing League events. Sources said Friday that Narazeth Speedway - a 1-mile oval - could lose its two main races next season - Busch and IRL - if the track is sold or closed by its owner, International Speedway Corp. Those races would then move to the Glen, which is also owned by ISC, sources said. Watkins Glen, an 11-turn, 2.45-mile road course in upstate New York, hosted Cup races in 1957, 1964 and 1965, then took a hiatus and returned in 1986. It has hosted one race every year since. The Glen also hosted Busch and Craftsman Truck series races as recently as 2001, but lost those when those series instituted cost-cutting measures. Adding just one road course would likely be financially impractical for Busch or Trucks, but NASCAR has made clear its desire to race in Mexico, where the Mexico City track would also be a road course. Two road course events would make much more sense financially. Craig Rust, track president of both Nazareth and Watkins Glen, denied Friday that Nazareth is for sale. He did admit the track's Busch race was having problems selling tickets and he was promoting the Glen to host an IRL race as early as next season. The IRL is expected to add one or more road course events to its oval-only series next season. IRL officials have said the conversion package to adapt their current cars to road course conditions is about 75 percent completed. "It's common knowledge that I have been trying to get the IRL up to Watkins Glen," Rust said. "I have also had conversations with NASCAR with specific regard, be it '05 or '06, to grow our NASCAR inventory. NASCAR vice president for corporate communications, Jim Hunter, could not be reached Friday for comment. As a possible sign of things to come, ISC has already moved its administrative staff at Nazareth to Watkins Glen and Rust said Friday Nazareth was considering moving up to 10,000 portable grandstand seats to the Glen, leaving Nazareth with 28,000 seats. Rust said he has not spoken to NASCAR officials about 2005 race dates at Nazareth. His current efforts are aimed at promoting the May 23 Busch race at the track.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-1-2004) UPDATE denied: If Watkins Glen International gains any races in the near future, it won't be at the expense of Nazareth Speedway, said Craig Rust, who is president of both tracks. An online report over the weekend suggested that International Speedway Corp., which owns both tracks, might sell Nazareth and then move the track's IRL and Busch Series races to the Glen. Rust said, "There have been no conversations about selling Nazareth Speedway. I think with us taking a look at grandstands, and looking at the schedule up here, and the fact that I sit over both race tracks, some people began to make assumptions." Glen officials on Monday announced new a new improvement project that includes replacing the more than 30-year-old wooden bleachers on the start/finish straightaway. The announcement didn't give a dollar figure for the work, but a source familiar with the project put the total at more than $4 million. "One area we are looking at is in bringing a small percentage of seats up from Nazareth," Rust said. "That, coupled with the fact that I've been talking to the Indy Racing League about getting an IRL race up here, and people have heard I was talking to NASCAR -- I think people are making a bigger deal of that than it is." Rust said he has asked NASCAR to consider bringing the Busch and/or Craftsman Truck Series back to the Glen. "We want races up here to grow," he said. "I reached out to NASCAR and made them aware of our desire to take a look at those series again." The Glen last hosted a Busch race in 2001, and a Craftsman Truck race in 2000. NASCAR pulled those series out of the Glen, in part, to cut costs for teams that had to build a road-course car or truck for one event. Those series don't compete on any road course today. Rust said he hasn't heard back on his request. This year's capital improvement program might help put to rest the rumors circulated by some NASCAR beat writers each year that the Glen could lose its Nextel Cup race. "There has never been a lack of commitment from ISC," said Rust, who pointed out that the water and sewer improvements completed last year were also part of a multi-million dollar project. Next on Rust's radar screen is the antiquated media center that has received a lot of criticism from members of NASCAR's traveling press corps in recent years.(Elmira Star Gazette)(5-6-2004)
Improvements to Watkins Glen for 2005: Watkins Glen International will begin several new upgrades to the historic road course, highlighted by new frontstretch grandstands. Immediately following the final race of the 2004 season, Glen officials will begin tearing down the existing frontstretch grandstands and putting in its place new aluminum grandstand seats that include seatbacks. Ticketholders for the 2004 SIRIUS at The Glen in the frontstretch grandstands will be given first right of refusal on the new seats for the 2005 event, as is customary with each renewal year. In addition to new grandstands, the existing NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series garage will be renovated, answering the calls by teams to double the width of the doors, making entry and exit much easier. A new roof will be added, as well as a new exterior to match the newly-installed gray Sunoco office at the front corner of the garage. The multi-million dollar enhancements and upgrades also includes Phase Three of the ongoing municipal water and sewer project, which calls for remaining infield areas, including the campgrounds, to be hooked up to the new system. A new restroom has also been added in the Gate One area that will include shower capabilities on the SIRIUS at The Glen NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series weekend.
Tickets for the SIRIUS at The Glen, as well as the entire 2004 racing season at Watkins Glen International, are now available by calling The Glen's ticket office toll free at 1-866-461-RACE (7223), or log on to the official Watkins Glen Web site at www.theglen.com. For the finest Watkins Glen International items and apparel, motorsports
collectibles, and authentic NASCAR merchandise, diecasts and clothing, and now race tickets, stop by The Shop at 2 North Franklin Street in Watkins Glen or call 607-535-2338.(Watkins Glen PR)(5-3-2004)
Opening Day at Watkins Glen International: Watkins Glen International will hold it's Opening Day on May 2, 2004 from 10:00am - 4:30pm/et. The track will be open all day for the public to drive three paced laps around NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series course in their own vehicles. Pace car rides are also available. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Kyle Petty's Victory Junction Gang Camp. more info at www.theglen.com.(5-1-2004)
Watkins Glen Rumors Denied: Speculation of the Watkins Glen International NASCAR Nextel Cup date moving to another track surfaced again during the past week in a few Southern newspapers. However, WGI President Craig Rust and a spokesman from NASCAR said Wednesday any talk about the Glen losing the race is just talk. "At no time has anyone from ISC (International Speedway Corporation, which owns the Glen) given me any indication that the date would be leaving here," Rust said. "We are operating confidently that we are going to host a Nextel Cup race in 2005 and beyond." Rumors that the Glen would lose its NASCAR race date have been a hot topic with Southern beat writers since the late 1990s. Among previous reasons cited: NASCAR was looking to get away from road-course events, the Glen's amenities are outdated and, most recently, the race wouldn't stick when NASCAR realigned its schedule this year. "Watkins Glen is a popular talking point for the media," said Herb Branham, NASCAR's manager of communications. "It sounds to me like a lot of speculation again. We have had discussions of having a future race in Mexico City, but that would involve either our Busch Series or the Craftsman Truck Series and not a Nextel Cup event," NASCAR's Branham said.
Said Rust: "The rumor mill is going crazy right now, and frankly it's gotten out of hand. If there was something there (to the story) that we were in jeopardy of losing our date or that was being talked about in a serious manner, someone from ISC would have picked up the phone and called me."(more at the Elmira Star Gazette)(4-8-2004)
Bobby Allison returns to The Glen: Bobby Allison, 1983 NASCAR Champion and 1980 IROC Champion, will make a special appearance at Watkins Glen International on Saturday, June 5, during the Chemung Canal Trust Historic Races weekend, track President Craig Rust announced today. Allison, a five-time International Race of Champions (IROC) competitor, will greet fans throughout the day during an event that celebrates IROC with a reunion of three decades of cars. Allison, a resident of Moorseville, NC, has many prestigious accomplishments to back up his legendary stature. A seven-time most popular driver, his 84 NASCAR victories, including three Daytona 500 wins, ties him for third on the All-Time Win list. Allison is a member of the International Motorsports, National and Eastern Motorsports Press Associations and North Carolina Auto Racing Halls of Fame. He made two starts at Watkins Glen International, with a best finish of 9th in 1987, contributing to his overall career winnings of more than $7.7 million. "I only raced at Watkins Glen twice, but had a lot of good times racing and being part of the races as an owner and I look forward to coming back to Upstate New York on a weekend that celebrates the history of IROC," Allison said. Allison recently released a new book titled "The Racer's Racer", a collection of his favorite stories and happenings that occurred during his illustrious career, told in his own words. The book, out since September of last year, comes with an audio CD containing stories told by Allison and is already in its third printing. Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the International Race of Champions (IROC) all-star series featuring the original 1974 Porsche class during the Chemung Canal Trust Historic Races, June 4-6. It's a weekend steeped in historic sports car racing, so come out and catch a modern-day glimpse of the cars that were once made famous at The Glen. Tickets start at only $19 and are now on sale, with advance prices available through May 2nd.(Watkins Glen Site) and for info on Allison's book see Bobby Allison: A Racer's Racer by Bobby Allison, Tim Packman.(4-8-2004)
Watkins Glen date to....Mexico? Pocono to lose a race? UPDATE 2: New rumors surfaced this week in the garage area as NASCAR looks to revamp its schedule for 2005. Now included in the reported plans to add a second race at the Texas Motor Speedway are the rumored plans to add second races at Phoenix, Las Vegas and Kansas City. To make that happen, the Darlington and Pocono raceways would each lose one race and Watkins Glen International would lose its only race. Another hot rumor is NASCAR's interest in permanently moving the road course race at Watkins Glen to a road course in Mexico City.(Augusta Chronicle)(4-3-2004) UPDATE: While the fate of the France family's Watkins Glen road course in upstate New York as part of the Nextel Cup tour is being debated, there is increasing speculation that NASCAR's Brian France wants to add Mexico City's road course to the NASCAR Truck tour next season. France seems cooling to any plans to take Cup cars to Europe, content to play out marketing plans there instead. But he is reported to be quite optimistic about Mexico City as a potential NASCAR venue, though it is difficult to gauge if there is actually any interest in a Cup race there down the road.(Winston Salem Journal); Mexico? how about Kentucky? or Nashville? or Pikes Peak?(4-4-2004) UPDATE 2: response to some readers email from Watkins Glen: "Thank you for your interest in the Glen. Let me first assure you that the Cup date at Watkins Glen is here to stay and that we are in no jeopardy of losing it."(4-7-2004)
Rockingham, Darlington AND Watkins Glen to lose race dates? There was a celebratory air in Bruton Smith's suite Sunday at Bristol. Maybe Smith, chairman of Speedway Motorsports Inc., knows there will be not one, but two races added to his tracks. If he knows, he's not saying. Smith says he has "not kept up" with a pending lawsuit involving NASCAR's distribution of dates to racetracks, but sources close to the situation expect a second Texas date to be part of the resolution. There's speculation Rockingham, Darlington and Watkins Glen will lose dates next year with races moving to Texas, Las Vegas and Phoenix until tracks can be built in Seattle and New York City. Speedway Motorsports owns Atlanta Motor Speedway, Lowe's Motor Speedway, Infineon Raceway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Texas and Bristol.(FoxSports/Sporting News)(3-29-2004)
Watkins Glen Tix on sale: The 2004 racing season is just around the corner and tickets to a race at The Glen make the perfect gift! Just in time for the holidays, all tickets for the thrilling 2004 season at The Glen go on sale Monday, December 15th. Make your plans now to snatch up the best seats and even better prices, with tickets to the SIRIUS at The Glen NASCAR Nextel Cup Series on August 15th starting at only $39!
Purchasing tickets to any of the action-packed road course events is as easy as ever when you log on to www.theglen.com and navigate the ticket purchasing pages, including an interactive 3-D map that allows you to check out a panoramic view from available seating locations. For those wanting the personal touch, call our ticket office at 607-535-2481 or toll free at 1-800-PITSHOP and talk with a customer service representative who can assist you. Or, if you're in the area, swing into The Glen's ticket office, located at the corner of Bronson Hill Road and County Route 16, next to the track and purchase in person.
Eight events are featured on the 2004 schedule at Watkins Glen International, highlighted by the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, returning
on its annual August weekend. The season opens with Opening Day on May 2, marking the advance sale deadline for all race weekend tickets. Fans can once again take on the left- and right-hand turns of the famed road course in their own vehicles, or take a ride in a pace car. Proceeds for this event will benefit Kyle and Pattie Petty's Victory Junction Gang Camp. For tickets and information, please contact the Watkins Glen ticket office at 607-535-2481 or log on to the official Watkins Glen Web site at www.theglen.com. For the finest Watkins Glen International items and apparel, motorsports collectibles, and authentic NASCAR merchandise, diecasts and clothing, stop by The Shop at 2 North Franklin Street in Watkins Glen or call 607-535-2338.(WGI PR)(12-15-2003)
Three Ways to Renew at The Glen: For the first time ever, Watkins Glen International is offering three easy ways to renew your tickets for next year's events, including the SIRIUS at The Glen NASCAR Nextel Cup Series - via mail, telephone or the Internet. But, no matter which method you use, make sure you do it before the extended December 1st deadline. And, all customers choosing to renew their tickets by the deadline will automatically be entered to win an all-expense-paid trip to see all three NASCAR Champions crowned at Homestead-Miami Speedway in November 2004.
For fans renewing their ticket orders without any changes, simply log on to www.theglen.com, enter your customer number and click your way to your 2004 tickets! Any changes to your ticket order must be done by mail. Choosing this method also enters you for a chance to win a SIRIUS Satellite Radio system and a free one-year subscription, compliments of SIRIUS and The Glen. SIRIUS, title sponsor of the SIRIUS at The Glen NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race, provides 100 streams of digital-quality entertainment with an unparalleled selection of 100% commercial-free music, plus sports, news, and entertainment programming.
An alternative to renewing online, simply call The Glen's Ticket Office at 607-535-2481 if you are renewing your tickets without any
changes from 2003. Again, any changes to your ticket order (including upgrades, relocations or additional seats) must be done by mail.
Choose to renew your tickets by mail if you are making changes to your 2003 ticket order, which includes upgrades, relocations and additional seats. Simply return your renewal form and payment by December 1, 2003. For tickets and information, please contact the Watkins Glen ticket office at 607-535-2481 or log on to the official Watkins Glen Web site at www.theglen.com.(Watkins Glen Intl PR)(11-19-2003)
The Glen Announces Staff Changes: Watkins Glen International President Craig Rust recently announced the promotions of Jon Beckman to Director of Business Development and Steve Ely to Track Operations Manager for the historic road course. Beckman, formerly WGI's Manager of Business Development, will oversee the sales team for both The Glen and Nazareth Speedway, whose efforts
are focused against developing new business partners, creating new sponsorship opportunities at both facilities and working to deliver
the best possible experience for our many corporate clients. Beckman joined the staff in 2002 from the International Motor Racing Research Center. He is a native of Bath, NY, and holds a political science degree from SUNY Brockport.
Ely has been with The Glen since 1989 and takes over as Track Operations Manager from his former position as Utilities Operations
Manager at both Watkins Glen and Nazareth. In this new position, Ely will focus primarily on all aspects of on-track activity, including
the training of safety personnel, and will serve as the primary contact for all sanctioning bodies. Ely, a native of Watkins Glen who currently resides in Dundee, NY, is well trained for this new position, having spent ten years with the Schuyler County Ambulance
and more than 28 years with the Watkins Glen Fire Department.(Watkins Glen International PR)(10-27-2003)
Watkins Glen, RJR and Tobacco Ads: The [NY] state's highest court Tuesday refused to disturb lower court rulings that rejected state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer's attempts to limit billboard advertisements by the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. at the Watkins Glen International Speedway. Without comment, the Court of Appeals said it would not hear a case based on Spitzer's contention that R.J. Reynolds was violating terms of the 1998 Master Settlement between the state and the tobacco industry by the year-round billboards at Watkins Glen. Under the settlement, which was negotiated for New York by Spitzer's predecessor Dennis Vacco, the signs should have gone up no more than 90 days before the NASCAR event at Watkins Glen and come down 10 days after the race ended, Spitzer argued. But R.J. Reynolds contended that the Master Settlement allowed it to sponsor one sports-related event a year and that its Winston Cup stock car series is a continuous event beginning in February every year and ending in November. It argued that its billboards at Watkins Glen were permissible throughout the Winston Cup series season, not just around the time of the annual NASCAR road race at the Glen.(Ithaca Journal)(9-3-2003)
Sirius Looking to Extend with Watkins Glen: Watkins Glen and Sirius will complete a three-year contract after next year's Winston Cup race in August. But within the next few months, WGI President Craig Rust said, the two entities will begin talks about the future. "Sirius will be the title sponsor for the third year in '04," said Rust, in his second year as head of the track. "At some point this fall, we'll begin conversations with Sirius to get them involved beyond next year" Asked what would stand in the way of a new contract after the 2004 Nextel Cup race at the Glen, Sirius President and CEO Joe Clayton said: "Business would have to turn very bad and the economy would have to take a horrendous turn, and I just don't see that happening."(Elmira Star Gazette)(8-12-2003)
Road races to return: Despite growing complaints about the working conditions and overall appearance of facilities at Watkins Glen, Mike Helton said the Glen and Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., will appear on the 2004 Winston Cup schedule. Helton said he would like to announce the full schedule before the end of the month. "The road courses will return on the schedule next year," said Helton, who added that officials with the sanctioning body had spoken with Watkins Glen president Craig Rust about "some things we feel aren't up to Winston Cup quality."(Fort Worth Star Telagram)(8-11-2003)
Essay Winner announced: Watkins Glen International officials announced that Denise Jacon Church of Petersburgh, NY,
is the winner of the 2003 Essay Contest. Church's memorable moment came on a hot August afternoon while watching the stars of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series at The Glen in 2000. It was the day that New York native Steve Park would win his first NASCAR Winston Cup race - and also the day she became a Steve Park fan. Park's post-race celebration is where Church's moment climaxed, as Park climbed out of his car and hopped on-top, hoisting his hands in celebration directly in-front of where the Church family was sitting. For the past five years Church has enjoyed her annual trip to The Glen with her family, husband Tim and daughter Chelsea. "Winning the contest was the most exciting thing to ever happen to me and I'm looking forward to coming to this year's race," said Church. "We will all be cheering on Steve Park and hope that he has another successful race." Church, a race fan who's been coming to The Glen for the past five
years with husband Tim and daughter Chelsea, will have her essay featured in the 2003 SIRIUS at The Glen Official Event Program. Her family will also receive complimentary tickets and a souvenir program.(Watkins Glen PR/Site)(8-5-2003)
Marlin to meet with Watkins Glen season ticket holders: #40-Sterling Marlin will greet 2003 Watkins Glen International season ticket holders at an exclusive reception Friday, August 8, in the Glen Club immediately following Winston Cup qualifying for the SIRIUS at The Glen. Marlin will be on hand to greet season ticket holders and participate in a brief question and answer session. The Glen Club is a private dining suite located at the top of the Esses in the infield at Watkins Glen International. Only guests that have purchased season tickets will be admitted, with season tickets still available for purchase through The Glen's ticket office.(Watkins Glen PR)(8-4-2003)
Watkings Glen and Sirius back in 2004: Watkins Glen International President Craig Rust said Friday that the Schuyler County racing facility will host a NASCAR Nextel Cup event in 2004. "Watkins Glen is going to have a race in '04," Rust said. "We're signed and have a done deal." Several Web sites have reported rumors that the Glen race would not be part of the Nextel Cup schedule in 2004. These rumors were partly fueled when NASCAR officials announced in January that major changes would be made to the 2004 schedule. Rust said Watkins Glen provides a unique showcase for the series. Watkins Glen and Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., are the only road courses the Winston Cup series competes at. Next year's Watkins Glen race will take place on the third Sunday in August -- Aug. 15. Since it began in 1986, Watkins Glen's Winston Cup race traditionally has been run the second Sunday of August. "It is still our traditional weekend, but because of leap year, the calendar gets messed up a little," said Julie Giese, the senior manager of public relations for Watkins Glen International. NASCAR has not released the official Nextel Cup schedule, but Rust said it should be out soon. NASCAR traditionally awards dates for its top series on a year-by-year basis. Sirius Satellite Radio, the title sponsor of this year's Winston Cup race at Watkins Glen on Aug. 10, has a contract to be the event's sponsor again next year.(Elmira Star-Gazette - short term link)(7-26-2003)
Wanna Drive the Watkins Glen Course?: Looking for the perfect gift for Dad this Father's Day? How does 300 Porsches sound? In honor of the special day, The Glen is offering a Father's Day Special on its annual Porsche Clash weekend, June 13-15. This special offer includes two General Admission tickets for Sunday, June 15th and a pass to drive your own vehicle on the track for two
paced parade laps of the historic road course - all for just $45. General Admission tickets include the "run" of the facility - Dad and family can visit the paddock, garage, and sit in any grandstand. There are limited quantities and all orders must be placed via telephone. Tickets for the Porsche Clash weekend, as well as the entire 2003 racing season at Watkins Glen International, are now available by calling The Glen's ticket office at 607-535-2481 or online at www.theglen.com.(Watkins Glen PR)(5-29-2003)
The Glen Gone in 2004? UPDATE: At least one insider says Watkins Glen will be off the schedule in 2004.(Insider Racing News)(5-25-2003) UPDATE: folks at Watkins Glen deny this rumor and expect a Winston Cup race to be held at the track in 2004 and beyond and the track is even making some capital improvements to the facilities.(5-29-2003)
Safety Seminar at The Glen - Today: Watkins Glen International, in conjunction with Racing Services Inc. (RSI), will be hosting the 15th Annual 2003 Motorsports Safety Seminar April 26 and 27 at the track. Registration for the event begins at 8:00 a.m. each day, with sessions concluding at approximately 4:00pm. The seminar will focus on all aspects of safety at The Glen, including flagging and communications, course marshals, fire rescue, ambulance workers, tow trucks and Guthrie One Helicopter. RSI is a volunteer organization that provides support and safety at the historic road course, including fire-rescue, flagging and communications, along with pit and course marshals. Anyone who is interested in joining RSI and working at The Glen in the various positions listed above are encouraged to attend the seminar. For more information about RSI, you can visit them at www.rsiwgi.com. Ambulances and personnel are provided by Rural Metro Ambulance, and all tow trucks are from Charlie's Towing, out of Newfield, NY.(Watkins Glen International PR)(4-26-2003)
Early Bird Sale at The Glen thry May 4th: You know what they say. The early bird gets the worm. At Watkins Glen International, the early bird saves some money. $11-16 to be exact. After today, only 11 days remain to take advantage of the advance ticket prices for all racing events at The Glen, including New York's largest weekend spectator sporting event, the SIRIUS at The Glen, scheduled for August 7-10th. Advance ticket prices are set to expire on May 4th, which is also the track's Opening Day. For as low as $39, race fans can enjoy the stars of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series racing door-to-door on the historic 2.45-mile road course. Grandstand seats start at only $59, a $16 savings if tickets are purchased by the advance deadline. "The Glen offers one of the best values on the NASCAR Winston Cup circuit for race fans, especially for those that purchase their tickets before the advance deadline," said Director of Admissions Marianne Shoemaker. "Where else can you purchase admission into a four-day event, filled with exciting racing action, for only $59?" The early bird race fans can also save up to $11 on event admission to the Chemung Canal Trust Historic Races, June 6-8, Sahlen's Sports Car Grand Prix, June 20-22, and the Zippo U.S. Vintage Grand Prix, September 5-7. Tickets for the SIRIUS at The Glen, as well as the entire 2003 racing season at Watkins Glen International are now available by calling The Glen's ticket office at 607-535-2481 or online at www.theglen.com. For the finest Watkins Glen International items and apparel, motorsports collectibles, and authentic NASCAR merchandise, diecasts and clothing, stop by The Shop at 2 North Franklin Street in Watkins Glen or call 607-535-2338.(Watkins Glen International PR)(4-26-2003)
Marlin wants road courses gone: With NASCAR considering a realignment of its schedule for 2004, Sterling Marlin would like to eliminate trips to Sonoma, Calif., and Watkins Glen, N.Y., where left- and right-hand turns are required. "I think they should look at adding some Saturday night races and dropping the road courses," Marlin said. "It would save money for the teams. I ain't got nothing against going out to California, but I think if we had a good track like Richmond where we could put on a good show, it would be OK." (Richmond Times Dispatch)(3-16-2003)
Watkins Glen Essay: Watkins Glen wants you to share your favorite and most memorable stories about trips to the historic road course in its second annual essay contest. Not only do you get to talk about great times, but also each story will be judged, with the winning entries featured in the SIRIUS at The Glen NASCAR Winston Cup and Zippo U.S. Vintage Grand Prix event programs. All essays must be received by Opening Day, May 4. Not only will one winning story appear in each of the event programs, but winners will receive a complimentary copy of the event program with their story in, as well as two general admission weekend tickets to either the SIRIUS at The Glen weekend, August 7-10, or the Zippo U.S. Vintage Grand Prix, September 5-7. The event will determined based on essay topic. Essays should be submitted via email to racing@theglen.com or via mail to Essay Contest, Watkins Glen International, 2891 County Route 16, Watkins Glen, NY 14891. A panel of motorsports professionals, media and racing personalities will judge the entries to determine the
winners. Tickets for the 2003 season are now on sale, call 607.535.2481 or visit www.theglen.com to order tickets.(Watkins Glen PR)(3-11-2003)
It's Just Sirius: The 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup event at Watkins Glen International, August 7-10th, is now titled the SIRIUS at The Glen.[it was Sirius Satellite Radio at the Glen].(Watkins Glen PR)(3-6-2003)
Watkins Glen race touted by Autoweek: the February 17th issue of Autoweek magazine ranked Watkins Glen International's SIRIUS at The Glen NASCAR Winston Cup race on August 10th as one of three NASCAR "Races You Absolutely Can't Miss". Highlighted as part of the Motorsports 2003 Preview section, Autoweek says of The Glen's Cup race: "It's fun to watch Cup racers banging away at each other on a road course". The Daytona 500 and the Bristol Motor Speedway night race joined New York State's largest weekend spectator sporting event on the "Absolutely Can't Miss" list. Tickets for the SIRIUS at The Glen, as well as the entire 2003 racing season at Watkins Glen International are now available by calling The Glen's ticket office at 607-535-2481 or online at www.theglen.com.(Watkins Glen International PR)(2-28-2003)
Promotion: Watkins Glen International President Craig Rust recently announced that Amanda Lewis and Tonya Andrysick have joined The Glen's ticket office, and Scott Swimley was promoted to Corporate Sales Executive for the historic road course. Swimley, a resident of Corning, NY moves into the Sales and Marketing department from the ticket office, where he served as Gate Operations Manager for the past two years. Andrysick, a Santa Maria, CA native, returns to The Glen as Admissions Services Supervisor. Prior to this position, Andrysick served as the Executive Assistant to the President since August of 2000 and has an Associates Degree from Indiana's Hyles-Anderson College. In this newly created position, Andrysick will focus on ensuring a positive experience for their guests through customer communication and correspondence, disability services and will oversee the coordination of race-day volunteers that assist guests during the events.(Watkins Glen International PR)(12-20-2002)
Bobbleheads at Watkins Glen: The first 2,424 general admission ticket holders to upgrade to a reserved grandstand seat on the Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen NASCAR Winston Cup weekend will receive a numbered, limited edition Jeff Gordon/Watkins Glen International bobblehead Free. Only 2,424 bobbleheads are available, so supplies are extremely limited and will be issued to ticket holders based on the renewal return date. Upgrading to reserved seat provides the same access as a general admission ticket and also gives you a place to sit down throughout the weekend. One numbered bobblehead will be distributed with each upgrade, with a limit of four bobbleheads per order. Each Jeff Gordon bobblehead contains the Watkins Glen International logo and the four years he visited Victory Circle at Watkins Glen International (1997, 1998, 1999 and 2001) are printed around the base. All renewals for 2003 must be received by November 22 and must be mailed or faxed to The Glen's ticket office. Tickets for the entire 2003 racing season go on sale November 4. For tickets and information, please contact the Watkins Glen ticket office at 607-535-2481 or log on to the official Watkins Glen Web site at www.theglen.com.(Watkins Glen International PR)(10-21-2002)
Watkins Glen race will return in 2003: NASCAR President Mike Helton said Saturday that Watkins Glen International will host a NASCAR Winston Cup event in 2003. "Watkins Glen still has a place on our schedule," Helton said. The official Winston Cup schedule for the following season is usually announced around Labor Day. The Watkins Glen race since 1986 has traditionally been contested on the second Sunday of August. Sirius Satellite Radio has signed a contract to be the title sponsor through 2004. But that sponsorship is contingent upon WGI being awarded a Winston Cup date, which Helton said will soon be made official for 2003.(Star Gazette)(8-11-2002)
Pretty Cool UPDATE: hearing that at Watkins Glen on Sunday, the NASCAR drivers will be escorted onto the raceway in HMMWV's driven by New York State Army National Guardsmen. Most of the guardsmen there have performed duty at the World Trade Center, airports, nuclear plants, and on the border duty.(8-6-2002) UPDATE: Rather than parade the starting field around The Glen in boring, old trucks or cars during pre-race ceremonies, the drivers in today’s 90-lapper will be carried around in Hummers. Provided by the National Guard, the Winston Cuppers will be passengers with those who helped serve in relief efforts in New York City following Black Tuesday last September. Pole sitter Ricky Rudd will actually be toted around in a tank-like vehicle, with the two-time Glen winner protruding from the turret.(The Leader)(8-11-2002)
Jim Kelly to wave the green flag at the Glen: Former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly has been named the Honorary Starter for this weekend's Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen NASCAR Winston Cup race. Kelly, the most recent inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, will wave the green flag for the 43-car field, signaling the start of the Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen. Kelly will wave the flag as a representative of the Hunter's Hope Foundation, which he established in honor of his son, Hunter. Five-year-old Hunter has Krabbe's Disease, a crippling, enzyme disorder of the central and peripheral nervous system. Currently, there is neither a cure for Krabbe disease or other leukodystrophies nor successful treatments to reverse the damage caused to brain and nerve tissue. In his 11 seasons with the Buffalo Bills, Kelly led the team to eight playoffs and four consecutive Super Bowls from 1990 to 1993. Kelly logged 35,467 yards passing and 237 touchdowns during his NFL career, leading the league in passing in 1990 and the AFC in 1991. He earned a spot in the Hall of Fame in just his first year of eligibility.(Watkins Glen International PR)(8-8-2002)
National Anthems at the Glen: Josey Scott, the passionate lead singer of the hard rock band Saliva, will perform the United States and Canadian National Anthems prior to the Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen on Sunday, August 11. Scott is also featured with Chad Kroeger of Nickelback on the number one hit single "Hero" from The Spider-Man Soundtrack. Saliva's new album Back Into Your System is schedule for an October 15 release. Saliva can currently be heard on Hard Attack, channel 29, and Octane, channel 21, on Sirius. Following the national anthem, legendary fan favorite at The Glen, Ernie Irvan will deliver the command to start the engines for the inaugural Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen. Tickets for the 2002 season at Watkins Glen, including the Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen, August 8-11, are still available.(Watkins Glen International PR)(8-6-2002)
Concert at The Glen: Fans at Watkins Glen International during the Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen weekend are in for a
special treat on Saturday night, August 10. Best Buy, Sirius, and Kenwood USA Corporation are co-sponsoring a free concert by the talented new singer/songwriter Tift Merritt for all fans in attendance at the track. The concert will begin at approximately 6:00 p.m. following the conclusion of "Little Trees" 150 NASCAR Busch North Series race presented by Pepsi. All fans with Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen weekend tickets will be admitted free into the concert area inside Turn 11. The concert will be presented live from the stage of the Best Buy "Fun Zone," an interactive entertainment experience featuring gaming kiosks, music videos and more. With the release of her debut album, Bramble Rose, 27-year-old singer/songwriter Tift Merritt has been compared to Sheryl Crow, Emmylou Harris and Patsy Cline, with a sound that ranges from country to acoustic to rock. With her longtime band, formerly known as the Carbines, she has been one of the most acclaimed artists on the vibrant Raleigh, North Carolina music scene for the past four years. Tift Merritt can currently be heard on channel #18, the Alt Country channel, on Sirius.(Watkins Glen International PR)(8-6-2002)
Watkins Glen Security: A result of America’s wake-up call last September, Watkins Glen International is implementing new security measures for the Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen weekend, Aug. 8-11. The following changes, announced by WGI Wednes-day, apply to grandstand seats and gates only – not admission gates into the facility or campgrounds:
Spectators may enter the grandstands with soft-sided coolers not exceeding 6-by-6-by-12 inches, which includes fanny packs, purses, etc.
All items carried into the grandstand must be in a clear plastic bag no larger than 18-by-18-by-4 inches – to carry souvenirs, samples, etc.
Binoculars, scanners, cameras and other utilities much be visibly worn around the neck or waist, not in a bag. Seat cushions with compartments or pockets will be reviewed on an individual basis.
All items brought into the grandstand will be inspected.
Items that will not be allowed into grandstand areas include fireworks, knives or other weaponry, hard-sided coolers, thermoses, cups, strollers, umbrellas and backpacks. None of the restricted items will be allowed in or around the gate area. They may be brought into the facility (i.e. for souvenir shopping, etc.), just not in the grandstand areas.
To accommodate spectators, WGI will increase concession areas and concentrate them closer to the grandstands, as well as lowering concession prices as a result of the aforementioned changes.(The Leader)(8-1-2002)
Watkins Glen Lowers Concession prices: One event weekend has come and gone and visitors to last weekend's Chemung Canal Trust Historic Races, this weekend's Porsche Clash or any other 2002 event will notice several changes to Watkins Glen International. But the one change that might be noticed the most is the one that will impact their pocketbooks the least. While most entertainment venues increase its concession prices with each new season, The Glen has turned the other way and lowered prices for many menu items at concession stands, some by as much as 50%. The prices of cookies and chips have been decreased by 50% and prices for hot dogs, cheeseburgers and hamburgers, soup, French fries and chicken filets have also been decreased. The price drops don't stop there. Milk, bottled water, coffee, juice, beer and almost all other beverages have been reduced by as much as 30%.(Watkins Glen PR)(6-15-2002)
Sirius and ISC, sponsor two Cup races: Sirius Satellite Radio (sponsor of the #7 Dodge driven by Casey Atwood) the satellite radio broadcaster, has joined forces with 12 International Speedway Corporation (ISC) facilities/tracks, to create a multi-faceted marketing partnership that will promote the Sirius brand to millions of race fans across the country and drive subscriber activations for Sirius' 100 channel in-vehicle entertainment service. The announcement was made atTalladega Superspeedway in Talladega. As part of its multi-year agreement with ISC's wholly-owned facilities, Sirius will reach NASCAR fans on a number of different levels, including direct-to-consumer promotions, at-track activation at ISC venues, and co-marketing opportunities with local retail partners, all designed to drive new subscribers for Sirius' entertainment service. Also, Sirius will have the right to leverage official track and event logos in-market to grow its subscriber base, and create enticing consumer promotions at retail. Sirius' comprehensive partnership also includes title sponsorship of two NASCAR Winston Cup Series events - the Sirius Satellite Radio 400 at Michigan International Speedway's June event and the Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen at Watkins Glen International's August event. The agreement also includes Official Satellite Radio Partner/Sponsor status and on-site display space rights at the Michigan International Speedway, Watkins Glen International and other ISC motorsports facilities, including Daytona International Speedway, California Speedway, Kansas Speedway, Richmond International Raceway, Watkins Glen International, and Homestead-Miami Speedway. Through the ISC relationship, each ISC property will host Sirius information booths that will drive subscriptions as well as provide information about Sirius and the No. 7 Sirius Team. Each of these venues also will host the Sirius "Rhythm of the Road" mobile tour which draws 35,000 to 50,000 fans each weekend and allows them to experience Sirius' service live.(Golin Harris PR)(4-19-2002)
Irvan at the Glen: Watkins Glen International President Craig Rust announced that Ernie Irvan will serve as special guest of the track and Grand Marshal for the NASCAR Winston Cup Series race August 8-11. Irvan, winner of the 1991 Winston Cup and 1992 Busch Series races at The Glen, will commemorate the 10-year anniversary of his consecutive wins by proclaiming, "Drivers, start your engines," to this year's NASCAR Winston Cup field on August 11.(Watkins Glen International PR)(4-4-2002)
Opening Day Benefits March of Dimes: Officials at Watkins Glen International announced that March of Dimes, Genesee Valley/Finger Lakes Division, will receive a portion of the proceeds from the track's Opening Day on May 5. Back by popular demand, fans of The Glen can once again drive the same historic road course like four-time Glen winner Jeff Gordon. March of Dimes volunteers will be on hand to assist WGI with Opening Day activities. Fans wanting to drive the track can purchase three controlled laps for just $15. And, for fans that don't feel like driving, rides in an Official Pace Car will be offered as well. Opening Day is also the deadline for purchasing tickets at the special advance sale price for all events.(Watkins Glen International)(4-2-2002)
Changes at Phoenix, Watkins Glen and ISC: In an effort to sell even more tickets, International Speedway Corp., whose many racetrack holdings include Phoenix International Raceway, has created a new position for Robin Braig, PIR executive vice president and general manager. Braig was promoted Tuesday to ISC vice president of consumer sales and marketing. ISC is based in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Braig's new position necessitates a move to the Florida seaside city, where he will begin work April 1. Replacing Braig is Bryan Sperber, who since 1997 has been president of Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International. Braig said there are no immediate plans to expand permanent seating, which can accommodate about 77,000 fans. A capital improvements package, however, will be announced in about a month.(Airzona Republic) AND Craig Rust, who has served as president and general manager at Nazareth Speedway for the past two years, has been named president of Watkins Glen International. Rust replaces Bryan Sperber who will now serve as president of Phoenix International Raceway. Both facilities are owned by International Speedway Corporation (ISC), a motorsports entertainment company based in Daytona Beach, FL. Rust will continue his duties as president and general manager of Nazareth Speedway in Pennsylvania. As president, Rust oversees all operations of both facilities, including marketing, corporate sales, administration, public relations, ticketing and maintenance.(Watkins Glen PR)(3-22-2002)
Santa at Watkins Glen: Just in time for the holidays, Santa is making a pit stop at "The Shop", Watkins Glen International's retail store located in the village of Watkins Glen. Children young and old can visit with Santa between 1:00 and 3:00pm on Saturday, December 1, with each visit being commemorated with complimentary photos, courtesy of "The Shop". Located at 2 North Franklin Street in Watkins Glen, near the waterfront, "The Shop" offers something for all enthusiasts from NASCAR to vintage racing. 2001 also marks the first time "The Shop" will participate as a drop location for the area's Seneca Santa program. Seneca Santa, which provides gifts to almost 400 underprivileged children up to the age of 12 in the Watkins Glen area, has been in existence for almost 60 years. Anyone wishing to participate in the program can drop the unwrapped gifts off at "The Shop" until December 20.(Watkins Glen International PR)(11-27-2001)
NO Watkins Glen for BGN? 2nd DIS? UPDATE 2nd DIS BGN Race Official: RPM 2Nights Ray Dunlap reported on Monday's show, that the BGN race schedule will expand to 34 races in 2002 and Watkins Glen will not be included (and no other road courses will be either). Supposedly the race dates will hold a 2nd BGN race at Daytona, the same weekend as the Cup Pepsi 400(ESPN2 RPM 2Night)(7-3-2001) UPDATE: BGN will make a second stop at Daytona next season, according to an ESPN report. The report said that the series will bring the BGN cars back to the 2.5-mile tri-oval in July as a support race the night before the Pepsi 400. The BGN cars annually open their season the day before the Daytona 500 in February. DIS officials would not confirm the move but said it is a possibility. According to the report, NASCAR would drop its lone BGN road-course date at Watkins Glen International, which is also owned by DIS parent International Speedway Corporation(Daytona Beach News Journal), also hear the BGN will not go to Milwaukee or Indianpolis Raceway Park in 2001 and may race at the Indianapolis Intl Speedway(7-6-2001) UPDATE 2: Beginning next season, the Daytona International Speedway will add a NASCAR Grand National series race to its Pepsi 400 Winston Cup race weekend. The addition to the BGN schedule will give the series three restrictor-plate races. Currently, the series runs once at Daytona and Talladega each season. Sources said the weekend will be run similar to this season's, with the BGN race held on Friday night and the Winston Cup event on Saturday night(That's Racin')(7-8-2001) UPDATE more: Next year's Summer Speed Week program at Daytona International Speedway will have a new look with the addition of a Busch Series companion race. The official announcement is expected to be made Monday by the Speedway. NASCAR is expected to shift the stand-alone Busch Series event from the road course at Watkins Glen (N.Y) International to Daytona. "Until the 2002 Busch Series schedule is released by NASCAR any talk about moving our race is purely speculation and rumor," said Julie Giese, the public relations director at Watkins Glen. The projected schedule for the 2002 Pepsi 400 weekend shows practice and qualifying for the Pepsi 400 and Busch Series event on Thursday, July 4. The Busch race would run the night of July 5 and the Pepsi 400 on Saturday, July 6.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(8-12-2001) UPDATE even more: In 2002, the BGN will make a second stop at the “World Centerof Racing” serving as a companion event to the 44th annual Pepsi 400 on July 6. The 250-mile, 100-lap race will be held on Friday, July 5 and will share the night with the final Winston Cup Series practice session nicknamed “Happy Hour.”(DIS PR), no word on the fate of the Watkins Glen BGN race in the PR(8-13-2001)
Watkins Glen Grand Marshal: Watkins Glen International President Bryan R. Sperber announced that Brock Yates, one of the most well-known and respected automotive journalists, will serve as Grand Marshal for the upcoming Global Crossing @ The Glen NASCAR Winston Cup Series race. Yates, a resident of Wyoming, NY, will recite the four most famous words in motorsports, "Drivers, start your engines," to the 43 participating drivers during pre-race ceremonies on August 12. Yates is currently a featured columnist for "Car and Driver" magazine and a commentator for the "Speedvision" Motorsports Cable Network and has achieved recognition in the fields of magazine writing, books, screenwriting and television commentary. Yates is the originator and organizer of the famed "Cannonball Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dashes" and the more recent, internationally-recognized "One Lap of America" endurance event. He is the author of the screenplays for "The Cannonball Run" and "Smokey and the Bandit II" and his books include "The Decline and Fall of the American Automobile Industry", "Dead in the Water", "Sunday Driver" and "Outlaw Machine." Yates has written extensively for "LIFE", "Sports Illustrated", "Playboy", "The Wall Street Journal", and "Reader's Digest." He is an active commentator on automotive industry matters and has appeared on a number of major television talk shows. Yates' journalism expertise hasn't gone unrecognized. He is the winner of the Ken Purdy Award for Automotive Journalism and a winner of the Playboy Magazine award for editorial excellence, as well as numerous other journalism prizes(Watkins Glen PR)(8-7-2001)
34 BGN races in 2002 and NO Watkins Glen? No IRP? UPDATE 5 IRP Stays: RPM 2Nights Ray Dunlap reported on Monday's show, that the BGN race schedule will expand to 34 races in 2002 and Watkins Glen will not be included (and no other road courses will be either). Supposedly the race dates will hold a 2nd BGN race at Daytona, the same weekend as the Cup Pepsi 400(ESPN2 RPM 2Night)(7-3-2001) UPDATE: BGN will make a second stop at Daytona next season, according to an ESPN report. The report said that the series will bring the BGN cars back to the 2.5-mile tri-oval in July as a support race the night before the Pepsi 400. The BGN cars annually open their season the day before the Daytona 500 in February. DIS officials would not confirm the move but said it is a possibility. According to the report, NASCAR would drop its lone BGN road-course date at Watkins Glen International, which is also owned by DIS parent International Speedway Corporation(Daytona Beach News Journal), also hear the BGN will not go to Milwaukee or Indianpolis Raceway Park in 2001 and may race at the Indianapolis Intl Speedway(7-6-2001) UPDATE 2: Beginning next season, the Daytona International Speedway will add a NASCAR Grand National series race to its Pepsi 400 Winston Cup race weekend. The addition to the BGN schedule will give the series three restrictor-plate races. Currently, the series runs once at Daytona and Talladega each season. Sources said the weekend will be run similar to this season's, with the BGN race held on Friday night and the Winston Cup event on Saturday night(That's Racin')(7-8-2001) UPDATE 3 Word has been abounding that NASCAR and the Indianapolis Intl Speedway would like to bring the BGN race, traditionally held at nearby Indianapolis Raceway Park, to the Speedway for the Saturday support show next year. Although many believe this will happen, IMS Owner Tony George says he does not expect it any time soon. "It really hasn't been discussed," George said. "The NHRA [owner of IRP] and IRP really stepped up and made a lot of improvements NASCAR was looking for to keep the Busch Series growing out at IRP. It really hasn't been discussed. They've got 20 years out there. You don't just, NASCAR doesn't pick up and move that quick. That's really not something we've discussed with any degree of concern. It's very unlikely unless something changes."(SpeedVision)(8-5-2001) UPDATE 4: NASCAR officials are pushing Indianapolis Motor Speedway's Tony George to add a Busch Series race to next summer's Winston Cup weekend here, but the man who runs this legendary track is resisting. The Busch tour plays at Indianapolis Raceway Park this weekend each August, but the traffic surrounding IRP has been horrendous, and the commute for Cup and Busch drivers between the two has been a nightmare(Winston Salem Journal)(8-6-2001) UPDATE 5 IRP Stays: On Saturday night at IRP, the PA announcers had NASCAR's Director of Operations, Kevin Triplett, up in their booth before the race and asked him point-blank if the Busch Series would be back at IRP next year. His reply was something like this, "We'll be back in Indy in 2002, and we'll be back here at IRP."(many sources)(8-7-2001)
Road Course Wins: Rusty Wallace and Jeff Gordon are looking to break the tie they hold with Richard Petty and Bobby Allison: Six career road-race wins(6-23-2001)
Watkins Glen News: Watkins Glen International President, Bryan Sperber, announced that Julie Giese has been named the new Public Relations Manager and will be responsible for all PR and Media Relations for Watkins Glen. Giese, originally from Wisconsin, joins Watkins Glen after serving as an Account Executive for Miller Meester Advertising located in Minneapolis, MN. Julie Giese will be handling the communications duties formerly managed by Scott Rovn, now the Director of Sponsorship(Watkins Glen PR)(1-21-2001)
Watkins Glen adds Race: Watkins Glen International announced that the NASCAR Busch North Series will return to the NASCAR Winston Cup Global Crossing @ The Glen weekend August 9-12, 2001. Theglen.com 150 presented by Pepsi will take place on Saturday, August 11, at 1:30pm(for more info see the Watkins Glen site)(12-1-2000)
Watkins Glen: Watkins Glen International President, Bryan Sperber, announced that Scott Rovn, former
Strategic Communications Manager for The Glen, has been promoted to Director of Sponsorship and Karen Gauthier, former Manager of Advertising and Promotions, has been promoted to Director of Communications. Both Rovn and Gauthier will report to the track President(Watkins Glen PR)(11-2-2000)
Lysol gone at The Glen too? Besides leaving the #98 team of Elton Sawyer, hearing Lysol will also not be the title sponsor of the race at Watkins Glen for the 2001 BGN race(8-20-2000)
Watkins Glen 2001 racedate: In a very unheralded announcement, NASCAR Winston Cup will be back at Watkins Glen next summer. It was expected NASCAR would return for what will be its 16th annual visit to Watkins Glen International; what was unexpected was the lack of fanfare. There was no formal announcement by officials from NASCAR and WGI. However, a ticket offer was shown repeatedly on the JumboTrons located throughout the track: "Global Crossing @ The Glen; Aug. 12, 2001"(Buffalo News)(8-12-2000)
CART back at the Glen? The CART series might return to Watkins Glen in 2002 after being away for 20 years. CART plans to meet in two weeks with ISC which operates the track(AP/Tennessean)(8-12-2000)
Fan News for The Glen: Fans visiting Watkins Glen International this year for the annual NASCAR Winston Cup Series race will see several guest improvements. Shuttle bus service, showers and a midway will all be new additions available for the fans at this year’s Global Crossing @ The Glen weekend. Shuttle buses will be handling the transportation needs for the large audience attending the upcoming race weekend at Watkins Glen. Campers attending the Global Crossing @ The Glen will have access to portable showers throughout the entire weekend. Also new for the weekend is a carnival-like midway area. The midway, which will offer games for both children and adults, will be free of charge. For more info in detail, see the Watkins Glen Site(8-7-2000)
Watkins Glen Gran Marshal: Watkins Glen International announced that Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno will be the Grand Marshal for the Global Crossing @ the Glen that will take place August 13. Bruno will give the command “Gentleman, Start your engines”. Senator Bruno is the New York State Senate Majority leader. He was appointed in 1995 after serving in the Senate for nearly twenty years.(Watkins Glen PR)(8-7-2000)
Watkins Glen news: Watkins Glen International announced that Scott Carpenter, one of the original seven Mercury Astronauts, will be the Grand Marshal for the upcoming Lysol 200 BGN race. Scott Carpenter’s command will follow a National Anthem performance by Mike Farris, lead singer of the Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies. The Wheelies will bring their southern rock and blues style to The Glen for a Saturday evening performance following the Bully Hill Vineyards 150 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event on June 24(Watkins Glen PR)(6-16-2000)
Watkins Glen: Watkins Glen International recently received a summary from Joyce Julius & Associates that measured television exposure for the Watkins Glen area during the track’s 1999 season. Through the international television coverage generated by the racetrack, the village of Watkins Glen and surrounding areas received 1 hour and 34 minutes of coverage that included 871 mentions, reached an audience in excess of 20 million
people and was valued at nearly $3.8 million(see full story at the Watkins Glen site)(5-30-2000)
Watkins Glen Grand Opening: Watkins Glen International and the American Heart Association will host Opening Day at the 3.77-mile road course Saturday, beginning with a three-hour walk around the track. The walk is scheduled to start at 9am/et. For those not interested in walking the course, there will be Black Rock Speedway race cars, Syracuse Hot Rod Nationals dragsters and plenty of vendor displays. At 12 noon, fans can take paced laps around the track in your personal vehicle until 5pm/et. There will be a special Buster Crab concert in the afternoon(Watkins Glen Site)(5-12-2000)
Watkins Glen Tix: The Advance Sale Deadline for all 2000 Tickets (except the Wine Festival) is May 13th. Beginning May 14th the prices will go up for tickets to our 2000 events. May 13th is their Opening Day Celebration. They will have the Heart Walk, race car displays, an Art Show, a Band (Buster Crab, they are a
very good local band), and of course Controlled Laps of the Track in your own car. All of this for a $10.00 donation, half of which goes to the American Heart Association. Gates will open at 11 am for those wishing to attend(Watkins Glen PR)(5-10-2000)
Watkins Glen Camping: Watkins Glen International announced that the track will be offering free camping for the June 2-4 Watkins Glen Historic Races with the purchase of two adult admissions on or before May 13. See their site www.theglen.com for more info(4-29-2000)
Watkins Glen Site UPDATE: With a little help from Geoffrey Bodine, Watkins Glen will be launching a completely re-vamped website on Wednesday, March 22 at 6pm/et. Bodine, driver of the #60 Powerteam Chevy, will be holding court as a guest in The Glen’s “chat” room and will be fielding questions from visitors to www.theglen.com. The Glen’s website, www.theglen.com , now features a full-time chat room, interactive fan games and polls, a bulletin board service, improved on-line ticket sales and an on-line merchandise catalog. On-line ticket orders placed by May 13 for any of the NASCAR weekends at The Glen will be automatically entered to win a VIP experience for the event. Guests can now gather information on tickets, merchandise, events, regional attractions and even chat with some of their favorite racing personalities. During selected events, visitors to the website will be able to watch live cameras placed in the garage and media center and get a behind the scenes look at the action. UPDATE: the new site is up and running, check it out at www.theglen.com(3-22-2000)
Watkins Glen News: Watkins Glen International announced today that all season ticket holders for the 2000 season at The Glen will be treated to an exclusive reception with Dale Earnhardt, Jr., driver of the #8 Budweiser Chevy in Winston Cup. Earnhardt will greet the Season Ticket holders and participate in a brief question and answer session at a reception on the Global Crossing @ The Glen weekend at 5 p.m. in the Glen Club on Friday, August 11. The Glen Club is a private dining suite located at the top of the Esses in the infield at Watkins Glen International. Only guests that have purchased season tickets will be admitted. Season tickets at Watkins Glen are available, for ticket,reserved camping, or additional information, contact the Watkins Glen ticket office at 607-535-2481 or log onto the official website at www.theglen.com(3-15-2000)
Watkins Glen News: Watkins Glen and Black Rock Speedway announced that Rock 'n Road, a joint ticket package covering all NASCAR events at Watkins Glen and the entire season schedule at Black Rock, will be made available for the 2000 season. Wednesday's announcement was the first of its kind between the two organizations and is the start of a strategic relationship to promote quality racing entertainment of all types for race fans in the Southern Tier. Also Black Rock and The Glen will be teaming up for the 2000 season for the annual Junior Flagger competition at Black Rock Speedway. In this year's, the participating local area youth will not only have the opportunity to flag a race at Black Rock, but they will also be competing for the chance to present the Reisbeck Cup to the winner of this year's Global Crossing @ The Glen NASCAR Winston Cup Series race(Watkins Glen and Black Rock Speedway)(2-1-2000)
Clean at the Glen: Watkins Glen International announced this week that campers at this year’s August 10-13, Global Crossing @ The Glen NASCAR Winston Cup Series race will have access to portable showers throughout the entire weekend. The temporary shower facilities will contain private shower areas for men and women. Tentative plans call for the shower units to be located in the eastern section of the infield and to be open to the public Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 - 11:00am/et and 4:00 - 9:00pm/et(Watkins Glen PR)(1-21-2000)
Watkins Glen, fans can sponsor a lap: Watkins Glen International marketing director, Roger Curtis, announced that The Glen will be offering fans the opportunity to sponsor laps of this year’s Global Crossing @ The Glen NASCAR Winston Cup Series race Sunday, August 13, 2000. The new lap sponsorship program will offer fans a chance to put their family or business name on one or more laps around the 2.45-mile circuit. All lap sponsors will be highlighted in the official Global Crossing @ The Glen souvenir program. Each lap sponsor will receive: two reserved seats in the Turn 10 grandstands, two passes for access to the Turn 10 Hospitality Village, one official race program, two paddock passes for Sunday, August 13, and two race day Pit Tour passes. Fans interested in purchasing a lap in the Global Crossing @ The Glen should contact the Watkins Glen ticket office at 607-535-2481. Because of restricted pit area access, lap sponsorships will only be sold to those ages 18 or older. Pit Tour passes allow entrance to the pit area only during times designated for Pit Tours on Race Day. Due to time considerations, the official souvenir program will only include lap sponsorships purchased by July 1, 2000(Watkins Glen PR)(1-20-2000)
Watkins Glen Pits: Watkins Glen will be offering fans a Pit Access Credential for both NASCAR weekends at The Glen during the 2000 season. Fans will have the option to purchase a Pit Access Credential that will allow access to the pits anytime during the course of the weekend, including first round qualifying for the Global Crossing @ The Glen NASCAR Winston Cup Series race August 10-13 and pre-race ceremonies for both NASCAR weekends. Pit Access Credentials will be accepted throughout the weekend and guests will be allowed on Pit Road up to one hour prior to races. Credentials will be limited to the first 1,000 guests for each event. NASCAR regulations limit access to those 18 years of age or older and dress codes will be enforced(Watkins Glen Website)(12-15-1999)
Watkins Glen Tickets: a reminder to 1999 guests at Watkins Glen that the ticket renewal deadline is approaching fast. Renewal notices for all 2000 season events were sent to ticket holders in late October and are due to be returned to Watkins Glen by Saturday, December 11th. Returning the renewal form postmarked by December 11 will insure ticket holders the same or up-graded reserved seats and/or camping that they enjoyed in 1999(Watkins Glen Newsletter)(12-6-1999)
Watkins Glen: looks like the Frontier @ the Glen Cup race will be called the Global Crossing @ the Glen in 2000 reflecting the merger of Global and Frontier. INFO: Frontier GlobalCenter, a unit of Frontier Corporation, is a leading international Internet Protocol (IP) applications and communications services provider. Frontier recently agreed to merge with Global Crossing Ltd. The combined company will own and operate the first seamless global IP network with 88,100 ultra-high bandwidth fiber miles connecting 170 major cities in 24 countries. For more information, visit the Frontier Web site at www.frontiercorp.com or Frontier GlobalCenter at www.globalcenter.net(Watkins Glen Cup Page)(12-5-1999)
Watkins Glen Improvements: Watkins Glen International Speedway is getting some much-needed upgrades. And the improvements at the racetrack could help create Schuyler County's first business park. Schuyler County says the funding is now in place to provide water and sewer services to the track. 7-point-8 million dollars has been secured in state and federal money. Along with water and sewer lines to the speedway, the lines could also benefit the county's first business park. But, plans for a business park are still in the early stages. The proposed park would house 20 to 30 small businesses and generate at least 600 jobs(WBNG/CBS NY)(11-9-1999)
Watkins Glen Offer: Watkins Glen marketing director, Roger Curtis, announced that Watkins Glen will be running a special Millennium ticket promotion, 2 for ‘99 in ‘99. The promotion will offer two tickets to the Frontier @ The Glen NASCAR Winston Cup Series race, August 10-13, for $99, ending New Year’s Eve, 1999. Fans purchasing the two for $99 deal will receive reserved seats in the lower sections of the Esses, Esses North, or Turn 11 Grandstands. Ron Fellows, winner of multiple events at Watkins Glen including the 1999 Bully Hill Vineyards 150, helped Curtis announce the promotion at a press conference revealing the Watkins Glen 2000 season schedule. The 2 for ‘99 in ‘99 promotion is scheduled to last until midnight, December 31, 1999 or until sold-out. Tickets for the 2000 season are now available. For ticket, reserved camping, or additional information contact the Watkins Glen ticket office at 607-535-2481 or log onto the official website at www.theglen.com(10-28-1999)
Watkins Glen News: Frontier Chief Executive Officer, Joseph P. Clayton will be the Honorary Starter for the August 15th Frontier @ The Glen NASCAR Winston Cup Series race. Clayton will wave the green flag to start the 90 lap event at the historic 2.45 - mile Watkins Glen International road course(PR)(8-4-1999)
Watkins Glen news: United States Senator Charles E. Schumer will be the Grand Marshal for the 1999 Frontier
at The Glen Cup race on August 15th and SEATS: Watkins Glen will be installing an additional Jumbo Tron for the 1999 Frontier @ The Glen weekend. The sixth Jumbo Tron will give fans one more than the five at last year's Cup race and more premium seating options. With the addition of the front stretch Start/Finish Grandstand, more fans will have opportunities for premium seats that offer excellent views of action around the entire facility. Limited reserved seating that directly faces a Jumbo Tron is still available for the August 12 - 15 event. The deadline for advance general admission ticket sales to the Frontier @ The Glen is Monday, July 12(The Glen Newsletter)(7-12-1999)
Tires...Wet...at the Glen: Did you know?…Goodyear’s wet racing tire, available for use only on road
courses, will be on hand at Watkins Glen this weekend to be called into action in the event of rain. NASCAR will coordinate any wet tire usage(8-11-1999)
Blades...Wiper...at The Glen: The newest racing technology to hit the NASCAR Winston Cup circuit will help ensure that this week's Frontier at the Glen at Watkins Glen International starts on time -- regardless of the weather. That technology? The windshield wiper. With NASCAR's decision last year to run road course events in spite of rain, the wiper blade has become an integral part of vehicle setup. And nowhere will a clean, dry windshield be more important than at The Glen, where the 2.45-mile course presents 11 corners -- seven of them requiring right-hand turns. With speeds among the leaders expected to approach 120 miles per hour, it's clear that wiper blades could play a key role in the 90-lap race(PRNewswire via Catchfence)(8-11-1999)
Watkins Glen UPDATE 1: Officials at Watkins Glen International announced that the Senior Championship Racing Association (SCRA) will make its series debut at Watkins Glen, Saturday, June 26. The SCRA race will feature a blockbuster line-up of world famous racing celebrities that includes Lloyd Ruby, Gordon Johncock, Rodger Ward, Kevin Cogan, George Follmer, and Bobby Allison. In addition to the World Champion drivers, celebrities Perry King, Bruce Jenner, and several others are scheduled to compete(The Glen Site)(5-24-1999) -- UPDATE 1: Add Paul Newman to the list of drivers(NASCAR Today Radio)(6-16-1999)
Watkins Glen/Goodyear Testing UPDATE 1: Watkins Glen International will hold a GOODYEAR tire test on the new racing surface at Watkins Glen. Testing at The Glen on Tuesday, June 1, will be Mark Martin and the Cicci-Welliver Racing BGN Team(Watkins Glen PR)(5-28-1999) -- UPDATE 1: Mike McLaughlin tested at Watkins Glen on Tuesday and I hear even got a chance to test the rain tires(anon source). Mark Martin also tested(WC Today Radio)(6-2-1999)
Fans can drive the Glen: Watkins Glen International announced today that fans will have the chance to drive the historic track at an open house on Saturday, May 22, from 10:00am to 3:00pm/et. Fans can purchase tickets for $15 at the gate, Watkins Glen will donate a portion of the proceeds to the American Heart Association. 1999 Season Ticket holders will be admitted at no charge. Fans will drive three controlled laps of the full Watkins Glen International Course, including
the "Boot"(www.theglen.com)(5-18-1999)
Glen Paving UPDATE 1: The Elmira (NY) Star Gazette is reporting that Watkins Glen will undergo a $1 million repaving job during the offseason. Starting this Fall, the entire track, (including "the boot" on which NASCAR doesn't run), will be resurfaced.(Elmira Star Gazzette)(10-16-98) -- UPDATE 1: I hear the entire track has been repaved, including the long course, and it should be finished this week. Also I hear a few teams will test on June 1st and 2nd, supposedly Mark Martin will be one of the drivers(5-12-1999)
Watkins Glen Info: Watkins Glen International announced that fans purchasing a 1999 Watkins Glen Season Ticket by May 21 will be registered to win one of five Limited Edition Commemorative Credentials signed by "Legends of The Glen", Mark Martin, Jackie Stewart, and Cameron Argetsinger. Martin, Stewart, and Argetsinger were inducted as the 1998 inaugural class for the Legends of The Glen, a hall of fame program honoring the most famous drivers in the history of The Glen. Tickets can be ordered online at: Watkins Glen Ticket Information(5-7-1999)
Watkins Glen Hires: recently announced three new hires at Watkins Glen. Shirley Blakeman has been named Accounting Manager and will be responsible for handling all accounting functions at the track level. Christina Bagby was named Marketing Services Coordinator, Christina will be developing marketing programs to service the needs of Watkins Glen corporate customers. Rhonda Mesler has joined Watkins Glen as the Administrative Assistant to the General Manager of Event Operations(The Glen Site)(4-20-1999)
Glen Tickets Online NOW: Starting at 6:00pm/et, Wednesday, March 31, Watkins Glen International will be making tickets for all 1999 events available over the Internet at www.theglen.com. Fans logging onto www.theglen.com at 6:00pm/et, will be able to order event tickets, win free prizes, and at 6:30pm/et, chat live with NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Ron Hornaday. The first person to order tickets online for the Bully Hill Vineyards 150 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race will win an opportunity to personally meet Ron Hornaday during the race weekend. The next five people to order tickets on-line will receive an autographed Ron Hornaday NAPA racing cap. All on-line ticket orders placed between the hours of 6:00 and 9:00pm/et will receive a special limited edition set of collectible Lysol 200 and Bully Hill Vineyards 150 pins(Watkins Glen PR)(3-27-1999)
Frontier/Watkins Glen UPDATE: Not sure how this will affect the Frontier sponsorship of the Watkins Glen Cup race: "Frontier at the Glen: Fiber optic provider Global Crossing Ltd said Wednesday it agreed to buy telephone carrier Frontier Corp" (Yahoo Daily News) also another story about the Frontier at the Glen Race - Frontier at the Glen named one of the 52 great escapes by New York magazine -- Heard from a source at Watkins Glen: First, it will not affect in any way the sponsorship and relationship enjoyed between Watkins Glen and Frontier. Second, this is a fantastic situation for Frontier, they have in effect become a "worldwide" company. Global, has a vast
communications network that spans the globe, a large part of which runs under the ocean. Global is an international company that had no presence in the United States, together they can offer customers products and services that no one else in the marketplace can. They are looking forward to a wonderful, long-term, relationship at Watkins Glen and
anticipate this latest announcement will only enhance that relationship(thanks)(3-17-1999)
Jumbo Trons: Watkins Glen announced today that the JUMBO TRON locations have been set for the 1999 race season at The Glen. The JUMBO TRON technology will now be visible from most reserved seats for the1999 Frontier at The Glen, NASCAR Winston Cup Series weekend. Tickets for the 1999 season at Watkins Glen are now available(Watkins Glen PR)(3-4-1999)
Watkins Glen new sponsor UPDATE: Frontier Corp. is expected to announce Monday that it is becoming a major sponsor of a Winston Cup race in Watkins Glen in August, replacing perennial backer Budweiser. See complete story at: Frontier to sponsor NASCAR race(Democrat and Chronicle, thanks Rich)(11-12-98) -- Officially announced: On November 16, 1998 Frontier Corporation and Frontier Cellular announced they are revving up to sponsor the "Frontier at the Glen" NASCAR Winston Cup Series event at Watkins Glen the weekend of August 12 - 15, 1999.(Fronitier Corp thanks Christa)(11-17-98)
The Elmira (NY) Star Gazette is reporting that Watkins Glen will undergo a $1 million repaving job during the offseason. Starting this Fall, the entire track, (including "the boot" on which NASCAR doesn't run), will be resurfaced.(Elmira Star Gazzette)(10-16-98)
Hearing Budweiser will not return as a race sponsor in 1999(8-20-98)
First it was fast horses and now Saratoga county residents could be seeing fast cars.NASCAR officials sped into town looking for a possible new track sites in the Malta-Stillwater area. The owners of Daytona International Speedway report that they are thinking about building one on a two-thousand acre parcel on the Malta-Stillwater border. Officials say the track could draw more than 100-thousand people per race, and replace the aging Watkins Glen track in southern New York. Speedway owners met with local development officials two weeks ago, and took an aerial tour of the property. Other unidentified sites are also being considered. Development on the Saratoga site would face numerous obstacles, traffic perhaps top among them. The property is only accessible through secondary roads, which may not be able to handle the influx of tens-of-thousands of racing fans. See the story at Saratoga could be getting another track.(Thanks Don/MSNBC-WNYT)(8-13-98)
Top NASCAR Winston Cup teams are turning to Cooper Automotive and its ANCO wiper blade division for help in coping with potential rain at Watkins Glen International for the 1998 Bud at The Glen. The NASCAR Winston Cup competitors will be running from green to checkered flag regardless of weather.(Wiper blade maker solves visibility problems for NASCAR's first rain race)(8-5-98)
Here is what I hear about the below interview with Watkins Glen International Track President Bryan Sperber: Saturday's interview was to confirm that the track is not for sale. International Speedway Corporation is firmly committed to Watkins Glen International and has no intention of selling the facility. The track president decided to make a statement because of some rumors which started down south that Watkins Glen was being sold and losing their Winston Cup date, both of which are unfounded.(6-30-98)
Chris P. Bacon has landed an exclusive interview with Watkins Glen International Track President Bryan Sperber to shed some light on the swirling and persistent rumors that The Glen is, or has been for sale. Sperber has agreed to an interview with Chris P. Bacon on his weekend radio show heard on AM 820 Wheels (WWLZ) next Saturday, June 27, 1998, at 9:30am. The interview will take place live in the AM 820 Studio at the Watkins Glen Media Center. WGI has been rumored to be for sale, some even said sold, for the last several weeks. The current player rumored to be involved is sports car racing magnet - Don Panoz. Sperber has declined to comment on the sale until his exclusive interview on the Chris P. Bacon show next weekend. Next weekend Watkins Glen International plays host to the Lysol 200 NASCAR Busch Grand National Series event. The Lysol 200 promises to be a great race with many focusing their attention on the return from injury of Winston Cup regular, Ricky Craven driving the #2 New Holland Chevrolet. Good seats are still available, contact the Watkins Glen International Ticket office at 607-535-2481 for information.(StockCarFans Newsletter via Robin)(6-23-98)
Five Jumbo Trons(Huge TV's) will be added at Watkins Glen International in time for the Bud at the Glen NASCAR Winston Cup Series race on August 9, 1998. Coinciding with the Glen's celebration of 50 years of road racing at the facility, the five Premier On-Site Interactive Displays promise to significantly enhance the fans experience by providing an extra set of eyes around the track.(StockCarFans)(6-20-98)
Persistent but unofficial reports have circulated for more than a year that Watkins Glen, the famed upstate New York road course, might be dropped from the Winston Cup schedule, and now there are strong indications the Glen might in fact be sold. Why? First, actual attendance at the track might not be as impressive as the mammoth traffic jams and packed infield crowd make it appear. The paid attendance might only be from 60,000 to 80,000, and most are campers.(JournalNow)(6-2-98)
The PR director for Watkins Glen International, J.J. O'Malley, has taken a similar position with Homestead in Miami, FL.(the Voice)(5-30-98)
International Speedway Corp(ISC) has bought the remaining 50% of Watkins Glen for $3.1 million. See the story at Yahoo(announced on this page 3-5-97)(7-7-97)
Corning Inc. announced 3-4-97 that it is selling it's share(half) of Watkins Glen Int to the already part owner of Watkins Glen International, International Speedway Corporation (Bill France) purchased the remaining half of the speedway yesterday(3-5-97)
