Watkins Glen International
It'll be "one for the road" course as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series shows up in all its glory. (Photo: WGI)
Complete ESPN SportsTravel NASCAR Guide | 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule
Overview
A driver has to be in the right frame of mind to win at Watkins Glen International, which features seven right-hand turns on a circuit that turns left for a living.
Located in scenic upstate New York, the track hosts the Centurion Boats at The Glen on Aug. 10. A romantic trip to Niagara Falls or the nearby Finger Lakes wine country might be desirable for race fans.
Watkins Glen is one of the oldest road courses in America. The 2.45-mile track that opened in 1956 makes many demands of drivers, who seem to either love it or loathe it.
Road courses are like clay courts in tennis; the specialists are always a threat to win. Among the NASCAR regulars, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart and Robby Gordon seem to enjoy the most consistent success on the road course. Kyle Busch is the defending champion.
Address
2790 County Route 16
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
theglen.com
More track news is available through jayski.com.
Fan Guide (downloadable): Web site
Notable Events
NASCAR Weekend
Friday, Aug. 7
• NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Qualifying, 3:10 p.m. ET
• Crown Royal 200, 6:30 p.m. ET
Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series
Gate times: See track Web site for latest schedule
Saturday, Aug. 8
• NASCAR Nationwide Series Qualifying, 10:10 a.m. ET
• Zippo 200, 3 p.m. ET
NASCAR Nationwide Series
Gate times: See track Web site for latest schedule
Sunday, Aug. 9
• Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen, 2 p.m. ET
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Gate times: See track Web site for latest schedule
Note: All times are tentative and subject to change.
Tickets
Ticket office: 866-461-RACE (7223)
Online: Buy tickets | Seating chart
Pit passes: Available, call the track ticket office for further information.
Fan hospitality & special packages: Call track ticket office for details.
Track Specs
Track length: 2.45 miles (road course)
Race length: 90 laps
Grandstand seating capacity: N/A
Opened: 1956
Carry-In Items
Coolers: Allowed (campsite — any size; grandstands — one soft-sided
bag/cooler with a size limit of 6X6X12, and one clear, plastic bag
with a size limit of 18X18X4).
Glass containers: Grandstands — not allowed; campsites — allowed.
Alcoholic beverages: Allowed.
Cameras/binoculars: Allowed; must be worn separately.
Souvenirs and Displays
Merchandise: Driver and NASCAR merchandise haulers on-site.
Scanners: Scanners available for rent on-site.
Gift shop: The Pyramid Souvenir Center is located at the track in the
infield. The Shop, the official retail store of Watkins Glen International,
is located at 2 N. Franklin St. in downtown Watkins Glen.
Autographs
Check local newspapers and TV; drivers rarely available on race day.
Pit Area Guidelines
Shirts: Required; must cover shoulder area.
Shoes: Required; no open-toe shoes allowed.
Shorts/capri pants: Not allowed.
Alcoholic beverages: Not allowed.
Camping
Reserved: Sold out.
Unreserved: Available; call the track ticket office for further information.
Getting There
Watkins Glen International is located approximately 3 miles outside of the Village of Watkins Glen.
• From Franklin Street in the Village: Drive south on Route 414 to the traffic light (¾ mile) at the top of the hill and turn right onto Route 16. Travel approximately 2¼ miles to the track (on the left).
• From Buffalo and points west: I-90 East to Route 14 South (Geneva exit 42), take Route 14 South or, I-90 East to 390 South to Route 17 (I-86) East to Route 414 North in Corning (exit 46 turn left at end of exit ramp).
• From Williamsport and points south: Route 15 North to Route 17 (I-86) East to Route 414 North (exit 46 turn left at end of exit ramp).
• From Albany, Springfield, Mass., and Oneonta: Route 88 West to Route 17 (I-86) West to Route 14 North in Horseheads.
• From Utica and points east: I-90 West to Route 81 South to Route 79 West (in Ithaca) to Route 414 South.
• From Binghamton, Scranton, New York City and points southeast: Route 17 (I-86) West to Route 14 North in Horseheads.
• From Syracuse, Auburn and Oswego: I-90 West to Route 14 South (Geneva exit 42). Drive 40 minutes from exit 42.
Parking
Free parking: Available.
Handicapped parking: Available; call the ticket office for details.
• Complete ESPN SportsTravel NASCAR Guide
• 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule
