Watkins Glen International

Address:2790 Country Route 16
Watkins Glen, New York

One of the finest road courses in the United States, Watkins Glen International holds a number of races throughout the year, among all sorts of auto classes. Opened in 1948 as the home of the first American road race, The Glen is still the "Mecca of American Road Racing," hosting Indy Car, NASCAR, IROC, and Champ Car races, among other series.

Earlier in its history, Watkins Glen also had a Formula One race, inaugurated in 1961, but financial difficulties led to its cessation, and eventually the track, too, closed down in 1981. After reopening in 1984, under new ownership, the track gradually regained its reputation, with NASCAR, IndyCar, and Sports Car racing coming back to the Glen.

Now, the track's professional schedule takes about five or six weeks out of the summer, with NASCAR's Centurion Boats at the Glen being one of two road races during the Sprint Cup season. The Finger Lakes Wine Festival is also held at the track for a weekend in July.

Watkins Glen International is located about three miles from the village of Watkins Glen, which is in the Finger Lakes region of New York State, about 250 miles from New York City, and 220 miles from Albany.