Watkins Glen International Raceway, NY USA
Posted by: 
monkeykat
N 42° 20.670 W 076° 55.764
18T E 341073 N 4689829
Watkins Glen International (nicknamed "The Glen") is an auto race track located near Watkins Glen, New York at the southern tip of Seneca Lake. It was the home of the United States Grand Prix, which it hosted for 20 consecutive years (1961–1980).
Waymark Code: WM15VH
Location: New York, United States
Date Posted: 01/25/2007
Views: 166
Watkins Glen International Raceway is located in the picturesque Finger Lakes Region of New York State. Known for its many wineries, it is a beautiful area, and even more beautiful when filled with the sounds of auto racing.
The track is currently owned by International Speedway Corporation. It is a 11 turn road course which changes elevation over 100 feet throughout the track. There are two common configurations for the track. The distance is 3.37 miles with the "boot" configuration for Indy Car, Trans-Am, and various other racing series. The distance is 2.52 miles in the NASCAR configuration.
The track has a colorful history which can be read on various online publications. There have been a variety of terrible accidents and deaths at the track. Incidents which lead to the addition of a bus stop chicane on the back stretch. The last 2 years The Glen has played host to the Indy Racing League. Protective fences have been built higher and more sturdy, as well as the addition of several large gravel tracks.
Track layout:
The difficult ninety degree turn 1 has been overhauled to feature a run off area and gravel trap. The start finish line now features new grandstands.
The Glen hosts sseveral large races including a NASCAR race in August, a NASCAR Bush Series Race, and Indy Racing League weekend that has changed dates the last couple years.
Camping is available in the infield. The track can be viewed from anywhere around it. The course is so large that often times weather can vary accross it. You can have rain on one side, and sun on the other. It is a truly unique racing experience to run The Glen.
Coordinates for this waymark are the Turn 1 Grandstands. There are many track entrances, so I chose this location, as it is what I think is one of the best places to view a race.