To many people in the US, when you say the name Watkins Glen, what do they think? A few know it's in New York State. A few know it's in the Finger Lakes area. A few might know it's in the beauty of rich wine country. Most just think Racing! But even those usually don't know that Watkins Glen is the Birthplace of American Road Racing!
Driving a pre-war Alfa Romeo, Frank Griswold won the first race in Watkins Glen on October 2, 1948. Since that date, Watkins has become a destination for motor enthusiasts and the stars of international racing.
A few months ago, I stood in front of the Start/Finish Line, in front of the Schuyler County Court House. I tried to picture what those early days were like. I wanted to take that 6.6 mile sentimental journey around the towns perimeter. Luckily for me, my guide has a name well known in Watkins Glen racing history - Franzese.
Leaving the Start/Finish, we passed the "White House". Actually, the white house is no longer there, but it was an homage to the Le Mans circuit in France. We passed the Collier Monument, marking the 1950 Grand Prix death of Samuel Collier. Next was School House Corner. I love the story of Cornett's Stone Bridge. In the 1948 Grand Prix, Denver Cornett flipped his MG. With borrowed parts, he repaired his car and finished the race in 7th place. Archy Smith's Corner was named for a local dairy famer. The Railroad Straight was reported to be a favorite with the drivers. During high speeds, they had to cross railroad tracks, causing many drivers to go airborne! Friars Curve marked the beginning of the descent into the village. At Big Bend, the view of Seneca Lake Habour is just breathtaking! Millikens Corner was named for William Milliken from Buffalo. In the 1948 race, he flipped his Bugatti, and walked away unharmed to the applause of the spectators. Then, the Finish Line. (Just a little side note of interest - One of the racers in the 1948 race was Charles Addams. While you might not recognize that as a name in International Racing History, he is known world-wide as the cartoonist who created The Addams Family!)
In 1956, the new track was built a few miles out of town. It started as a 2.3 mile track, but was expanded to 3.4 miles. Since that time, Watkins Glen has hosted Can-Am, Trans Am, Six Hours, Formula 500, CART, Indy Car, BMW Car Club, Porsche Club and many more. For decades, it was the home of the US Grand Prix. The track is famous for it's 11 turns, most notorious of these turns is called The Esses.
Terry Labonte won the 1st Nascar Busch Series race at Watkins Glen in 1991, and took 4 out of 6 races there. Three time winners are Formula 1 Driver Graham Hill, Sports Car drivers Al Holbert and Derek Bell, and Cup Driver Mark Martin. (Can Mark Martin take a 4th win next Sunday?)
As soon as the Nascar race in Pocono ends today, the focus turns to The Glen.
11 Turns...
