11 Turns- Part 2

The Village of Watkins Glen beckons you to walk the downtown district and enjoy the feelin of being in another time when life was slower paced and simpler. WHAT? Slower? After all, this is the Birthplace of American Road Racing. Yes - slow down. Look down. History is under your feet. Racing greats walked these streets. Many still do when they come to visit, to race, to celebrate their heritage. One makes Watkins Glen his home.

Vic Franzese, Owner of Glen Motor Inn, has a treasure trove of memories and memorabilia relating to racing.  The Franzese Family are long time Watkins Glen residents. Vic is quoted as saying "My Grandfather chose this land, my father began this business, and my family and I want to continue the tradition". The Glen Motor Inn was once the Lake Breeze Cabins, then Glen Motor Court.
There is a long connection between GMI and the racing heritage in the Glen. Just visit the lobby of GMI to see the famous photo gallery. Derek Bell, raced in his first Formula 1 race in 1968. He said "The Glen Motor Inn was a major part of the US Grand Prix, and whenever I come to the Glen I want to stay there. Every Grand Prix driver used to stay in that hotel. It's a Watkins Glen tradition." Hurley Haywood stays in the same room at GMI since his first stay in 1969.
Vic loves to share his stories about the Glen history. He enjoys going to his famous gallery and telling you what people were really like. He recalls conversations and meetings with all the greats. What he doesn't talk about so much is his own racing career. Vic's name is written in those racing history notes.

There is a particular picture that hangs in the lobby. It's called October Heroes, by Roger Warrick. Without the permission to copy the picture here, I am including a link. You will see Watkins Glen Royalty. Click Here And right in the middle... yep- that's Vic.
Stop in, say hello, (Vic's bride Linda will be the first to greet you). Stay a while. Have dinner at the Montage Italian Grill. Stop into the Victory Lane Lounge. Never know who you might run into...