Watkins Glen International - Watkins Glen, NY - Home of the Watkins Glen 220

Watkins Glen International is located in Watkins Glen, NY. The Village of Watkins Glen is located in central New York State, just south of Seneca Lake. Its street address is 2790 County Route 16, Watkins Glen. Watkins Glen International is nicknamed "The Glen'' and has been involved in road races for over 50 years. It is currently owned and operated by the International Speedway Corporation. In 1953, a 4.6 mile course was plotted that used existing roads and it was not until 1971 that the track hosted its first international race.

From 1961 - 1980 The Glen hosted the United States Grand Prix. The Glen won the Grand Prix Drivers' Association during this time for their success at managing the races. During this time, the track also featured the 6-hour endurance race. Dubbed the "Six Hours at The Glen,'' these races drew many professional racers like Mario Andretti and Derek Bell. Unfortunately, safety and financial concerns could not be met and The Glen closed in 1981. In 1983, Corning Enterprises and International Speedway Corporation joined to purchase the tracks and name it Watkins Glen International. The track was refurbished and reopened in 1984. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the NASCAR Busch series ran several races at the track. In 2008, The Glen celebrated its 60th Anniversary.

Opening weekend is April 24, 2010. Patrons can drive the track, take pictures, and collect memorabilia. June 4-6 The Glen celebrates Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen. This six hour race is run by the Grand American Road Racing Association as part of the Rolex Sports Car Series. For two consecutive years (2008-2009), drivers Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas won the Six Hours. Patrons can purchase tickets in advance for $30 or $35 same day. Children under 15 years of age are free. Tickets for Sunday only are $20.

Watkins Glen also hosts the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at the Glen, which is a NASCAR Spring Cup stock car race. This is a 220.5 mile race consisting of 90 laps. It is commonly also known as the Watkins Glen 220 and has run consistently since 1986. The race has been won 15 times by drivers in Chevrolet vehicles and 5 times in Fords. Tony Stewart was the winner in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2009. The Glen will be hosting this race August 5-8 in 2010. General admission tickets are $60 in advanced, $70 same day. Children 6-15 years of age are $10. Four day Front Stretch view with Jumbotron view are $99 in advance and $115 same day.

Watkins Glen International sells tickets as all sales final. Group ticketing is available for groups of 8 or more. For the NASCAR Sprint Cup series, interested groups can contact 607-535-2486 x263 for more information on tickets. For the IZOD series and other races, interested groups can contact 607-535-2486 ext. 351 for ticketing information. The Shop, gift store at Watkins Glen International, sells related merchandise including t-shirts, hats, and accessories. The Shop is open Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm and on Sunday 9am - 4pm.