WATKINS GLEN GP JUNE 25-26, 1966
WATKINS GLEN 500 AUGUST 19-21, 1966
WATKINS GLEN 500 August 21-22, 1965
WATKINS GLEN GP JUNE 25-26, 1966
WATKINS GLEN 500 AUGUST 19-21, 1966
WATKINS GLEN
The birthplace of road racing after WWII. The Watkins Glen International racecourse has undergone several changes over the years, with five general layouts widely recognized over its history. The first races in Watkins Glen were organized by Cameron Argetsinger, with local Chamber of Commerce approval and SCCA sanction. The first Watkins Glen Grand Prix took place on October 2, 1948 on a 6.6-mile (10.6 km) course over local public roads. In 1952 a young spectator was killed and New York State prohibited racing on State roads. The second layout 4.6-mile (7.4 km) began use in 1953 but used existing County roads. In 1956 the permanent 2.3 mile circuit was designed by racer and engineer Bill Milliken and Cornell University. In 1958 the Glen went international hosting a Formula Libre race with international stars Stirling Moss, Joachim Bonnier, Americans Phil Hill * Dan Gurney. The success of the Libre races had the FIA grant Watkins Glen the United States Grand Prix in 1961 and it was held there until 1980. An extension was built in 1971 that added just over a mile making the Glen 3.4 miles long. Books have been written about Watkins Glen. It is the home course for the BARCboys and we still return every year.