Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen racing began in 1948 on public roads in and around the village of the same name. In 1956 a new permanent closed course opened on its current site just a few miles outside of the village. It was an extremely fast circuit, with sweeping turns, long fast straights, and quick, graceful elevation changes. NASCAR, Can-Am, and Trans-Am came here to race, but the crown jewel was hosting the Formula One US Grand Prix for 19 years. In 1970 the course was heavily modified with the addition of the Boot section - a mile long series of tight corners, short straights, and further dives and climbs. The Long Course layout is used for nearly all modern events, most notably Indy Cars. It retains the full configuration as updated in 1970, though with a single, 90's era chicane at the end of the Back Straight.