Watkins Glen International announces 2019 racing event schedule
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| The NASCAR crowd at The Glen is huge |
Watkins Glen International is thrilled to announce its 2019 schedule of spectator racing events, headlined by a tripleheader NASCAR weekend and a crown jewel of the international endurance racing calendar.
Watkins Glen International’s 63rd season since the permanent course was constructed in 1956 will open with Opening Weekend (April 6-7, 2019), providing a fans with an opportunity to drive their own vehicle on the track to benefit the facility’s Racing and Community Enrichment (R.A.C.E.) Foundation. Individuals and car clubs are both welcome to participate in this unique opportunity to experience one of the most historic circuits in the world first-hand.
The SCCA U.S. Majors (June 21-23, 2019) marks the first spectator racing event on the new slate, bringing with it the pinnacle of amateur championship racing in the United States. The Tour visits some of the most storied racetracks across the country and ends with national championships being awarded in several classes. This event, like many at The Glen, offers fans the opportunity to experience the paddock and garage area with the purchase of their ticket.
One of the most revered events on the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship calendar arrives in late June with the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen (June 27-30, 2019). Star drivers such as Helio Castroneves, Juan-Pablo Montoya, Jordan Taylor, Colin Braun, and others will look to take a step toward securing a prestigious Michelin Endurance Challenge title, all while battling for a series championship. The weekend is complete with nearly 24 hours of on-track activity, featuring the Michelin Pilot Challenge, Porsche GT3 Cup, and Lamborghini Super Trofeo.
NASCAR returns to the Finger Lakes region for the Go Bowling at The Glen (August 1-4, 2019) tripleheader weekend. Frequently tabbed one of the season’s most exciting races, The Glen was the setting for Chase Elliott’s first career Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. In addition to Sunday’s race, don’t miss the Great Outdoors RV Superstore 100 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race on Friday afternoon, and Saturday’s Zippo 200 at The Glen NASCAR XFINITY Series race. Fans will also be treated to one of the circuit’s largest midway areas, complete with interactive displays, driver appearances, and more.
After making its return after a multi-year hiatus, the Pirelli World Challenge closed out its 2018 season at WGI earlier this year. In 2019, the Pirelli World Challenge Grand Prix of Watkins Glen (August 29-September 1, 2019) will also play a major role in determining series championships. Boasting one of the sport’s most diverse fields of sportscar manufacturers, the weekend provides a perfect opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with your favorite teams and drivers as they battle for supremacy at The Glen.
The Hilliard U.S. Vintage Grand Prix at the Glen (September 6-8, 2019) has become one of the largest vintage racing events in the country, at a location most important to America’s road racing history. Paired with Friday’s Grand Prix Festival in downtown Watkins Glen, the Vintage Grand Prix weekend is a true celebration of the sport’s past, along with the cars and people who have made it what it is today. In addition to the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA), the on-track portion of the weekend also includes the highly competitive Trans-Am Championship.
Ticketholders can expect their renewal information to arrive in the mail later this fall, with single event tickets and packages going on sale to the general public in January.
Watkins Glen International is the premier road racing facility in North America, three times voted “Best NASCAR Track" by readers of the USA Today. Keep up with The Glen on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and be sure to download The Glen’s free mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.