The Glen piggybacks on Danica, Danica, Danica

As the 2012 race season approaches, an abundance of changes are on tap in the various series that compete at Watkins Glen International.

Most notably for Glen fans will be the return of Danica Patrick to the Schuyler County facility. The popular 29-year-old driver is making a full-time transition from the open wheel ranks to stock cars.

The former IZOD IndyCar driver, whose last appearance at the Glen came in the Camping World Watkins Glen Grand Prix in 2010, will compete in the Zippo 200 Nationwide Series event on Aug. 11.

The off-season has also been marked by the shuffling of some key drivers and personnel in NASCAR's Sprint Cup ranks. Watkins Glen's premier race returns for the 27th time on Aug. 12.

The Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, which makes two stops at the Glen this year, will sport a new look in its top Daytona Prototype division and two new manufacturers spice up the GT class. The 31st Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen was moved from the early June date it occupied since 2006 to June 29-July 1. The Canadian Tire 200 returns on Aug. 11.

The 65th Glen Nationals, the Sports Car Club of America amateur road race, returns on July 6-8. The Glenora Wine Cellars U.S. Vintage Grand Prix, a Sportscar Vintage Racing Association event, again anchors the Glen season on Sept. 7-9.