Of all the race tracks I've visited – and I've been to many in Canada, the US, and Europe – Watkins Glen remains one of my favorites. It's partly the beautiful setting but mostly nostalgia, for I first went to the Glen during marriage number one eons ago, when the cars and activities in the town were almost as exciting as the races. Returning early in my second marriage a memorable attempt at camping led to the picnic table catching fire and the tent collapsing in the middle of the night. Maggie had a klutz as a husband but at least I introduced her to the joys of motor racing. I especially remember attending the US Grand Prix, which made the Glen its American venue for a few years and where the GP could still be now if F1's demands didn't cause it to be economically impossible.
Ah, but for Formula One fans, the next best thing is coming on July 6th through the 8th, when the Historic Grand Prix group brings its 3.0 liter F1 cars for a weekend of vintage racing in conjunction with an IRL road race. (Can danica prove herself on road circuits? Until she does, I'm not impressed.) Historic Grand Prix is comprised of more than 50 owner-drivers of authentic F1 cars from the FIA 3-liter formula that ran from 1966-1983. If you live within a couple of hundred miles of the Glen I encourage you to attend this dramatic race weekend. And thanks to Vintage Motorsport magazine's calendar for the update.
[photo credit: Dick Carlson]
I too love The Glen. If you can visit, be sure to hunt down a map of the old circuit and go for a drive. As you do, note how narrow the road is and imagine racers in big horsepower sports cars with drum brakes drifting through. It’s a scary thought.
Don’t forget to visit Mosport this coming weekend for another opportunity to see vintage F1 cars in a historic setting.
June 18, 2007 @ 6:53 am