In 1953 the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Corporation
moved the circuit to a spot six miles southwest of the
village, very close to where the circuit is presently located
and racing continued on public roads for three more years
In 1956 the 2.3 mile permanent circuit was constructed
on land purchased by the Grand Prix Corporation. In
1971 the circuit was modified by widening the roads,
relocating the start/finish line and lengthening the course
to 3.377 miles by the addition of the one mile boot
configuration.
The World Championship United States Grand Prix
for Formula I cars was staged here from 1961 through
1980, and NASCAR's Winston Cup has been an annual
fixture since 1986. The circuit has been owned and
operated by Watkins Glen International, Inc. since 1983.
Over the years the course has been the site of Formula I
(Grand Prix), SCCA and IMSA (International Sports Cars)
World Championship endurance racers, USAC and CART
(Indianapolis cars), NASCAR (stock cars) and Motorcycle
racing.
Directions to the New Circuit.
From this spot, go south on Franklin Street (route 414), follow 414 County
Road at the corner and up the hill. Turn right at the blinking signal, onto County
Road 16. The new circuit is 2.4 miles out County Road 16, On the left.
There have been more name drivers in a variety of
races at Watkins Glen than at any other circuit in the
world. Among the name drivers at Watkins Glen are:
Mario Andretti ·
Geoff Bodine ·
Jack Brabham ·
Jimmy Clark ·
Mark Donohue ·
Dale Earnhardt ·
Bill Elliott ·
Emerson Fittipaldi ·
A. J. Foyt ·
Dan Gurney ·
Jim Hall ·
Graham Hill ·
Phil Hill ·
AI Holbert ·
Jacky Ickx ·
Niki Lauda ·
Bruce McLaren ·
Stirling Moss ·
Paul Newman ·
Richard Petty ·
Brian Redman ·
Jochen Rindt ·
Jackie Stewart ·
John Surtees ·
Al Unser, Sr. ·
Bobby Unser ·
Giles Villeneuve ·
Darrell Waltrip
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