Photo Credit: Watkins Glen
The Verizon IndyCar Series is returning to Watkins Glen International this Labor Day weekend along with the Indy Lights presented by Cooper tires. This will be race 15 on the IndyCar schedule and replaces that Grand Prix of Boston that was to run that weekend, but was cancelled by race promoter April 29th leaving an opening in the race schedule.
“It’s great to have the Verizon IndyCar Series return to Watkins Glen,” said Jay Frye, INDYCAR president of competition and operations. “A tremendous amount of thanks goes to track president Michael Printup and his entire staff for their efforts in helping make this a reality in such a short time.”
“We’re excited to welcome INDYCAR back to the Glen,” said Printup. “The fact that we could put this deal together so quickly shows how motived each party was to make this happen for the fans and the competitors. This deal was put together in two weeks, which I think is a record in motorsports.”
The Glen is a scenic, rolling permanent road course in upstate New York. It has hosted nine IndyCar races in the past the last one in 2010, which was won by Team Penske driver Will Power.
“Obviously, Watkins Glen has great racing history and it’s a track that will showcase the on-track competition and overall excitement level of our series,” said Frye. “Our season is off to a great start and we can’t wait to bring the Verizon IndyCar Series back to our fans at Watkins Glen.”
‘”Open –wheel (racing) is synonymous with Watkins Glen International,” said Printup. “It has been for a long, long time. With those cars on that track, it’s just a blistering pace. Racing ‘the boot’ is one of the finest things in motorsports you can watch. … You’re making a left, a tight right and another left and a tight left at the top, and that’s one mile in just a few seconds. That’s awesome with these Indy cars.
“The racing is going to be fantastic. Reintroducing the sport to Watkins Glen International and that world attention that INDYCAR can get at Watkins Glen, combining those two synonymous brands and that history that will be our success, I think.”
The race weekend will be September 1st through September 4th, which is the day the race will be run on.
