By Paris Van Gorder
Aug 28, 2024
|
Watkins Glen,
Classic Racing
Photograph Courtesy Watkins Glen
Want to feel the ambiance of a classic street race? Check out the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival & Reenactment.
Many consider the Watkins Glen Street races, first organized by Cameron Argetsinger in 1948, the beginning of post-war American sports car racing.
However, a tragic accident in 1952 led to New York State Legislature considering two proposed laws to ban racing on public roads. While the State didn't slam the gavel on an official ban, it did hit the brakes on permits for racing on state roads, spelling doom for the iconic 6.6-mile racing track at Watkins Glen.
A new course was later created and paved with safety being a key factor. But the original course still draws in classic race lovers, and so the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival & Reenactment was created.
This event recreates the ambiance of the 1948-’52 Watkins Glen street races so participants can now enjoy ”enthusiastic” laps of the original street circuit in their SVRA race cars.
This year’s Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival & Reenactment will be held September 6 and the best part? Registration to participate is FREE.
For entry, questions and additional information, click here or contact Kathy Swinford.
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