Watkins Glen IMSA Sportscar race

[billfort]

I've been watching the IMSA 6hr sportscar race from Watkins Glen this morning - 2hrs in and really enjoying it. Lots of action so far with decent fields across several classes, and seeing cars like this at speed on a track like The Glen (including the boot!), Is pretty entertaining.

As much as I like watching the racing here though, I'm loving the virtual trip back to The Glen, a track I've been to many times since I was a teenager, which is a long time ago. Such a fantastic track layout high in the hills (I can't call it a mountain anymore, an Alberta thing ) which seems to work for everything from NASCAR heavy metal to nimble sportscars - especially sportscars.

These 6hr (and I think 12hr in the past?) events are nice as the crowds are lighter, the camping more spread out and you can move around the track to see the cars fly through differing corners. I really liked 'vintage' races here where the sight of 70s through 80s F1 cars screaming down into the boot was just as entertaining as watching a 60s Lotus 11 drift down into there.

An absolutely beautiful part of the US and one of the things I miss most after my move west is how easy it was to spend time in places like The Finger Lakes when you lived in Ontario. Another God's country address.

The IMSA series goes to Mosport in Ontario after this weekend, another of my favorite tracks holding many fond memories. If these 2 races align like this next year I really should see if can swing a trip to take them in; there just isn't anything like this out here.

 

[MrEd]

I need to look at the entry list, several of my old customers are probably driving.

 

[billfort]

I remember the pits being somewhat open at times over the course of a weekend for IMSA events too, at least when activity cooled off.

Wandering through the pits, especially at low intensity vintage events, was always a highlight for me.

 

[MrEd]

All the Word Challenge and IMSA races were always open.
We would have crowds of people watching us work.
Was always cool to talk with folks too when time allowed.

 

[GuyK]

I remember the pits being somewhat open at times over the course of a weekend for IMSA events too, at least when activity cooled off.

Wandering through the pits, especially at low intensity vintage events, was always a highlight for me.

I used to go to the vintage races at S.I.R. (now Pacific Raceway) here in the Seattle area, and the pits were always open. Drivers and crew were always open to engage with the public if time allowed. Lots of fun.

 

[billfort]

Do they still have a vintage event at Pacific Raceway? 12hr drive through the mountains for me but if part of a vacation week or something, might be a nice trip.

 

[GuyK]

Yes. The PacNWHistorics are every 4th of July weekend. This year it's 30 June to 02 July, and the SOVREN season finale is in late September. There was also a Spring race weekend in April. The PNWH has been a fundraiser for Seattle's Childrens Hospital for years.

 

[jimf42]

I've been watching the IMSA 6hr sportscar race from Watkins Glen this morning - 2hrs in and really enjoying it. Lots of action so far with decent fields across several classes, and seeing cars like this at speed on a track like The Glen (including the boot!), Is pretty entertaining.

As much as I like watching the racing here though, I'm loving the virtual trip back to The Glen, a track I've been to many times since I was a teenager, which is a long time ago. Such a fantastic track layout high in the hills (I can't call it a mountain anymore, an Alberta thing ) which seems to work for everything from NASCAR heavy metal to nimble sportscars - especially sportscars.

These 6hr (and I think 12hr in the past?) events are nice as the crowds are lighter, the camping more spread out and you can move around the track to see the cars fly through differing corners. I really liked 'vintage' races here where the sight of 70s through 80s F1 cars screaming down into the boot was just as entertaining as watching a 60s Lotus 11 drift down into there.

An absolutely beautiful part of the US and one of the things I miss most after my move west is how easy it was to spend time in places like The Finger Lakes when you lived in Ontario. Another God's country address.

The IMSA series goes to Mosport in Ontario after this weekend, another of my favorite tracks holding many fond memories. If these 2 races align like this next year I really should see if can swing a trip to take them in; there just isn't anything like this out here.

That was an excellent race. I watched on Peacock. The Glen is my favorite track. I raced there many times. (also, as you say, a very pretty part of the country). I am also looking foward to Mosport; a very cool challenging track.