A first-timer's observations about Watkins Glen International
A new track was experienced, fun was had and a butt-kicking was witnessed
“What do you mean it’s your first time here?!” I heard that a lot this past weekend. Apparently I’m in some form of trouble for never having been to Watkins Glen International before. But this year, a mysterious voice was beckoning from Upstate New York, a portion of New York that most of us consider “Everything West of Manhattan.” It said: “You just bought a new winter jacket on clearance that you didn’t expect to wear until winter but you really like how it looks so why pass up an opportunity to do that at Watkins Glen this year?” Anyways, it’s an amazing track and area, with a lot to take in. A few things stood out for this first-timer.
Downtown Watkins Glen is every bit as charming as you’d expect and when you’re driving through it, it smells like steak. The ideal hamlet.
Seneca Lake is like a real-life postcard if people still sent postcards rather than posting 90 pictures of their vacation on Facebook that no one cares about.
I was able to turn an absolute heater of a lap on the historic Watkins Glen road course that we don’t really need to tell the rental-car company about.
The drive to Watkins Glen is as picturesque as you can imagine – beautiful upstate countryside with rolling, verdant hills. I can only imagine how nice it is when it isn’t 38 degrees and gray.
The wets are out, and will be used once Parker Kligerman touches the ground to confirm that it is wet. That is the official wetness test of NASCAR.
I’ve seen Victory Lane at Watkins Glen on TV many times, but never in person. They’ve done a great job of filling in the Zilisch-shaped crater.
Turn 1 has so much more of a downhill grade than it appears on TV. No wonder a loose wheel that escapes pit road gains enough inertia to roll all the way to Buffalo.
(DON’T DO A DAD JOKE, DON’T DO A DAD JOKE, DON’T DO A DAD JOKE, DON’T DO A) I WONDER IF IT COMES WITH A “SPARE” TIRE LOL.
The inner loop of Watkins Glen is much bigger than you realize, and about where the uphill grade of the backstretch finally crests. Finally saw the Derrike Cope Detonation Site in person – bucket-list item checked off.
When it’s cold enough to feel like Christmas but all of the regular ornaments are up in the attic.
BETTY WHITE FAN THAT JUST MOVED TO NEW YORK STATE AT THE DMV: “Wait, what do you MEAN, ‘that vanity plate is already taken’?”
This is one of the most amazing views you’ll get at a race track. This is from the grandstands by the esses – can see all the way to downtown Watkins Glen. You could spot kayak races on Seneca Lake from here.
Speaking of, it’s a very steep climb up those Esses. If there was a funicular that took you from Turn 2 up to the backstraight, I would be on that thing. I’m not walking up that. Momma didn’t raise no dummy. Regardless of what Momma would tell you.
The only rule I would implement as the head of NASCAR is that all tire packs and pit-road attenuators be filled with glitter. Think of how festive the wrecks would be.
Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
Not to keep invoking bad Watkins Glen memories but that’s a far drop so please step away from the edge, Connor.
There’s one person on Earth who answered questions about his Dior suit at the Met Gala and how his race truck is handling in the same week and that’s this guy, Carson Hocevar.
“It can’t possibly be as awesome as everyone claims…” I said to myself before walking into the famous Seneca Lodge and realizing how weapons-grade wrong I was.
Some used tires take the easy way out, retiring to a life of being a swing tied to a tree branch, or being shredded into garden mulch. Not these tires. These tires didn’t ring no bell.
“Track Walk In The Rain” is going to be the title of my first single if it isn’t already the title of an existing Morrissey song.
My friend, we do not need to be informed of all the things that Shane van Gisbergen can do. We’re about to see it.
I swear, New Zealand travels better than Ohio State.
“Would it be weird if I asked for his autograph?” “Yes, Erik. It would.”
Sunday was William Byron’s 300th Cup Series start, if you’re looking for a statistic that will make you think about a long-term care assisted-living policy and pre-paying for your own cremation.
We had us a lovely day on Sunday. Watkins Glen International is beautiful. Here’s the view between Turns 1 and 2, AKA “The Tire Pack Impact-Viewing Section.”
Here’s Shane van Gisbergen going through the esses. I was hoping to get other cars in the picture but it was the kind of race where that was simply not going to happen.
Well aren’t WE just blatantly violating track limits here…
Not a great picture, but here’s Shane van Gisbergen doing a victory burnout in the runoff area off of Turn 1 BEFORE HALF THE FIELD HAD EVEN FINISHED THE RACE.
What a tremendous facility and equally tremendous international ass-kicking. I swear that next year we should make Shane van Gisbergen run the boot. Just him. Add a little bit of parity. Anyways, world-class facility in a beautiful part of the country. Put this track on your list.
Great read, ‘Casm!
That was really good. Funny but informative.