Pirelli World Challenge Returns to The Glen, With Championships Up for Grabs

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. - Multiple Pirelli World Challenge championships will be decided this weekend, Aug. 30 - Sept. 2, and what better place to battle them out than at the home of North American road racing, Watkins Glen International?

With a 29-point lead in the overall standings, newly crowned GT SprintX champion Toni Vilander seeks the overall championship, although the R. Ferri Motorsport driver trails Pfaff Motorsports’ Scott Hargrove by eight points in the GT Sprint title.

Hargrove is making his rookie performance in PWC an impressive one with double wins at St. Petersburg and consistent podium finishes both Sprint and SprintX.

Porsche factory driver Michael Christensen is still in the GT points fight along with the K-PAX Racing pair of Rodrigo Baptista and former GT champion Alvaro Parente.

In the GT overall manufacturers’ standings, Ferrari has 140 to Porsche’s 134 and Bentley’s 106, while Pfaff Motorsports tops the GT Sprint team points with 144 to K-PAX Racing’s 138 and R. Ferri Motorsport’s 134.

In the GTA class, Martin Fuentes seeks a repeat of his 2016 title with an 18-point margin over Yuki Harata, while the class title will likely come down to the Squadra Corse Garage Italia and Dream Racing.

In GTS, James Sofronas already collected the GTS SprintX Pro-Am title with Alex Welch, but also leads the overall and Sprint championships heading into the weekend.

The GMG Racing owner/driver, who won the 2017 GTA and GT SprintX Pro-Am titles, holds a 38-point lead over Racers Edge Motorsports’ Harry Gottsacker in the overall title race and 21 points ahead of Lawson Aschenbach in the Sprint championship fight. 

In addition, the manufacturers’ point battle is extremely close with Audi leading at 97 followed by Chevrolet at 89, Ford at 88 and Panoz at 86. GMG tops the teams championship with 179 to Racers Edge at 170 followed by Blackdog Speed Shop at 161, Team Panoz Racing at 158 and PF Racing at 147.

Newly crowned SprintX Am champion Drew Staveley, meanwhile, also leads the GTSA points, but only six markers ahead of Jeff Courtney, with Tony Gapes and Mike Hedlund tied for third in the standings.

A total of 79 cars are entered across the GT, GTS and Touring Car races this weekend. Weekend and Sunday only tickets will be sold along with camping at the facility’s Gate 2 entrance. For more information, visit www.TheGlen.com or call 866-461-RACE.

5 Reasons to Renew Your Tickets in 2018

If you were a Watkins Glen International ticketholder in 2017, we've got some great news for you.

We are approaching the renewal period for tickets, camping, and hospitality ahead of the 2018 season. Below, we outline the top five reasons to take advantage of this great opportunity to get a jump on your plans for next season!

1. Take advantage of the lowest prices of the season
Because who doesn't like discounts? Renewal customers get early access to the lowest price levels for 2018 admission, parking, and hospitality packages, saving up to $36 per ticket! Don't miss the chance to lock in next season's experiences before the holidays.

2. First dibs on relocating seats and campsites during the exclusive relocation/upgrade period for renewing customers
Interested another camping section in 2018? Want to see the race from a new grandstand next year? Take advantage of the opportunity to relocate your campsite or seats - renew your camping and tickets by December 18 and call 1.866.461.RACE (7223). The relocation period is from January 4-9 and is available only to account holders who have renewed for the 2018 season.

3. Be the first to know about new opportunities and any changes
You'll receive 2018 season information via mail, complete with the latest news and updates regarding next season's event slate at Watkins Glen International. Think of being a renewal customer like being in a really exclusive club.

4. Purchase additional tickets and camping before the general public
Tickets and camping aren't available to the general public until January 10th, and renewal customers are able to purchase additional event tickets and camping before this date. Grow your group by bringing family, friends, etc. this season!

5. Payment plans!
We offer a pair of payment plans to renewal customers, including a four-part plan that requires only 25% down at time of purchase, and a 50/50 payment plan, which splits your balance payments in two. Beginning October 30, call 866-461-RACE to pick your plan or select a plan online.

For more information on the 2018 season ticket renewal process, visit our website, or call 1-866-461-RACE and a member of our team will be happy to assist you!

10 Things to Know for Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen

10 Things to Know for Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen

Whether it's your first or fifth time, the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen is one of the most exciting events of the season at Watkins Glen International. Here are 10 things you should know to get the most out of your race weekend.

#1: Always carry a Sharpie.
Since the paddock is open to fans for the whole weekend, you never know who you might run into. Be sure to carry a sharpie or pen with you at all times just in case you spot your favorite driver. Maybe you'll even get to catch some of Jordan Taylor's off-track antics.

#2: Earplugs are important.
IMSA brings some of the coolest cars in motorsports to The Glen. With this awesome power comes noise, however. Make sure you have earplugs or some sort of ear protection when you're getting up close and personal with the cars.

#3: Eat.
At WGI, don't leave the track without having a legendary Glendog. It even has its own Twitter account! There's also an annual Sahlen's hot dog eating contest at the Jack Daniel's Summer Stage. When in Rome...

#4: Don't forget the sunscreen.
Whether you're camping at The Glen or just visiting for the day, make sure you pack a lot of sunscreen. The grandstands can get especially sunny, so sunscreen and a hat is a must. This guy has the right idea.

#5: Check out the Midway.
Who isn't a fan of free stuff? Walking down the Midway could land you with things like lanyards or stickers. Eat, drink, or see how well you'd do as a member of the pit crew. And be sure to come to the Tweet-Up in Gatorade Victory Lane to test your racing knowledge -- you might walk away with some serious WGI swag.

#6: Take advantage of the #views.
The Glen is one of the most scenic places in racing. Take in the beautiful view of Seneca Lake before the race, then head to the Esses or the Boot to catch the action. After all, you do have six whole hours. 

#7: Bring a crew.
The best way to enjoy a race weekend is with your friends. Get together with other race fans and set up a viewing spot somewhere on track. Know someone under the age of 12? Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen weekend is free for them. Get 'em started young! 

#8: There are Lambos, Porsches and Sportscars galore.
Before the Continental 120 and the Six Hours of The Glen, make sure you catch some action on track during the Lamborghini Super Trofeo race and the Porsche GT3 Cup. If you don't know much about these series, this and this might help. 

#9: Check out the Continental Tire 120.
Last year, the Continental Tire SportsCar race was action-packed, complete with side-by-side racing through the esses (which is crazy, by the way), some off-track adventures and last-lap battles for the lead. The Minis proved that while they are small, they are powerful. Who will get to the podium this year?

#10: Enjoy Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen.
There's nothing quite like waking up on race day.Unlike a lot of races, this one lasts all day, so fans get the chance to watch the race from many different vantage points.

The Boot, the Esses and the Inner Loop are all great places to watch from. Pre-race festivities begin at 9:00am with a fan walk on track, with the green flag dropping at 10:10am. Who will make it to Gatorade Victory Lane this year?

Don't have tickets? Get your race and weekend tickets for Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen HERE.