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.

Cup Drivers Highlight Great Outdoors RV Superstore 100 Lineup

There is no question that the K&N race at Watkins Glen International is full of talent year in and year out. On the entry list for this year’s Great Outdoors RV Superstore 100, there are 25 total cars which include two very popular Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers.

Erik Jones, as well as Bubba Wallace will test out their skills at road course racing on Friday, in preparation for Sunday’s big race. These two young guns are entered into tomorrow’s race to gain more experience at Watkins Glen International and to assure their teams that they are prepared for the challenge. Jones did this prior to running at Sonoma in June, which he believed made a big difference in the outcome of the race. Jones finished sixth in the K&N Pro Series West race and ended up seventh in the Cup race that Sunday.

Bubba Wallace ran full-time in the K&N Pro Series East from 2010 to 2013. Over those three years, Bubba had six wins, 16 top fives, and 25 top tens. Bubba is still working out the kinks of a rookie season this year driving the No. 43 for Richard Petty Motorsports in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. Running in the K&N Pro Series East race tomorrow will take Bubba back to his roots, and help him to feel more confident for when he straps in the car on Sunday, August 5^th, for the Go Bowling at The Glen race.

Also joining the field is Brett Moffitt and Noah Gragson. Moffitt and Gragson both run full-time in the Camping World Truck Series with Moffitt running the No. 16 Toyota for Hattori Racing Enterprises and Gragson in the No. 18 Kyle Busch Motorsports owned Toyota. Gragson is also a part-time driver in the NASCAR Xfinity Series as a part of the Joe Gibbs Racing team.

Defending race winner Will Rodgers, a member of the 2018 NASCAR Next class is looking to defend his title again this year. Fellow NASCAR Next member Ryan Vargas is a member of the stacked driver lineup as well as the series point’s leader Tyler Ankrum. These drivers will be putting it all on the line for their shot at victory during tomorrow’s Great Outdoors RV Superstore 100 at The Glen.

Six Things to See While at The Glen

Go Bowling Fan Experience

This year, Go Bowling joined the Watkins Glen International family as our title sponsor for the Monster Energy Cup Series race on Sunday, August 5th. Bowling, similar to racing, is all about friends, family, and fun! Enjoy the best of both worlds by stopping over to the Go Bowling fan experience display on the Midway! Go Bowling has set up a pair of bowling lanes for fans to enjoy. Fans will also have the opportunity to win bowling gear, free games and prizes, a chance to meet both PBA and NASCAR professionals, as well as a chance to win upgraded Pit Box seats!

Zippo Display

The Zippo display is where you can enjoy music by a live DJ, and participate in some awesome giveaways. Rock your Zippo swag this weekend!

If you ordered a 2018 commemorative Zippo lighter, you can pick it up here at the Zippo Hotspot.

Great Outdoors RV Superstore Exhibit

If you love to camp, or even if you don’t, make sure to check out the Great Outdoors RV Superstore display on the Midway. You can tour different types of RV's, and check out the latest camping gear! Great Outdoors RV Superstore will satisfy all of your outdoor needs.

McDonald's Kids Zone

The McDonald’s Kids Zone, located next to The Pyramid, will feature fun games and awesome inflatables! On Saturday, August 4th, the McDonald Kids Zone will host a McDonald’s Movie Night featuring the film Coco. The movie will begin at 8:30 p.m. Bring chairs, blankets, and your favorite movie time snacks. It's fun for the whole family!

Concerts

Friday night, Watkins Glen International is proud to present on the Jack Daniel’s Summer Stage Small Town Shade and the Preston James Band. Small Town Shade is a country rock group based out of Cortland, N.Y. They have opened up for many big name artists like Steve Moakler, Tyler Farr, Craig Campbell, and Old Dominion just to name a few. The Preston James Band from Nashville, Tennessee features 17 year old Preston James. In 2016, James secured a top 48 spot on Season 11 of NBC’s The Voice as a member of Blake Shelton’s team. The Preston James Band features many talented young musicians who set their focus on the country music genre.

Saturday night, located at the Gate 1 Concert area, local artist Devon Franks will be performing. Devon Franks has opened up for Dierks Bentley, Travis Tritt, Jon Pardi, and many more. Also happening that night at the Gate 7 Concert area is a bluegrass country band, the Pete Franks Band. All concerts will begin at 7:00 p.m.

The Glen Dog

The Glen Dog is our most famous Watkins Glen International concession stand item. It is a Sahlen’s hot dog on a pretzel bun, covered in mac & cheese with crunchy Goldfish crackers sprinkled on top. Make sure to bring your appetite and swing by one of the Watkins Glen International concession stands this weekend!

Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen 101: WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Series

The WeatherTech SportsCar Championship series is full of variety when it comes to the cars you’ll see on the track. However, the world of sportscar racing can be quite challenging if you’re not up to speed on all the details. Below, we are going to discuss some of the “must know” aspects of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship so you won’t be left in the dark at the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen race on Sunday, July 1.

First off, there are three classes within the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship series that you’ll see at The Glen. The three classes are broken down into Prototypes (P), GT Le Mans (GTLM), and GT Daytona (GTD).  

Now, what makes each class unique? For the Prototypes, it is simple. Their sleek body styles make them unlike any other car on the track; they are in a league of their own when it comes to looks and speed. Acura, Cadillac, Mazda, and Nissan are some of the dominant manufacturers. The Cadillac DPI-V.R., Ligier LMP2, and the Mazda RT24-P make up just some of this mighty fleet. Prototypes obtain a top speed of 200 mph while generating 600 horsepower. Make sure to keep your eyes on them during race weekend, they won’t disappoint. Side Note: make sure you watch them come through the Esses, you can thank me later….

Within the GTLM and GTD classes, there is more variety. GT Le Mans features BMW, Corvette, Ford, Porsche, and Ferrari. The Ford GT, Ferrari 488 GTE, and the Corvette C7.R are just some of the cars you will see battling it out on track. The cars within the GT Le Mans class are known for speeds of 180 mph with roughly 525 horsepower. The GT Daytona class is made up of Lexus, Acura, Audi, Mercedes, Porsche, Lamborghini, and BMW. Featuring cars like the Audi R8 LMS GT3, Mercedes AMG-GT3, and the Lamborghini Huracán GT3. GT Daytona follows closely behind the GTLM class, reaching speeds of 175 mph with 500 horsepower. These cars, along with the GTLM class, all look similar to a sports car you would see on the street. However, these cars are powerful and will leave you on the edge of your seat for the whole six hours!

Another interesting aspect of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship series is how they differentiate “Pro” from “Pro-Am”. This was designed by IMSA to help fans tell the difference between the caliber of drivers and classes. Prototypes and the GT Le Mans class make up the “Pro” series. These cars will all feature a professional driver lineup. The “Pro-Am” class is made up of the cars within the GT Daytona category. Pro-Am simply means that there is a professional driver paired up with an amateur driver. To differentiate the two, there is a color system put into place. All “Pro” series cars will feature red markings along the car, as well as the leader light illuminated in red. “Pro-Am” series cars are decorated the same way, but with the color green.

In addition to all the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen event on Sunday, the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge 240 will begin at 1:55 p.m. on Saturday, June 30. This race is truly a fan favorite. The event will now be four hours long versus the usual two hours, and with an increase in time comes and increase in the action! Similar to the WeatherTech series, the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge is split up into three classes, all varying in speed with minor modifications.

Adding to the action-packed weekend, there are two other series that will be battling it out on the track. On Friday, June 29, the GT3 Cup will battle it out in their first race of the weekend beginning at 1:45 p.m. with the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Series running at 4:10 p.m. Saturday, June 30, the GT3 Cup will return to the track for their second and final race of the weekend beginning at 9:20 a.m. The Lamborghini Super Trofeo series will also get their second race in with the green flag dropping at 10:25 a.m.  

The GT3 Cup showcases the power of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car. Driver skill ranges from amateur to professional. Races run for 45 minutes and are sure to be packed with excitement. The Lamborghini Super Trofeo series showcases the performance of the Huracán Super Trofeo EVO. This series also features a “Pro”, “Pro-Am”, and “Am” classification system. They will race a pair of 50-minute races over the weekend.

So whether you are new to the scene, or a seasoned veteran at the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen, you will be treated to an amazing display of racing from some of the most premier sports cars in the world. So sit back, relax, and enjoy some elite racing (and a few $1 Sahlen’s hot dogs)!

Buy your tickets now for the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen weekend, June 28th - July 1st.  General admission tickets for the weekend and Sunday are available for purchase at www.theglen.com or by phone at 1-866-461-RACE today.

If you would like to learn more about IMSA, check out their website at www.IMSA.com.

$1 hot dogs a tasty addition to Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen

Sahlen's hot dogs and sportscar racing at Watkins Glen International go together like nothing else. After all, the two entities are embarking on the 16th consecutive year of partnership, leading into this summer's Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen, which features nearly 24 hours of on-track action from the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup, and Lamborghini Super Trefeo.

New in 2018, Sahlen's and The Glen have teamed up to offer $1 hot dogs on Sunday, July 1st to celebrate Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen race day. Available at any of WGI's concession stands, fans are eligible to receive a regular hot dog for one dollar. 

"Sahlen's is a tremendous partner of ours, and they have been for many years," said Watkins Glen International President Michael Printup. "The Dollar Dog opportunity seemed like a great way to celebrate that relationship, and reward our loyal fans throughout what is sure to be a very exciting day of racing at The Glen."

Don't want to wait for June to get your fill of sportscar racing? 
For the third year in a row, the Sahlen's Sports Car Springfest will kick off the racing season at Watkins Glen International on April 21st and 22nd. For the weekend, sports cars of all types and speeds will be competing in the American Endurance Racing event. The entry list for this weekend sits at over 90 teams set to take the green flag, driving under the Sahlen's bridge just before the start/finish line at Watkins Glen International. Fans are invited to watch free of charge from the Argetsinger/Fans R First Grandstand by entering through Gate 2, just off of County Route 16.

Sahlen Packing Company was founded in 1869 in Buffalo, New York as a family business. Company founder Joseph Sahlen dedicated himself to one guiding principle: only the freshest and highest quality meat products would bear the proud Sahlen name. Today, in addiiton to be the name behind the Buffalo area's favorite hot dog and holiday hams - Sahlen's has grown from Western New York roots to offer "Old Fashioned" Smokehouse Ham and Turkey Breast in over 15 states. Still Sahlen family owned and operated, the company continues its dedication to the old-fashioned idea of providing customers with the finest products available.

Weekend and Sunday general admission tickets are on sale now for the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen, which includes nearly 24 hours of on-track action from four of America's premier sportscar racing series over four days at Watkins Glen International. For more information and to purchase yours, visit www.theglen.com or call 1-866-461-RACE today.

Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen boasts packed, fan-centric schedule

When the stars and the cars of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship roll into Watkins Glen International for the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen, June 28-July 1, they won't be alone.

Along with the world’s premier sportscar series will come a paddock loaded with talent from the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge, and Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America.

New for 2018, Saturday’s Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge race has been doubled in length, from two to four hours, or 240 minutes, paving the way for a new race name: The Continental Tire 240.  

As has become the norm for Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen weekend, the action doesn’t stop on the racetrack. 

When the engines go silent on Friday evening, all attention will turn to the infield stage, where the annual Sahlen’s Hot Dog Eating contest will take place, pitting fans against each other for competitive eating glory at the historic road course. Sign-ups will commence at the stage prior to the contest, with split adult and kids competitions.

Horseheads, New York-based Guilty Pleasure Band will open the Friday night concert at the stage once the Sahlen’s hot dogs have been devoured, bringing their strong mix of musical diversity and well-known covers to The Glen. Small Town Shade, a country quintet out of Cortland, New York will close out the night’s entertainment with dueling lead vocals, driving guitars, and an infectious rhythm section. The band has opened for the likes of Old Dominion, Frankie Ballard, Tyler Farr, Granger Smith, Parmalee, and more, and will release a new album this summer.

Fans are encouraged to stick around on Saturday evening, for a fireworks display scheduled for dusk, lighting up the skies over the twists and turns of Watkins Glen International and all of those gathered below.

The weekend culminates with Sunday’s Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race, but not before an opportunity to get up-close and personal on the grid, with a pre-race fan walk open to all ticketholders. More information on the weekend schedule, including additional fan walk opportunities, and driver autograph sessions, is forthcoming.

“There isn’t an event on The Glen’s annual schedule that is more family-friendly than Sahlen’s Six Hours,” Watkins Glen International President Michael Printup said. “From the accessibility of the drivers during the autograph sessions, the ability to get right up to the cars on the fan walk, and the overall atmosphere of the weekend, this has become a marquee event on the calendars of both our fans and for fans of sportscar racing around the world.”

The Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen headlines a weekend full of sportscar racing action at Watkins Glen International, June 28-July 1, 2018. For more information or to purchase tickets, fans can visit www.theglen.com or call 1-866-461-RACE. 

Glamping brings new experience to The Glen's NASCAR, Wine Festival fans

When one thinks of Watkins Glen International, hundreds of associated terms can come flooding to the mind. Legendary, fast, summer, destination, and party are just five of them, and it’s understandable if "glamping" didn’t find a place among them.

Until now.

Last month, The Glen unveiled its newest addition to the best fan experience in motorsports with a new Glamping (or luxury camping) area set to debut during the Finger Lakes Wine Festival presented by Yancey’s Fancy and Go Bowling at The Glen event weekends. Simply put, Glamping is a way to experience traditional camping without having to “rough it”… that’s right, leave your tent poles at home.

Inside a comfortable 12’ x 14’ safari-style tent, glampers will find bed(s)/cots with linens, blankets, and pillows, side tables, chairs, lanterns, rug, and even a battery pack for charging electronics. Even better, a communal executive restroom will be placed in the area, only for use of glamping customers. The tents will be located together in a quiet wooded area behind the Riesbeck Grandstand, less than 200 feet away from the pedestrian bridge in Turn 11 – just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of other camping areas, but still in a location convenient to the track and other amenities.

“We are always looking for ways to enhance the fan experience,” said Watkins Glen International President Michael Printup. “When the opportunity came about to take a look at this Glamping area, and something new we could offer up to our fans, we jumped at it. It’s a great way to take in the natural beauty of this area in an open-air environment, along with some of the comforts that we’d all like to have while camping.”

Upon the roll-out of the new package in early January, top drivers and motorsports personalities were among those to praise, and purchase, Glamping at The Glen:
-Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski, “Very cool. Nice work!” and retired driver/NBC Sports personality Dale Earnhardt Jr., “Every track needs this! Looks like a blast!” each offered up their approval on social media.
-“I reserved mine today. This is a GENIUS idea!” said Max Papis, who frequently competes during Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race weekends at WGI, and serves as a steward to the Verizon IndyCar Series.
-NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Daniel Hemric agreed, noting “This is one of the coolest things I’ve seen in a long time! Way to think outside the box.”

Glamping packages come as one queen bed, two twin beds, or four cots.

PURCHASE Glamping packages for Finger Lakes Wine Festival pres. by Yancey's Fancy New York's Artisan Cheese

PURCHASE Glamping packages for Go Bowling at The Glen NASCAR weekend