Watkins Glen International is a motor racing venue found in New York State, USA, near the town of Watkins Glen.[1] Commonly nicknamed "the Glen", Watkins Glen hosted the FIA Formula One World Championship for twenty years, from 1961 until 1980.[1] The Glen would also be the last purpose built race circuit to host the United States Grand Prix until the completion of the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.[1]
The Glen originated from a public road racing circuit in the local area, before a purpose built course was completed in 1956.[2] The circuit was chosen to host the fourth running of the US Grand Prix in 1961 after two financial failures at Sebring and Riverside in the previous two seasons, but its proximity to Manhattan and Canada meant that the 1961 edition of the race was a success.[2] The circuit became a firm favourite and the permanent home of the US Grand Prix for the next 20 years, often hosting the season finale.[2]
The popularity of the Glen saw the organisers handed several awards for the best organised Grand Prix, but early developments were not replaced, and by 1980 the venue looked dated.[2] That year proved to be the final time that the Glen would host the US Grand Prix, but remained a popular venue for NASCAR and United SportsCar Championship, while also being rejuvenated with state funding.[2]
Circuit History
Fatalities
| Year | Driver |
|---|---|
| 1973 |  François Cevert
|
| 1974 |  Helmuth Koinigg
|
Circuit Layouts
Grand Prix Course (with Inner Loop)
Short Course (with Inner Loop)
Grand Prix Course
Grand Prix Course (with Esses Chicane)
Following the deaths of Formula One drivers François Cevert and Helmuth Koinigg in 1973 and 1974, a chicane was added to the in which they were killed, better known as the Esses. This chicane would slow the cars while travelling through this dangerous area in the track.
After Formula One removed the track from the calendar, this chicane was removed.
First Permanent Course
Original Public Road Course
Formula One History
References
Images:
References:
| v·d·e | Nominate this page for Featured Article |
| V T E |  United States Grand Prix
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Circuits | Sebring (1959), Riverside (1960), Watkins Glen (1961–1980), Phoenix (1989–1991), Indianapolis (2000–2007), Austin (2012–present) |  |
| Formula One Races | 1959 • 1960 • 1961 • 1962 • 1963 • 1964 • 1965 • 1966 • 1967 • 1968 • 1969 • 1970 • 1971 • 1972 • 1973 • 1974 • 1975 • 1976 • 1977 • 1978 • 1979 • 1980 • 1981–1988 • 1989 • 1990 • 1991 • 1992–1999 • 2000 • 2001 • 2002 • 2003 • 2004 • 2005 • 2006 • 2007 • 2008–2011 • 2012 • 2013 • 2014 • 2015 • 2016 • 2017 • 2018 • 2019 • | |
| Non-F1 races | 1908 • 1909 • 1910 • 1911 • 1912 • 1913 • 1914 • 1915 • 1916 • 1917–1957 • 1958 | |
| See also | Miami Grand Prix • Las Vegas Grand Prix • United States Grand Prix West • Indianapolis 500 • Detroit Grand Prix • Caesars Palace Grand Prix • Dallas Grand Prix • Questor Grand Prix |