Watkins Glen Racing, New York

Images of Sports

by Kirk W. House, Charles R. Mitchell

The war was won, the Depression was over, and Americans were back on the road. From all across the nation, sports car drivers converged on Watkins Glen to race through the gorges, hills, and village streets of western New York. Over the years, the course has evolved from its humble beginnings on streets lined with hay bales to the modern closed track that plays host to NASCAR today. Through vintage photographs, primarily from the International Motor Racing Research Center at Watkins Glen, Watkins Glen Racing chronicles the history of the track with early drivers, like Cameron Argetsinger, Phil Walters, and Dave Garroway, vintage cars, hairpin turns, and death-defying races.

128 pages, Paperback

First published June 23, 2008

Reviews

[Anieta]

Interesting coffee table book for auto racing enthusiasts, history lovers and anyone interested in the Finger Lakes region of New York state.

After or before reading, follow the path of the original race course, and imagine racing a car on that scenic but narrow and winding road.

[Sam Sanfratello]

a comprehensive history

Lots of great information and amazing pictures. Worth a read if you like vintage racing and history. 100% recommend this.

[Judi Kling]

I love these books. The one about Watkins Glen's early racing history is good. It isn't comprehensive, just road course highlights, then an intro to the formal course up on the hill.