INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, May 13, 2016) – INDYCAR announced today that the Verizon IndyCar Series will return to Watkins Glen International for an event on Sept. 1-4. Tickets for the Labor Day weekend event – which will also feature Indy Lights – will go on sale next week and will be available for purchase at TheGlen.com and by calling (866) 461-RACE. The race will be the 15th event on the 16-race schedule and will likely play an integral role in the chase for the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series championship.
“It’s great to have the Verizon IndyCar Series return to Watkins Glen,” said Jay Frye, INDYCAR President of Competition and Operations. “A tremendous amount of thanks goes to track President Michael Printup and his entire staff for their efforts in helping make this a reality in such a short time frame. Obviously, Watkins Glen has great racing history and it’s a track that will showcase the on-track competition and overall excitement level of our series. Our season is off to a great start and we can’t wait to bring the Verizon IndyCar Series back to our fans at Watkins Glen.”
Watkins Glen joins Phoenix International Raceway and Road America in a 2016 schedule that returns INDYCAR to fan-favorite venues with deep history in the sport. The 60-lap event will be held on the track’s 3.4-mile permanent road course and broadcast live on NBCSN and the Advance Auto Parts INDYCAR Radio Network, XM 209 and Sirius 212.
“We’re excited to welcome INDYCAR back to The Glen,” said Watkins Glen International President Michael Printup. “The fact that we could put this deal together so quickly shows how motivated each party was to make this happen for the fans and the competitors. I know our team has the capability to make this a premier event for INDYCAR, and I believe the drivers are really going to love the new asphalt and that translates into an exciting weekend for the fans. It’s truly a win-win for everyone.”
Watkins Glen International has hosted nine past Indy car races, from 1979-81 and again from 2005-10. The first two events were run on the 2.4-mile short course and were both won by Bobby Unser. The race moved to the 3.4-mile long course in 1981 when another Indy car legend, Rick Mears, drove to victory.
“We’d also like to thank Governor Andrew Cuomo for his support and diligence in bringing this international event back to Watkins Glen International,” Printup continued. “Tourism in the Finger Lakes Region and across New York State will benefit from this exciting addition to our 2016 schedule.””
The Verizon IndyCar Series returned to the historic circuit in 2005, with Scott Dixon winning three straight years before Ryan Hunter-Reay won in 2008 for Rahal Letterman Racing, Justin Wilson secured the first-ever Indy car win for Dale Coyne Racing in 2009 and Will Power took the checkered flag for Team Penske in 2010.
The 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series season continues with the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis on May 14 (ABC, 3:30 p.m. ET) and includes the highly anticipated 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil on May 29 (ABC, 11 a.m. ET). For information on the series, its 16-race schedule and the 100th Running of the Indy 500, visit www.indycar.com.
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