WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (March 1, 2018) – With weather in the Finger Lakes region showing signs of shifting toward spring, Watkins Glen International is gearing up for another Opening Weekend at the historic road course, April 14-15.
Once again, attendees will have the opportunity to experience the twists and turns of the full Grand Prix layout for three paced laps from the driver’s seat of their own vehicles for just $25. The circuit will host the world’s most talented drivers, hottest cars, and some of the most competitive races in the sport in 2018, with visits from the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship headlining a full slate of action.
In 2018, proceeds from the event will benefit a teenager from West Leyden, New York, Ryan Berwick, who hopes to have a new wheelchair before graduating from Adirondack Central School this June. Berwick, 17, has been a friend of The Glen since 2011, when he met track president Michael Printup at Sahlen’s Six Hours. In the years since, Berwick has been an ambassador for the track, attending NASCAR driver’s meetings and pre-race festivities among other events.
“Ryan is a wonderful kid that I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know over the last several years,” said Printup. “His infectious spirit and passion for the sport and our facility is what I took away from our first meeting. This is a chance for us to help him and his family with a purchase that is truly life-changing in many ways. For our fans, it’s a great way to shake the cabin fever, enjoy a unique experience on the racetrack, and raise money for an incredibly worthwhile cause.”
Opening Weekend is open to all licensed drivers 18-year-of-age and older, and the entry fee per vehicle is $25 per vehicle for three laps. All vehicles must be street legal, drivers must have a valid license and proof of insurance. Car clubs are welcome to participate, and encouraged to schedule their laps by contacting Rob Roessel at rroessel@theglen.com.
Watkins Glen International is the premier road racing facility in North America, twice voted “Best NASCAR Track” by readers of USA Today Keep up with The Glen on Facebook and Twitter. Tickets for Watkins Glen International’s 2018 season are on sale now and available at www.theglen.com, or by calling 1-866-461-RACE.
