Less than a month after receiving rave reviews for its debut at Alabama's Barber Motorsports Park, the Legends of Motorsports series is set to visit Watkins Glen International this weekend for the second round of its inaugural season. The weekend will be a family-friendly celebration of the 1970s, with classic rock and disco music, and a Formula 5000 feature race. Former racer and event Grand Marshal Vic Elford will lead a celebration of the weekend's featured marque, Porsche.
Legends of Motorsports strives to brighten the spotlight on historic racing in North America. More than a collection of races featuring rare and beautiful rolling museum pieces, each event is a celebration of the automotive lifestyle. “It was one of the best days of racing I've ever had,” commented one fan after the series' first event. “I took my seven-year-old son with me and we had a great father-son day... I told my friends that seeing such historic cars once again ‘raced in anger' was a thrill that no other motorsport event can offer.”
For the Glen weekend, Legends of Motorsports has created a Fan Zone, complete with live radio broadcasts featuring popular local DJs, wine tastings and seminars by the New York Wine and Culinary Center with products from Hazlitt Vineyards, a film tent showing classic racing movies and a kids' zone. Additionally, the International Motor Racing Research Library has organized several Paddock Ambassadors who will be able to conduct tours of the paddock, answer questions and assist spectators who want to learn more about the fascinating cars and people that comprise Legends of Motorsports.
To place fans and participants in a 70s mood, a trackside “Remember the Summer Jam, 1973” barbeque caps off a full day of practice on Friday, June 11. The evening includes live music from The Lost Sailors, a Grateful Dead tribute band plus food and beverages at 1970s prices. WCMF's Brian Robinson will be broadcasting live from the celebration tent all night. Attendees will have a chance to win a lap of The Glen with 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner and Legends of Motorsports co-founder Bobby Rahal himself. For those who do not have a race ticket, but wish to attend, a $15 pass will be available at the gate, beginning at 5 p.m.
The '70s celebration continues with “Saturday Night Disco Fever” on June 12. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their finest 70's wardrobe and vie for the best dressed male and female who will each win a trip to Orlando. Benefitting the International Motor Racing Research Center, tickets for the disco/karaoke party are $20. This does not include track admission which must be purchased separately. Those who do not have a race ticket but wish to attend the party may purchase party tickets at the gate beginning at 5 p.m. More details about both parties are available at www.legendsofmotorsports.com.
Sunday is all about racing, the way it was at Watkins Glen decades ago. The afternoon features a full grid of F5000 cars for the main event. These winged, open-wheel machines made by the likes of Lola, Chevron, Lotus and March, were a sensation in the '70s. Drivers like Mario Andretti, Jody Scheckter and Brian Redman are but a few who previously raced F5000.
Prior to Sunday's opening ceremonies, spectators are invited to participate in a fan forum with international racing sensation Vic Elford and later an autograph session with both Elford and Rahal.
“Watkins Glen is shaping up to be an amazing weekend,” Rahal, the said. “The high caliber of cars entered means the racing will be phenomenal and there are so many attractions away from the track for fans to participate in. I can't wait to celebrate the '70s with everyone at the Glen.”
For more information, visit www.legendsofmotorsports.com or call (317) 344-1998.