Motorsports
Watkins Glen International named to USA TODAY’s 10Best NASCAR tracks
Video: Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America visits WGI, Corning
With Corning Mayor William Boland out of town, Corning Deputy Mayor Jeff Clark proclaims Kyle Petty Charity Ride Day in Corning on May 7, 2025 and Petty talks about visits to Corning and Watkins Glen International.
- Watkins Glen International (WGI) was ranked No. 2 in USA TODAY’s 10Best NASCAR Tracks.
- WGI President Dawn Burlew praised the track’s viewing experience and iconic status.
- The track’s complexity, elevation changes, and overall atmosphere contribute to its high ranking.
- The track has a rich history, hosting Formula One races before becoming a NASCAR staple in 1986.
Watkins Glen International was recently named one of USA TODAY’s 10Best NASCAR Tracks.
“The Glen” was ranked No. 2 on the list curated by a USA TODAY panel of experts, and then voted on by readers. WGI trailed only Pocono Raceway’s “tricky triangle” in Pennsylvania.
Dawn Burlew, WGI president, said the historic track in the heart of the Finger Lakes offers fans great viewing and a super interactive experience.
“Watching the race just about anywhere here is a fantastic experience,” Burlew said. “Our track is so iconic. We are honored and excited to be included in the USA TODAY 10Best. It’s pretty awesome.”
At one time the home of the Formula One United States Grand Prix, Watkins Glen’s biggest race now is its annual NASCAR date that sees multiple series competing over one weekend.
NASCAR will make its annual visit to Watkins Glen International this year on Aug. 7-10, featuring four series — ARCA, Craftsman Trucks, Xfinity and Cup. Fans can expect dramatic racing action at WGI’s track with tight turns, elevation changes, and fast straights.
While NASCAR has added more road courses to its schedule in recent years, Watkins Glen still stands out, said Kip Zeiter, director of the Internation Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen.
“I think Watkins Glen is clearly head and shoulders above any of the other road courses in terms of the complexity of the course, the elevation changes and just the whole vibe,” said Zeiter. “I would wholeheartedly endorse WGI being in USA TODAY’s 10Best.”
WGI’s track was built in 1956 and the first NASCAR race at the site was in 1957.
The Formula One United States Grand Prix ran through downtown Watkins Glen from 1948-1952, Zeiter said. In 1952, there was an accident during the race in downtown Watkins Glen, killing a young boy.
From 1953 through 1955, the Formula One race was held on Watkins Glen roads outside the downtown area, Zeiter said. NASCAR has permanently been part of the WGI schedule since 1986.
Other NASCAR tracks to make the 2025 10Best list included Talladega, Bristol, Michigan, Dover, New Hampshire, Atlanta, Las Vegas and the Chicago street course.