Chase Elliott wins Corning race trophy

Chase Elliott wins Corning race trophy

DAYTONA BEACH--Reigning two-time Watkins Glen NASCAR champion Chase Elliott won the Sunday road course race at Daytona and with it a special, one-of-a-kind trophy, produced by The Corning Museum of Glass.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Watkins Glen NASCAR race was relocated to Daytona International Speedway, but with the familiar "Go Bowling" title sponsor.
The Corning Museum of Glass created the winner's trophy especially for the inaugural premier series event at the Florida road course. This was the NASCAR Cup Series' first visit on the trioval/road course, a layout that has been the home to the Rolex 24 At Daytona, since 1962.
Traditional glassmaking methods were used on the 18-inch tall by 4.5-inch wide prize, incorporating a blown glass cup that plays on the history of NASCAR (began in 1948), "The World Center of Racing" Daytona International Speedway (opened in 1959), and Daytona Beach, the "Birthplace of Speed," which dates back to 1903 when automotive competition began on the sands of the beach.
"Thinking about the history of the track and long-held traditions, I was reminded that historically, trophies used to be cups and have evolved into sculptural forms," said Eric Meek, Sr. Manager of Hot Glass Programs at The Corning Museum of Glass. "We took this trophy back to a more traditional shape. Daytona is the most historical track, and in thinking about a trophy design for a race held in this storied location, I was transported back to the golden age of speed. I wanted to design something that felt like a bit of a throwback - like it belonged in the era of streamline racers and the quest to go faster."
The Corning Museum of Glass has partnered with Watkins Glen International to design a trophy for its NASCAR Cup Series races since 2012.
"Typically we have created a trophy that embodies Watkins Glen International and the celebrated region in which it resides," added Meek. "It's a design that The Corning Museum of Glass has perfected each year, made especially for the drivers who claim victory in Watkins Glen. It's always exciting to be a part of something that so many people love, and we're thrilled to continue the tradition this year at Daytona."