Sahlen's race returns to Watkins track

WATKINS GLEN--Race fans, officials at Watkins Glen International, local business leaders and local elected officials are all eagerly awaiting the return of Sahlen's Six Hours of the Glen weekend from June 24-June 27. The weekend will feature on-track action each day and concludes with the six-hour race on Sunday. International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) events include various classes on the track at the same time including the Daytona Prototypes which look like purpose-built race cars, whereas the GT classes include road-going models highly modified for racing.
"We are excited to officially welcome fans for our IMSA events this season," stated WGI President Michael Printup earlier this year. "[We will provide] our regular capacity crowd the memorable experiences and exciting on-track action they are accustomed to at The Glen."
While race fans will be eager to watch Sahlen's for the first time since 2019, for Schuyler County it will signify another step in the return to normalcy.
"I think it's great that WGI is back up and running," said Luke Leszyk, mayor of Watkins Glen. "They have always been a great partner with us and are a vital component to our economy. We are definitely looking forward to this summer."
Thursday, June 24 will begin practice sessions on the circuit including the Porsche Carrera Cup and Lamborghini Super Trofeo.
Friday starts the racing action and also has practice and qualifying throughout the day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday will feature the Tioga Downs Casino Resort 240 from 2:35 to 6:35 p.m. and also have Porsche and Lamborghini races during the morning.
The Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen runs from 10:40 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. on Sunday.
A full schedule can be seen at https://www.theglen.com/events/sahlens-six-hours-of-the-glen/
Weekend tickets can be purchased for $110 or $100 for Sunday only.
"Having racing back at The Glen is very valuable to our economic fabric," said Judy McKinney Cherry, executive director of the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development. "It continues the tradition of having world-class events in Watkins Glen and keeping our area in the forefront of auto racing. It also translates into significant money coming into the region. It is estimated that for a three-day event, we can expect an average spend of $1,200 per person."
Watkins Glen will also have the benefit this year of having the racing series stay for a second weekend after the IMSA schedule was changed due to Canadian travel restrictions from COVID-19. Next weekend they were originally scheduled at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park but will hold the WeatherTech 240 at Watkins.