Watkins Glen International is a multi-configuration road course in the Finger Lakes of New York. Known simply as “The Glen,” it combines flowing speed with technical sections, creating a venue where momentum, bravery, and precision define success.
Track Basics
- Cup Layout: 2.45 miles (3.94 km), short NASCAR configuration.
- Boot Layout (Grand Prix): 3.45 miles (5.55 km), used in IMSA and endurance racing.
- Classic Boot: Alternate Boot with older-style curbing and flow.
- Classic: Original short course predating the Boot.
- Direction: Clockwise.
- Major Events: NASCAR Cup Series, IMSA SportsCar Championship, SRO GT World Challenge, 6 Hours of The Glen.
Key Sections
- Turn 1 (The 90): A heavy braking zone into a downhill right-hander, prime for overtakes.
- The Esses (Turns 2–4): High-speed uphill sweepers where maintaining momentum is crucial.
- The Bus Stop (Inner Loop): A chicane requiring late braking and precise curb usage.
- The Boot: A challenging uphill/downhill technical sector with multiple apexes.
- Turn 11 (Final Corner): A fast right-hand exit back to the front straight.
Driving Keys
- Momentum conservation: Mistakes in the Esses ruin lap times.
- Braking confidence: Aggressive but controlled braking wins time at the Bus Stop and Turn 1.
- Slipstreaming: Drafting is powerful on the backstretch, especially in GT and prototype racing.
- Setup balance: Requires stability at high speeds and rotation through slower Boot corners.
Watkins Glen is a classic for a reason—its flow, overtaking opportunities, and multi-class racing make it one of the best tracks in iRacing.
