Legends of Motorsports Celebrates the 70’s at Watkins Glen
Bobby Rahal Brings New Historic Racing Series to The Glen
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (June 8, 2010) – Less than a month after receiving rave reviews for its debut at Alabama’s Barber Motorsports Park, Legends of Motorsports, A Bobby Rahal Signature Event, visits historic Watkins Glen International for the second round of its inaugural season. The weekend will be a family-friendly celebration of the 1970’s, with classic rock and disco music, and an F5000 feature race. International racing legend and 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.”
To welcome all who attend The Glen this 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 70’s 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 1970’s 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 5pm.
The 70’s 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 5pm. 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 70’s. 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 70’s with everyone at The Glen.”
Advance tickets for the full, three-day event are priced at $45. A combined Saturday/Sunday ticket has been set at $35, while a Sunday-only ticket will be $25. Fans can also chose the “Rahal Package” which combines the Legends of Motorsports weekend and the U.S. Vintage Grand Prix in September, plus the exclusive opportunity to meet Bobby Rahal on Saturday, June 12 at noon, all for $75. Paddock access is free and additional options are offered for catered hospitality and sports car corral parking. Watkins Glen International offers a three-day camping pass for $40. A limited number of Pit Road Reserved camping spaces with water and electric hookups are also available for $200. As always, children 15 and under will be admitted free with a ticketed adult. Tickets may be purchased by calling 866-461-7223 or by visiting www.legendsofmotorsports.com or www.theglen.com.
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About Legends of Motorsports
Legends of Motorsports is a premium race series owned by Historic Motorsports Productions LLC (‘HMP’). Specifically, Legends of Motorsports is an annual series of premium historic racing events and related lifestyle experiences staged at historic North American venues. Based in Zionsville, Indiana, HMP’s principal owners are racers and businessmen Bobby Rahal, Peter Stoneberg and Zak Brown. Additional equity investors in HMP include Spire Capital Partners and Just Marketing International, which provides comprehensive strategy, marketing, public relations, and event logistics services to the venture. For more information, please visit HMP on the web at www.legendsofmotorsports.com or by calling (317) 344-1998.
About Watkins Glen International
Located in Upstate New York, Watkins Glen International’s rich history started over 60 years ago, when the first post- World War II road race ran on the village streets in 1948. For 30 years, “The Glen” became a household name in the world of motorsports hosting prestigious racing series such as Can-Am, Trans-Am and CART. Formula 1 ran at the historic track for almost 20 years (1961-1980), during the U.S. Grand Prix when racing became legendary. Today events taking place at the renowned road-course continue to make history. For the tens of thousands of fans that visit The Soul of American Road Racing each year, the excitement of watching an event at the premier road racing facility in North America is an experience that lasts. Visit www.TheGlen.com for tickets and more information.
