Watkins Glen, New York, has been a mecca for motorsports on the East Coast of America since 1948, when Cameron Argetsinger started an amateur race called the Watkins Glen Grand Prix, using the town's public road system. That race became so popular that by 1956, the city decided to move the event to a new road course, and Watkins Glen International was born. The circuit had the distinction of hosting the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix for 20 years, from 1961 to 1980. Every major racing competition in American has used The Glen, including NASCAR, IndyCar, IMSA, Trans-Am, etc.
The humid continental climate in upstate New York means the track is usually damp at Watkins Glen International, and temperatures are ideal for racing most of the year. Winters are cold and snowy, not so good for motorsports. The Glen has several layouts for racing, including the Short Circuit (NASCAR course) and the Full Circuit (Grand Prix Course). The main difference between these layouts is The Boot, a four-turn succession included in the Full Circuit but not used in NASCAR races. Amateur racers and motorsports enthusiasts have the opportunity to experience the circuit with the Drive The Glen program, which uses the Grand Prix Course for public driving with some regulations (no motorcycles, RV's, etc.)
The Full Circuit at Watkins Glen International is the 3.45-mile road course used when Formula 1 United States Grand Prix comes to town. It has 11 turns, is run clockwise, and its most remarkable features are the boot, the inner loop, the outer loop, and the back straight. Racing through the boot challenges the driver's abilities because of the heavy steering and gear shifting needed for getting the most of this fast-speed sweeper-straightaway combo. The average speed is 93 mph, with an average lap time of 2:13.005.