Drive the Historic Race Circuit (Old Course)

The Original Circuit: 1948 – 1952 Self Guided Tour

American road racing was revived at Watkins Glen, NY on October 2, 1948, the first road race run since before World War II. The 6.6 mile circuit ran through the village streets, starting and ending in front of the Schuyler County Court House. To close the public roads for the event, it was necessary to have permits from six governmental entities; the state, county, village, Town of Reading, Town of Dix and the New York State Parks Commission.

It was also necessary to have a permit from the New York Central Railroad to stop the trains during the race, as the course crossed the tracks. The circuit was used for races from 1948 through 1952. Unchanged, it may be toured today as public roads. For those who were here in the early days, it is a sentimental journey. For those who have never been here, it is a lesson in motor racing history.

Our friends at the International Motor Racing Research Center have a fantastic pictorial and informational page on their website providing a landmark-by-landmark guide. Please click here to access: IMRRC Old Course Guide (https://www.racingarchives.org/old-course/)