WATKINS GLEN, NY (607NewsNow) — The roar of classic engines, the scent of motor oil, and a deep reverence for motorsport history filled the air this past weekend as Watkins Glen International hosted the annual Vintage Race Weekend.
Friday’s festivities brought thousands to Franklin Street for the annual Grand Prix Festival, where race cars, from brass-era machines from the Ragtime Racers to ’70s sports cars, paraded through town and lined the sidewalks like artwork in motion. Fans walked freely among the vehicles, chatted with drivers, and joined in celebrating the original Watkins Glen street circuit, used between 1948 and 1952.
Participants in the Stone Bridge Driver Reenactment retraced that historic 6.6-mile loop through town and countryside, just as it was done nearly 80 years ago. The Wasp recreation, flanked by other centenarian racers, made for a stunning time capsule as the early 20th-century machines rattled over the iconic Stone Bridge.
The weekend included wheel-to-wheel vintage racing with everything from classic Austin Healey’s, Porsche, 1960s GT cars, and MG’s to pre-war open-wheelers. Spectators packed the main streets, with unrestricted access allowing fans of all ages to get up close to the action.
As one spectator put it:
“It’s not just about speed here, it’s about soul. That Marmon Wasp, that was a photo that hung on my wall as a kid and although this is a beautiful recreation, it was like a fond memory in front of me. It was a time machine.”
