SCDA Watkins Glen International High Performance Driving & Track Events (HPDE)
SCDA Watkins Glen International High Performance Driving & Track Events (HPDE)
The Watkins Glen International Driving Experience
Watkins Glen, located at the southern tip of Lake Seneca in Watkins Glen, New York, is one of the premier permanent road courses in North America. This first class 3.4 mile facility hosted the United States Grand Prix for many years, and now the track is one of two road courses that NASCAR Sprint Cup races on. This is the same track that drivers from Jeff Gordon to Jackie Stewart have driven on!
Highlights of an SCDA Event at Watkins Glen International.
- Registration will take place in Garage Bay 1 (May and Aug Events) and Media Center (July event) on the morning of the event.
- The Track registration will open at 6:00 AM on the day of the event. Access to the facility is allowed prior to this time.
- Camping will be allowed on Monday nights of the event
- Optional Track Walk with corner by corner analysis of the track at the end of the day Monday with Enrique and 4 time SCCA National Champion and Pirelli World Challenge Champion, SCDA president Elivan Goulart!
- A reminder that drivers can sign up for either a single day, or sign up for a two consecutive day event and receive a discounted entry fee!
- A limited number of arrive and drive rental Spec Miatas are available for this event.
- Classroom Instruction will take place inside the Media Center. Classroom Instruction will be provided by Enrique Guttin
- The new LITTLE SPEED SHOP will be open on the far end of the garages for tire mounting/balancing and more!
- We will utilize the ultra smooth and just repaved 3.4 mile LONG COURSE configuration for all event days except for May 3rd where we will use the NASCAR Short Course!
- Professional Flaggers will be working this event. SCDA Customers are not expected to work corner stations.
- Lunch may not be available due to Covid 19, but if it is we will update.
- SCDA Data and Video Coaching- SCDA is offering professional data and video coaching at our events. This is an affordable and individualized program that will help you take your driving to the next level. Our coaches are accomplished racers and industry experts that are able to pinpoint areas for improvement. Together you’ll come up with an action plan to help you achieve your goals.
- A professional photographer will be available at select SCDA events.
- Private Driver Coaching is available with 2015 SCCA Spec Miata National Champion Jonathan Goring. Please call Jonathan if you would like his Coaching Services (860) 485 5736.
- Dogs are allowed at the track but must be leashed at all times. Please pick up after your pets!
Watkins Glen International Track Days & Schedule and Pricing
2023 Watkins Glen Dates will include THREE events of two days:
July 10-11 (Long course)
- 2023 SCDA Watkins Glen Daily Schedule- July 10th (Monday) Schedule
- 2023 SCDA Watkins Glen Daily Schedule- July 11th (Tuesday) Schedule
August 28-29 (Long course)
- 2023 SCDA Watkins Glen Daily Schedule- Aug. 28 (Monday)
- 2023 SCDA Watkins Glen Daily Schedule- Aug. 29 (Tuesday)
2023 Watkins Glen event entry fees are $429 retail ($599 for Novice drivers, includes Instructor for lead/shadow program or In-Car) for a single day or only $769 ($999 for novice) for a 2 day event.
Pay only $399 for one day or $749 for both days if you register 1 month prior to the event.
Track and Event Information
Location / Directions
Directions to Watkins Glen International
Watkins Glen International
2790 County Route 16
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
NEAREST AIRPORT:
Elmira-Corning Regional Airport (ELM)
276 Sing Sing Rd #1, Horseheads, NY 14845
The routes offered below should serve as a general guideline only and are not necessarily the best routes from your area.
Please consult a more detailed map for specific directions from your area.
From Buffalo, Toronto, and points Northwest: I-90 East to Rte. 14 South (Geneva Exit 42) take 14 South to Watkins Glen along the west side of beautiful Seneca Lake. 40 minutes from Exit 42; or, I-90 East to 390 South to Rte. 17(I-86) East to Exit 42 (Cooper Plains). Follow Meads Creek Rd./County Rte. 16 Northeast to WGI.
From Cleveland, Jamestown, Olean, Erie, Bradford, and points West: Rte. 17(I-86) East to Rte. 414 North in Corning (Exit 46 turn left at end of exit ramp). 25 minutes from Corning.
From Williamsport, Harrisburg, and points South: Rte. 15. North to Rte. 17(I-86) East to Rte. 414 North (Exit 46 turn left at end of exit ramp). 25 minutes from Corning.
From Albany, Springfield MA, Oneonta: Rte. 88 West to Rte. 17(I-86) West to Rte. 14 North in Horseheads. 25 minutes from Horseheads.
From Utica and points East (scenic route): I-90 West to Rte. 81 South to Rte. 79 West (in Ithaca) to Rte. 414 South. 30 minutes from Ithaca.
From Binghamton, Scranton, New York City, and points Southeast: Rte. 17(I-86) West to Rte. 14 North in Horseheads. 25 Minutes from Horseheads.
From Syracuse, Auburn, Oswego: I-90 West to Rte. 14 South (Geneva exit 42). 40 minutes from Exit 42.
Watkins Glen International is located approximately three miles outside of the Village of Watkins Glen. From Franklin Street in the Village, go South on Rte. 414 to the traffic light (3/4 mile) at the top of the hill and turn right. Go approximately 2.25 miles to the track (on the left).
Track Maps
WGI Policies
The Watkins Glen Track Policies
View the WGI Guest Guide
SCDA- Watkins Glen Passing Zones
- Registration will take place in Garage Bay 1 (Spring Event) and Media Center (July event) on the morning of the event.
- The Track will open at 6:30 AM on the day of the event. Access to the facility is not allowed prior to this time.
- OVERNIGHT Parking on LOT 3 on Sunday night will be allowed for July 15th. Paddock trailer drop off or camping will not be allowed on Sunday night (July 15th). Camping will be allowed on both prior nights for the April 30- May 1 event.
- The new LITTLE SPEED SHOP will be open on the far end of the garages for tire mounting/balancing and more!
- Food will be available at the track $12 “all-u-can-eat” Lunch Buffet each day! Food is located on the second floor of the Media Center. Lunch Hours are 12 – 1:30.
- Dogs are allowed at the track but must be leashed at all times. Please pick up after your pets!
Note: Drivers will be financially responsible for damage to safety barriers or other track damage.
Concessions and Fuel
Watkins Glen Concessions and Fuel
- Fuel is available at Watkins Glen International with a credit card.
- The new LITTLE SPEED SHOP will be open on the far end of the garages for tire mounting/balancing and more!
- Food will be available at the track $12 “all-u-can-eat” Lunch Buffet each day! Food is located on the second floor of the Media Center. Lunch Hours are 12 – 1:30.
Noise Restrictions
Watkins Glen International has no noise restrictions.
Track Damage
WGI Takes great pride in the quality of the track and facilities. Charges for any damage to safety barriers or other equipment are the responsibility of the driver involved.
Shipping to WGI
Shipping to WGI:
Ship to the track address. See the track office to collect packages
Ship to:
Watkins Glen International
2790 County Route 16
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Automotive Services
Safety Information
Helmet Requirements
Helmet Requirements for all SCDA events.
Helmets with a SA-2015 or SA-2020 rating are REQUIRED for all SCDA Events
Helmets with an M-rating are not Acceptable. Motorcycle helmets do not have the proper safety requirements for car use, specifically a rollbar multi-impact test.
Helmets MUST have one of these two labels on the inside.
Helmet Suppliers:
Dress Code
Long sleeves and long pants are suggested at all tracks. Open-toe shoes are not allowed. Drivers of competition cars are encouraged to wear fire-suits.
Convertible Policy
SCDA Convertible Policy
For safety reasons, all convertibles (Boxster, Miata, Corvette, BMW Z4, Honda S2000, Pontiac Solstice etc.) are required to have a roll bar that meets the following two criteria in order to be eligible to run during any event.
- The roll bar must be in the fixed position and visible at all times. This means that roll bars which are designed to automatically deploy are not acceptable unless they are in the full upright and locked position at all times.
- The roll bar must allow the driver to pass the “broomstick” test which means that the top of the drivers helmet must be below the line from the top of the roll bar to the top of the windshield.
There are aftermarket roll bars and/or seats which can be used to help meet these requirements. If your convertible meets these standards, then you are welcome to participate!
Most retractable Factory hard tops are acceptable at SCDA events, please verify.
Passengers
The ONLY time there may be a passenger on track is:
- If the Driver is a registered SCDA Instructor or Coach
- If the Passenger is a registered SCDA Instructor or Coach
- Non-entrant passengers MUST sign in and receive the proper wristband
Tech Inspection
Tech Inspection
All Cars must be brought to Tech Inspection prior to entering the track.
- Participants should bring their completed SCDA Tech Form to inspection with their helmets.
- Vehicles must be empty of items and have the numbers attached that are in the driver packet
- NOTE: Please visit Registration to get the event packet with the vehicle numbers in it. We cannot inspect a car that does not yet have the tech form and car numbers.
Lodging / Attractions
SCDA Discount Lodging near WGI
Area Lodging Suggestions
Please note that complementary camping will only be allowed on Monday night for the mid July event. Camping will be allowed for both nights for the other events.
The SCDA suggests:
Radisson Hotel Corning | (607) 962-5000 | Watkins Glen, NY- Use discount code: SPORTS to get the special rates valid until 4-5 weeks prior to event on limited basis, use codes below when booking:
The Falls Motel (607) 535-7262 in Montour Falls, NY for lodging that is clean and close to the track!
One other lodging option is The Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. Phone (607) 535-6116. Make sure that you ask for the special Watkins Glen Car Club rate ]!
- The Apex Inn B&B in Watkins Glen| (607) 535-8876 | Watkins Glen, NY
All rooms have private baths,AC/Heat/ceiling fan/40″ TV/ Fiber optic Internet/ Refrigerator/Freezer in room.Kuerig and snacks always available. Hot made to order breakfast as early as 6:00 am
- Seneca Springs Resort | (607) 546-4066 | Hector, NY
- Holiday Inn | (607) 962-5021 | Corning, NY
- Seneca Lodge | (607) 535-2014 | Watkins Glen, NY
Stay at the Track
Stay at Watkins Glen International
Overnight paddock camping is available at Watkins Glen International.
Camping Regulations at Watkins Glen International
Local Attractions
Seneca Lodge , Historic gathering place of Grand Prix champions, a must see.
