I grew up just a few miles from the Watkins Glen race track, so it was a place that I visted often back in the 60s and 70s. I attended several Formula 1 races, and even worked communications for the Schulyer County Sheriff’s department during one race.

Those times were a big part of my youth. Regretably, I didn’t attend the Summer Jam in July of 1973, where 600,000 people attended to see the Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers, and The Band perform.

Read More: Butter & Manure: Where Does It Go After the New York State Fair?

Formula 1 races were held at Watkins Glen from 1961 to 1980.  NASCAR took over officially in 1986. It’s been a staple ever since. That race traditionally happens on a weekend in August, but that is about to end.

Last month, NASCAR announced some changes to the 2026 season, and that included Watkins Glen International. The traditional August race has been moved to the weekend of May 8th through the 10th for the earliest in track history.

Even Dover Motor Speedway’s NASCAR race in Dover, Delaware, has also moved. That race will be the weekend of May 17th, hosting the 42nd NASCAR All-Star Race.

Since many local NASCAR fans attend the Watkins Glen race each year, I asked on social media what their thoughts are concerning this move from August back to an early May weekend. Here’s what some of you said:

  • Justin W. – Every rig is going to get stuck. Bring muck boots, tarps, and tow chains. My only complaint truly is that my child will be in school, and that will make my camping experience/ family reunion a bit shorter. Once a year, my family comes up from NC for the races. This year, they get the reminder of why they moved south.

  • Kimmy S. – Terrible scheduling choice!

  •  John B – Best move in a minute. Finally, a chance for people to get a shot at “heritage “ spots or tickets. They’re looking to revamp the sport and get a younger generation involved. When people have those cherry spots for 20+ years, it gives the younger generation no reason to even try. They have rain tires and know we will party rain or shine. Let’s get it on.
  •  Robert C. – You got traded for IOWA!

  •  Mike G. – A very stupid decision. We camped at the Sahlens Six Hours of The Glen this year, and that race is towards the end of June. Security was so busy trying to round up help to get big campers and RVs that were stuck in the mud at the campgrounds cause the ground wasn’t hardened up yet. So I can’t imagine how bad it will be that much earlier in the year. They certainly didn’t think a lot of things through before deciding on that date.

  •  Terri C. – Probably the beginning of the end for Watkins R-T on the NASCAR circuit.
  • Millie B. – Why not leave it in August? And if they want to add more tracks, don’t double up on some of the other tracks…like Darlington and Daytona and others.
  • Tom S. – I will still attend, but not really happy. Been going there for 30+ years. In August, one year was September. That’s what happens when ISC takes over a local racetrack.
  • John S. – The only issue I have is that I’m in culinary and therefore working. People are complaining way too much. It’s not a big deal. Yeah, it might be chilly. That means a better race. Just throw on an extra layer and throw down some extra beer.

  • Kevin P. – Pure stupidity. But they can race in the rain! Not sure about snow or slush.

  • Gene M. – We have been going to the Glen for 40 years, and I think it is a slap in the face that they changed it to May, where the weather is cold and wet, so this is the first time we will not be going.
  •  Diane H. –  Wear your winter coat.
  • Frank C. – I had a grand opening of a store in Horseheads, N.Y., on May 6th, and it snowed.
  • Russell A. – Oh boy. All the hotels will be a nightmare with so many college graduations in proximity to WG!
  • Tim F. – NASCAR continues to do everything it can to drive away the fans. Totally erased the traditions and constantly changes things to ruin the sport.

  • Sandi N. – Too, too early for this area. Hope they all bring their winter coats and boots. Also, the NYS campgrounds aren’t open at that time.

  • Jeff S. – I guess they’re going to race snowmobiles next year. Pretty cool.

  • Rufus M. – Might need snow tires! And it should put a damper on camping.

  • Robert S. – Last May, we had 3 days where it did not rain. Good luck guessing which day to have a race in May.

  • James F. –  Can you say snow tires?

CNY News logoLOOK: These Unforgettable Photos Bring the 1960s to Life

Grab your go-go boots, tease that beehive sky-high, and join us on a visual journey through the highs and lows of the swingin’ ‘60s.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

LOOK: 79 of the Most 1970s Photos You’ve Ever Seen

Step back into the wild, rebellious 1970s with 79 unforgettable photos that capture the era’s bold fashions, entertainment and everyday life. 

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz