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4/7/2005 - (more pictures) As part of the ongoing capital improvement plan at Watkins Glen International to enhance the experience of fans and prepare for one of their best racing seasons, Watkins Glen International President Craig Rust announced that the capital improvement plans are already underway. Renovations and enhancements will not effect the existing track configuration and are being made to areas surrounding the track such as runoff areas, fencing, and barriers. Renovations will be completed before the start of the 2005 season at The Glen. "This is the second largest renovation project in the 57-year history of Watkins Glen International and a very exciting time for The Glen," stated Rust. "We are committed to the continued success of Watkins Glen International, the Home of American Road Racing, and are getting ready for one of the best seasons in over 20 years." The largest renovation project was in 1971, when the course was rebuilt to the present configuration including the addition of the famous "Boot." The runoff area in Turn 1, also know as "The 90," has been regrated and elevated by approximately four feet and will be paved later this Spring along with Turn 9 (at the exit of the Boot), and Turn 11. Tire barriers have also been replaced throughout the facility, while some existing fencing will be replaced or extended around the Boot and along the front stretch, by Turn 11. New competition curbing will be added to the bottom of the Esses by Turn 2, throughout the Inner Loop, and by Turn 11. In several key areas, such as the Esses, the Boot, and Turn 11, the iconic blue guardrail will be shifted back from the track in order to improve sightlines for the Inaugural Watkins Glen Indy Grand Prix, IndyCar Series event September 23-25. The guardrail will not be permanently removed as reported in previous media articles. "While many of these improvements are being made in order to accommodate the faster, lower cars of the IndyCar Series, we have met with all of the series including NASCAR and Grand-Am and have received their input and support," commented Rust. "We are all in full agreement that these improvements will be better for all of the series, teams, and drivers that compete here." In addition, Phase Three of the previously started capital improvement project involving upgrading the restroom facilities and adding a new 42-row high grandstand are also underway. The previous grandstands including the Gray, Green, Yellow and Orange located along front stretch by the start/finish line, have been removed and the area is being prepared for the new aluminum FrontStretch Grandstand structure. Eight events are featured at WGI this year including the highly anticipated NASCAR Nextel Cup Series and the Inaugural IndyCar Series events. This year the NASCAR Busch Series will join the NEXTEL Cup weekend, for the first time at WGI during the annual SIRIUS Satellite Radio at The Glen, August 11-14. Open wheel racing also returns to the famed road course, during the Inaugural Watkins Glen Indy Grand Prix presented by Argent Mortgage on September 23-25.
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