Changes at The Glen
WATKINS GLEN, NY (January 17, 2010) - Fans and drivers will notice some major changes in
several turns when they come back to the legendary road course of Watkins Glen International
during the 2010 season. The Glen is continuing their capital improvement plan and
undergoing another major renovation project, which is just the latest series of changes, since
the permanent road course's debut in 1957.
Among the changes is the removal of gravel traps and grass, modification of the catch
fence, installation of SAFER Barriers, and the relocation of guard rails. The project will be the
largest improvement project on the 3.4-mile road course since the installation of new catch
fences prior to the first IZOD IndyCar® Series race at Watkins Glen International in 2005. The
renovation project will affect all series that race on the 3.4-mile circuit and include
improvements to the Inner loop or "Bus Stop", Turn 5 (known as Turn 9 of the short-course or
the "Carousel"), Turn 10 and Turn 11.
"We make it a point to evaluate our entire facility every year and we identified these
areas as needing improvement," said Michael Printup, president of Watkins Glen International.
"The feedback we received from each of the sanctioning bodies was very positive and in
agreement with our recommendations. We think the drivers will like what they see when they
return here and should lead to even better on-track action for our fans."
Officials from Watkins Glen International and its parent-company International Speedway
Corporation (ISC) recognized a need for improvements around the road course. Shortly after
the conclusion of the 2009 season, officials from WGI, ISC, and North American Testing Co.
(NATC) convened to discuss ideas of possible improvements. After an initial list was formed,
the track officials met with executives of NASCAR, the Indy Racing League, GRAND-AM, and
all of the other series that compete on the road course to gather feedback. Based upon those
discussions, improvement plans were devised that will be completed prior to the start of the
2010 season at The Glen.
Along the portion of the course known as the inner loop or "bus stop," the existing gravel trap
will be replaced with a paved runoff area, which will allow more side-by-side racing throughout
the tight turns. Additionally, a SAFER barrier will be installed along the interior concrete barrier
wall and the existing catch fence system will be removed with a modified version installed.
Turn 5, also known as the "Carousel Turn" will include the removal of the existing grass to
pave an extended runoff area and the installment of a rumble strip built to FIA specifications
along the track edge of pavement. The existing guard rail system will be modified to install a
crash attenuator system, to help absorb the impact when a car makes contact with the wall.
Similarly, the project in Turn 10 will include the removal of a portion of the current gravel
trap, which will be replaced with another paved runoff area. Additionally, the current FIA rumble
strip will be extended along the track edge of pavement.
Finally, Turn 11 improvements will feature the installation of a SAFER barrier in front of
the exterior guide rail system. Additionally, all grass areas between the new SAFER barrier
and the track will be paved to help provide better traction when a driver is attempting to bring
their car to a stop.
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