IMSA - Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen International hosts the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen, a premier endurance race in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. This six-hour contest brings together multiple classes of sports cars on one of North America's most respected road courses. The track sits in the Finger Lakes region of New York, where teams and drivers face a challenging circuit that tests both speed and strategy.

Circuit Details

Watkins Glen International features a 3.4-mile road course with 11 turns. The track surface is asphalt, and the layout includes several distinct sections that demand different approaches from drivers. The Long Straight and Back Straight allow cars to reach high speeds, while the Esses—turns two through five—require precision and smooth inputs.

Track Characteristics

The circuit presents significant elevation changes throughout the lap. Drivers climb uphill into the Esses, where throttle control becomes critical. The descent into Turn 6 requires commitment and proper braking technique. The track configuration known as "the Boot" creates the long course layout that IMSA uses for this endurance race. A repave completed in 2016 updated the surface, and the addition of the Inner Loop in 1992 extended the track to its current length.

Race Format and Classes

The race runs for six hours, making it one of the longer events on the IMSA calendar. Four classes compete simultaneously on track: Grand Touring Prototype (GTP), Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2), GT Daytona Pro (GTD Pro), and GT Daytona (GTD). This multi-class format creates varied racing throughout the field, with faster prototypes navigating through GT traffic.

Expected Participants

The GTP class features manufacturers including Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Porsche, and Aston Martin. Teams expected to compete include Porsche Penske Motorsport, Wayne Taylor Racing, Heart of Racing Team, and BMW M Team WRT. The LMP2 class brings entries from United Autosports USA and others. GT competition includes CrowdStrike Racing by APR, Tower Motorsports, Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports, and Pfaff Motorsports. IMSA releases the official entry list before the race.

Technical Regulations

IMSA enforces specific technical requirements for this event. Each car receives two data logger memory sticks that teams must exchange during the race following set procedures. Teams must maintain proper tire pressure monitoring systems, with any malfunctions requiring immediate correction. The series also checks skid plank thickness to ensure cars maintain legal ride height, which affects both performance and safety.

Historic Racing Venue

Watkins Glen has hosted motorsports since 1948, when the first race took place on a 6.6-mile course using public roads. The facility built a permanent circuit in 1956. The track gained international recognition by hosting the Formula One United States Grand Prix for twenty consecutive years from 1961 to 1980. NASCAR currently owns the facility, which is often called "The Glen" by racing fans. The original street course appears on the National Register of Historic Places. IMSA has competed at Watkins Glen for many years, making this venue a cornerstone of the series.

The Racing Experience

The six-hour format at Watkins Glen creates a true endurance challenge. Teams must balance speed with reliability across the full race distance. Strategy plays a major role, with fuel calculations, tire management, and driver changes all affecting the final result. The track's mix of fast sections and technical corners means that different car strengths emerge throughout the race. Weather can also factor into the competition, adding another variable for teams to manage.

Regional Setting

The village of Watkins Glen sits at the southern tip of Seneca Lake in New York's Finger Lakes region. The area is known for its wineries and natural features, including Watkins Glen State Park. This setting provides a distinct backdrop for the racing action at the track.

The Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen at Watkins Glen International offers endurance racing across multiple classes on a historic circuit. The combination of challenging track layout, diverse competition, and proven race format makes this a significant event in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season.