Watkins Glen International visits State Capitol to promote tourism, ’16 season

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 23, 2016) - Members of the Watkins Glen International team and IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship drivers Jordan and Ricky Taylor traveled to the State capitol this week to meet with legislators and open a New York State motorsports exhibit in the Empire State Plaza.

During a legislative session on Tuesday afternoon, the Taylor brothers and WGI staff were recognized as distinguished guests, while the historic road course was lauded for being home to the state’s largest sporting event, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355™ in August, which attracts fans from all 50 states and 16 different countries. Watkins Glen International events annually generate over $200 million in economic activity and more than 2,000 jobs across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions.

As part of the exhibit housed in the Empire State Plaza’s indoor concourse, Kyle Busch’s 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series-winning Toyota Camry was on display in addition to John Morton’s national championship-winning Datsun 240z, a Mazda MX-5 Miata, and a dirt modified car from Utica-Rome Speedway.“We always enjoy our time in Albany, catching up with legislators and spreading the word of Watkins Glen International and tourism in the Finger Lakes,” said WGI President Michael Printup. “This year’s exhibit housed in Empire State Plaza provides us with the opportunity to showcase not only what we have to offer, but a glimpse into motorsports around the state, as well.” 

In a joint statement, State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats), Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning), and Assemblyman Chris Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) said,“It’s a great privilege for us to join Governor Cuomo and our legislative colleagues, Watkins Glen International, and the professional drivers who make this sport go to showcase the importance of American motorsports to the regional and statewide economies. It’s also a great opportunity to demonstrate our pride in one of the world’s iconic sporting venues and the fact that ‘The Glen’ has resonated so powerfully throughout the history of American motorsports for more than six decades. Watkins Glen International is one of New York State’s premier destinations, a backbone of our leading tourism industry, and a driving force for countess charitable, community service, and economic development initiatives. We’re lucky to call Watkins Glen International one of our own.”(WGI)