The Renaissance of Watkins Glen (J.J. O'Malley)

Guest speaker and longtime journalist J.J. O’Malley recounts how Watkins Glen fell into “dark years” after financial and safety troubles culminated in the Grand Prix Association’s 1981 bankruptcy, the loss of Formula 1, event cancellations, foreclosure action by the Bank of New York, and a 1982 auction. He describes how SCCA Glen Region leaders formed the Green Flag Committee to find a new owner, and how Corning Glass executive Jim Reisbeck—after seeing Daytona’s economic impact—commissioned studies and began talks that led Corning Glass to form Corning Enterprises to revive the track. Partnering with International Speedway Corporation (20% ownership), they created Watkins Glen International, closed public roads through the circuit, removed the Scheckter Chicane, upgraded facilities, emphasized family-friendly safety and strong law enforcement, and relaunched major racing with IMSA/Camel GT, Trans-Am, and eventually NASCAR’s Budweiser at the Glen in 1986, followed by successful vintage reunions.

===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Watkins Glen on the Brink 01:19 JJ’s Racing Origins 04:37 First Trips to the Glen 07:50 Collapse and Bankruptcy 10:37 Foreclosure and Auction 12:15 Green Flag Committee Forms 14:24 Corning Discovers the Glen 18:23 Corning Makes Its Move 23:53 Rebuilding and New Leadership 32:02 Five Months to Race Day 38:27 Camel GT / Continental Series Returns 41:30 NASCAR Comes to Town 44:10 Vintage Revival and Festival 45:20 Q&A and Closing Thanks 45:58 Sponsor Credits and Outro

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This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family - and was recorded in front of a live studio audience.