Watkins Glen: The Street Years, 1948-1952 (1999), WSKG Public Telecommunications Council, Binghamton, NY, 56:46 minutes
Fresh off the Grand Prix Festival earlier in the month, I thought it would be appropriate to reminisce about the origins of racing at ‘The Glen’. So, For the month of September, I’ve chosen the documentary film, Watkins Glen – The Street Years: 1948-1952.
The film chronicles the story behind Cameron Argetsinger’s vision of reintroducing road racing in America, post World War II. Coupled with the support from key local businessmen, the Mayor, councilmen, and the Chamber of Commerce, the first Watkins Glen Sports Car Grand Prix took place on October 2, 1948. They even had to get the cooperation of New York Central Railroad to stop the trains, due to the track layout crossing the tracks.
The event was a huge success and grew every year in attendance. The first year’s attendance was estimated at 20,000 and swelled to over 125,000 by 1950. By 1951, safety improvements were introduced to accommodate for the increased size of the crowds. But it was the tragic accident in 1952, which claimed the life of a child spectator, that brought racing through the streets to an end. Lloyds of London refused to insure the race for 1953, so it was relocated outside of town, in what now is the location of the permanent track known as Watkins Glen International.
The film is brought to life through numerous interviews with key figures, including race founder Cameron Argetsinger, auto racing historians, and race participants, along with archival photographs and actual race footage from the street races.
This is a wonderful documentary, which tells the story of Watkins Glen and the racing legacy that was born there in 1948. And, each year in September, the Village of Watkins Glen celebrates that history with the annual Grand Prix Festival. It’s my favorite event of the year, as is Watkins Glen International my favorite race track.
I encourage everyone to visit Watkins Glen and stop by the International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC) to immerse yourself in the racing stories of The Glen and from around the world. It’ll be well worth your while.
TJ…2026
