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Watkins Glen becomes epicenter of American motorsports this month with back-to-back racing and automotive celebrations. NASCAR races arrive May 8-10 while the legendary Corvette Thunder in the Glen festival takes over May 15-16, delivering unforgettable experiences for speed enthusiasts across upstate New York.
🔥 Quick Facts
- NASCAR Triple Header: Three races across three days at Watkins Glen International, May 8-10, 2026
- Cup Series Main Event: Go Bowling at The Glen, Sunday May 10 at 3:00 PM ET on FS1
- Corvette 73rd Anniversary: Thunder in the Glen celebrates Harley Earl’s iconic sports car legacy May 15-16
- Historic Connection: Earl attended 1951 races at The Glen, inspiring the Corvette concept two years later
NASCAR’s Biggest Triple-Header Weekend Arrives
Watkins Glen International hosts three consecutive NASCAR races, May 8-10, creating one of the season’s most thrilling motorsports spectacles. Friday kicks off with the ARCA Menards Series General Tire 100 at 1:30 PM, followed by the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Bully Hill Vineyards 176 at 4:30 PM.
Saturday features the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Mission 200 at 4:00 PM, setting the stage for Sunday’s marquee event. The Go Bowling at The Glen, NASCAR Cup Series race, airs Sunday, May 10 at 3:00 PM ET on FS1. This legendary road course demands precision driving, tactical passes, and split-second decisions across its challenging layout.
Watkins Glen hosts NASCAR races May 8-10, Corvette festival May 15-16 in New York
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The Iconic Road Course Demands Excellence
Watkins Glen International spans 3.5 miles of pure racing challenge in upstate New York’s rolling landscape. The Cup Series race covers 100 laps totaling 245 miles of intense competition. Drivers navigate sharp turns, elevation changes, and braking zones that separate champions from challengers on this storied venue.
Mother’s Day weekend adds sentimental significance, as families gather to witness motorsport’s finest talent. Weekend and Sunday-only tickets are available now on Ticketmaster. The speedway offers grandstand seating, camping, VIP hospitality packages, and premium experiences for fans seeking the ultimate trackside adventure.
Event Schedule and Access Details
| Series | Date | Time |
| ARCA Menards | Friday, May 8 | 1:30 PM ET |
| NASCAR Truck Series | Friday, May 8 | 4:30 PM ET |
| NASCAR Xfinity Series | Saturday, May 9 | 4:00 PM ET |
| NASCAR Cup Series | Sunday, May 10 | 3:00 PM ET |
“Watkins Glen International hosts world-class racing throughout the 2026 season, with highlights including the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen.”
— Watkins Glen International, Official Speedway
Corvette Thunder in the Glen Celebrates American Icon
One week after NASCAR’s finale, Watkins Glen transforms into a Corvette lover’s paradise. May 15-16, Corvette Thunder in the Glen honors the 73rd anniversary of America’s most iconic sports car. Harley J. Earl, GM chief stylist, attended the 1951 races at Watkins Glen, where inspiration struck for the revolutionary vehicle he would design.
The festival opens Friday with sunset cocktails and appetizers on Seneca Lake from 6-9 PM. Guest speaker Ron Fellows, legendary Corvette Racing Team driver with three ALMS championships and two Le Mans victories, joins fellow enthusiasts for conversation and camaraderie. Saturday unfolds downtown with hundreds of Corvettes lining Franklin Street from 11 AM to 4 PM, creating an automotive gallery of gleaming machines from every era.
Two Days of Corvette Celebration and Heritage
Saturday’s Grand Prix Circuit laps thrill spectators as classic Corvettes cruise the historic original circuit and Watkins Glen International track. Live music, food vendors, shopping, and family-friendly activities fill downtown streets. Ron Fellows brings unmatched credibility, having earned four consecutive “Most Popular Driver” awards from ALMS fans and representing Corvette globally as brand ambassador since stepping back from factory racing in 2008.
Spectator admission is free, though display Corvette owners select Classic or Premium packages. Elm Chevrolet presents the festival, with Seneca Lodge, Hotel Radisson Corning, and The Hotel Laurel offering discounted rates for attendees. Registration deadline closed April 30, and vendor space sold out weeks before the event, underscoring massive enthusiasm.
Will You Experience Two Legendary Weekends at Watkins Glen?
Back-to-back motorsports celebrations make this May unprecedented in upstate New York. NASCAR’s roaring engines transition seamlessly into Corvette’s storied heritage, offering fans diverse automotive thrills. Tickets are available for both events at official websites. Whether cheering Cup Series champions on Sunday or admiring 300-plus Corvettes the following Saturday, Watkins Glen promises memories for every speed enthusiast this May.
