Watkin's Glen 2004 Zippo Vintage

I thought I would be smart this year, and try early to get a room for the Zippo Vintage Grand Prix in September. Seems others are much smarter than I (not difficult) and reserve their rooms for the following year at each year's event. I couldn't do that 'cause I wasn't able to go last year. I have not been able to find a room in Watkin's Glen..no room at any of the inns.

I know there are some listers who live around there, and I could use some assistance in gauging the distance from Watkin's Glen to other places that might have vacancies. I'll bring a Canadian toque as a thank-you.

Thanks

Bob

Bob,

We ran into the same problem last year and actually started checking much later than you are. I really wanted a B&B right in Watkins Glen but was only able to lock down a room the first night at one called the Cascata Winery at the Professor's Inn. It's a B&B but not really a winery. We were not very happy with the place and would not stay there again. We stayed the next two nights at Staybridge Suites (Corning, NY; 201 Townley Avenue; 607/936-7800). This was a nice hotel and the drive from town and the track was a 20-30 minute drive. The Staybridge is south of the Glen so you might want to look for something to the north. There are several B&B's and inns all around the area but we would probably stay at the Staybridge again next time.

Have you been to the vintage races at the Glen before? Last year was the first time for us and we had a SUPER time, I think my wife actually enjoyed it as much as I did. Definitely a "car crazy" weekend. A friend just restored a Turner and is planning to compete there this year so we may go again. We can tell you more or swap stories about the Zippo at Carlisle.

Thanks, Bruce. I've been to the Zippo weekend a few times, and always really enjoyed it. Been there in my family car; in a yellow 76 TR6 that I restored and have since sold; and my 91 Miata (a really nice drive, but that year was hot as Hades). I want to try it in my Roadster this year.

It's always a great weekend, as I love vintage racers...the smell of the grease, the roar of the crowd...

My long term goal is to make it in a Fiat 850.

Bob
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Bob, Never been to Watkins Glen, probably cause I'm a West Coast guy,
but I need to Know why anybodys goal would be to go anywhere in an 850
Fiat spyder...I had one, so I assume this is a joke, right?

Vince:

Would I joke about a Fiat 850? I mentioned that because at Watkin's Glen, there is usually a Fiat 850 that races - it has a giant wind-up key attached to the rear engine lid.

My real goal is to get there in an Izetta. Actually, my real goal is to find a room nearby so I can get there in anything :-)

The girl that drove an Izetta back in high school would often come out to the parking lot and find her car gone... hefted and carried over to the bike racks and carefully placed amid other equal-powered modes of transportation.

I like the key image on the 850. I'd go one step further and have F.I.A.T. somehow emblazoned on the car with the appropriate moniker below, " Fix It Again Tony"

Fix It All the Time

lol

Bob,

Any luck finding a room yet?

Isn't that..... 'F'ix 'I't 'A'gain 'T'ony?

Not yet, Bruce. I'm still looking, and Tom Weider says he knows the area slightly north of there, and is going to send me some suggestions.

I'm open to whatever, though.

Bob