Zippo Vintage GP at Watkins Glen

Who is planning on attending the Vintage Grand Prix at Watkin's Glen this September? I have gone for the past few years, and this year will be going in my roadster (I hope).

Dates are September 5-7, and there is always a great collection of 'vintage' cars, both on and off the track. Plus if you pay the price, you get to drive the track for a symbolic cruise around (haven't done this yet).

Bob Carley

Bob,

I am seriously planning on going but have not committed to a room or tickets yet. Currently searching the 'net for a room for my wife and I. I just sent off a few e-mails but have not received responses. Where do you usually stay, any suggestions?

A friend is just finishing a race-prepped Turner and I am anxious to see him/it in action. It looks like the $40 general admission tickets allows access to everything - grandstands, garages, etc. so we will probably go that route

Is there usually a good turn-out of vintage race cars? How is Saturday's vintage car show?

I will be traveling from near Baltimore and will not be able to bring my Speedster due to engine problems :(

Bruce

It is sometimes difficult to get rooms in the area during the weekend. The past two years I have stayed in places north of the Glen. I can't recall the names, but last year's stay was in a winery that was quite nice, but also pricey, and about 20 miles north. However, I went with my son, and it was a special weekend. I have not booked for this year yet, as I was not sure about firm plans, so I will be in the same boat as you, trying to find a room.

There is always a great turnout of vintage cars - both racing and show. They have a good show of older sports cars in the infield, and walking through the pits is like Christmas morning (I used to get car model kits for Christmas). The variety of track cars is fantastic, from little Fiats with windup keys on the back, to 500 h.p. beasts. There are always some nice 356's.

Bring a folding chair, a hat or an umbrella, and lots of stuff to drink (water, that is). It's a great weekend, and if you can make the Friday, they always have a special event in town that recreates the older days at the Glen. You can drive the original track route that went out of town and then back through the village (they used regular roads back then for the race)

You'll find the full program on the Glen website.

Bob

Bob,

You are right, accomodations are tough to find. Only one hotel and it is sold out. I am currently chasing down all of the B&B's in the area and coming up empty. Just received notice of a cancellation for a $200/night B&B room - more than I want to spend. There are still a few more to check with. Have you decided if you are going?

If you're having trouble finding rooms for the weekend, try looking in Ithaca. I was born and grew up in Ithaca, and we used to head over to the Glen all the time. It's a short drive, but it will make a significant difference in availablilty and pricing of rooms.

Courtyard by Marriott, Ramada, and others all have sites there, as well as a number of B&B's.

If you need help, feel free to E-mail me, and I'll help you find a place.

Jeff

Soundezgn@yahoo.com

Bruce: I want to go - it's sort of a yearly 'end of summer' tradition with me. If I can't get a room, I might just head down for the Saturday. But, that's a lot of driving in one day. I left reservations too late this year as I was not sure of my car situation this year.

Bob

I lucked out today. Found a room for Saturday night at a winery bed & breakfast 5 miles from the track! Have built a large list of B&B's and hotels in the area that are filled but believe there are still a few vacancies around. Now all I have to do is find a place for Friday night....may eventually take Jeff up on his offer.

Here's a few resources for B&B's in the area -


www.esbba.com/ Empire state B&B