Watkins Glen International is a racing institution in its 52nd year and is considered to be the birthplace of American road racing. It sits on approximately 2,000 acres about three miles outside the village of Watkins Glen at the southern tip of Seneca Lake, the largest of the five scenic Finger Lakes.

Watkins Glen is one of only two road courses on the NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule, and its also one of only two stops on the schedule where drivers have to make a right hand turn. The 2.45 mile racing circuit is very fast, twisting, and challenging with 11 turns all with variable banking that ranges from 6 to 10 degrees. The frontstretch is a downhill plunge to a hard right hander, shortly followed by a charge uphill through a series of esses and out onto the long backstretch. The slogan for Watkins Glen, "Racing - only twisted" could not be more accurate.

Fittingly for one of the nation's premier wine-producing regions, the champagne that is sprayed on NASCAR champions in Victory Lane is one that is crafted nearby.