The Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival is set to return on September 11, 2026, inviting motorsport enthusiasts to celebrate the vibrant era of post‑World War II road racing that unfolded between 1948 and 1952.
This year's edition will showcase the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird as its marquee machines, with attendance projected to swell between 10,000 and 15,000 spectators, echoing the excitement of the sport’s golden years.
Former NASCAR commentator Mike Joy, a veteran journalist and inductee of the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame, and his son Scott Joy, a racing prodigy who began behind the wheel at age ten, have been appointed Grand Marshals, underscoring the event’s deep ties to the racing community.
Historic Tribute on the Track
The centerpiece of the festival will be the Watkins Glen International Grand Prix Tribute, where vintage sports cars will reenact the original 6.6‑mile road course that defined the sport in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Organizers have arranged seven Stone Bridge Driver events, allowing classic‑car aficionados to navigate the iconic circuit alongside nearly 700 participants, preserving the hands‑on spirit of the era.
Coinciding with the Hilliard U.S. Vintage Grand Prix weekend at Watkins Glen International, the festival will draw additional spectators, enriching the atmosphere with a broader celebration of historic racing.
Beyond the track, Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen will be closed from noon to eight p.m., creating a pedestrian‑friendly zone for live music, wine tasting, family activities, and the elegant Concours d'Elegance award ceremony.
The program also features a Walk of Fame ceremony honoring racing legends, historical lectures, vintage car technology inspections, and a bustling Farmers Market that highlights local producers.
With a blend of nostalgic competition, community festivities, and a reverence for the pioneers of American road racing, the 2026 festival promises a comprehensive homage to a transformative period in motorsport history.