The Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival is set to return on September 11, 2026, reviving the post‑World War II road‑racing tradition that made the region a mecca for vintage motorsport enthusiasts.
Grand Marshals
Grand Marshals Mike Joy and his son Scott Joy will lead the celebration, bringing decades of NASCAR broadcasting expertise and personal racing experience to the event. Mike Joy, a Fox Sports NASCAR announcer since 2001, has earned multiple motorsports journalism awards, while Scott Joy began racing at age ten and has competed in historic series such as the Trans Am race at Lime Rock in 2013.
The festival’s program blends historic reverence with modern excitement. Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen will be closed from noon to eight p.m., creating a pedestrian‑friendly corridor for the Walk of Fame induction ceremony, historical lectures, vintage car technology inspections, and a bustling Farmers Market.
A centerpiece of the weekend is the Watkins Glen International Grand Prix Tribute, which reconstructs the original 6.6‑mile road course used between 1948 and 1952. Classic car aficionados can register for the seven Stone Bridge Driver events, where nearly 700 participants will take the wheel on the iconic circuit, sharing the thrill of authentic vintage racing.
With an anticipated attendance ranging from ten thousand to fifteen thousand visitors, the gathering coincides with the Hilliard U.S. Vintage Grand Prix weekend at Watkins Glen International, adding another layer of spectators and reinforcing the region’s reputation as a hub for historic motorsport.
Beyond the track, the event showcases iconic machines such as the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird, while offering a blend of tech inspections, autocross challenges, and legends‑focused sessions that let fans experience the sights, sounds, and spirit of the golden era of American road racing.