The Verizon IndyCar Series will return to the legendary Watkins Glen International circuit in 2016 after a deal was struck to return to the former venue of Formula 1 on Labor Day in September.
IndyCar officials had been seeking a replacement venue for a race following the abandonment of the street race that was set to take place across the same weekend in Boston, and now the series will return to the Watkins Glen track for the first time since 2010.
IndyCar President of Competition and Operations Jay Frye has welcomed the news that the championship will end its hiatus from the track in 2016, with both IndyCar and Indy Lights racing at the venue between 1-4 September.
“It’s great to have the Verizon IndyCar Series return to Watkins Glen,” said Frye. “A tremendous amount of thanks goes to track President Michael Printup and his entire staff for their efforts in helping make this a reality in such a short time frame.
“Obviously, Watkins Glen has great racing history and it’s a track that will showcase the on-track competition and overall excitement level of our series. Our season is off to a great start and we can’t wait to bring the Verizon IndyCar Series back to our fans at Watkins Glen.”
The IndyCar race will be held around the longer 3.4-mile layout of the circuit, and Watkins Glen International President Michael Printup is excited for the championship to return to the circuit in 2016.
“We’re excited to welcome IndyCar back to The Glen,” said Printup. “The fact that we could put this deal together so quickly shows how motivated each party was to make this happen for the fans and the competitors.
“I know our team has the capability to make this a premier event for IndyCar, and I believe the drivers are really going to love the new asphalt and that translates into an exciting weekend for the fans. It’s truly a win-win for everyone.”
