Thunder in the Glen releases schedule

Celebrate NASCAR as “Thunder in the Glen” comes to Watkins Glen on Wednesday, August 8th, from 3 – 9 p.m.With a new night, a new location, a new sponsor, and a new attitude, this event is a must for any race fan. The festival, sponsored by General Revenue Corporation, will be held at Seneca Harbor Park this year, centrally locating all festival activities. A free shuttle bus service to and from the event will be offered to assist festival-goers. Free parking is available at Watkins Glen High School on 12th Street; watch the signage for additional stops. For those already at the track for weekend race events, shuttle bus service to downtown will be available at Gates 1 and 7.Centurion Boats, sponsor of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Race at Watkins Glen International, is a new partner in the event for 2007. This new partnership is an ideal fit for the festival’s new lakeside location, and will include wakeboarding demonstrations at 5 and 7 pm near the Seneca Harbor pier, as well as exhibits of the company’s NASCAR-themed boat line and more.For the second year, the U.S. Postal Service will be featuring a special pictorial stamp cancellation and autograph session in conjunction with the event. Driver of the Busch Series #27 car, Jorge Goeters, will be available for autographs from 5-6 pm.Along with the thunder of race cars, new to the event this year will be the diesel roar of a passenger train. The Finger Lakes Scenic Railway will be offering train rides through the hills on the west side of Seneca Lake to benefit the Victory Junction Gang Camp. Cost for the 1-hour scenic excursion is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and ages 3-13. Those 2 and under sitting on a lap are free with purchase of an adult ticket. The train will depart Seneca Harbor at 4:00, 5:30 and 7:00 pm. As in past years, festival features include show cars, racing simulators, classic cars, Black Rock dirt track cars, racing collectibles, children’s activities, food vendors and more. Live music this year will feature Steve Southworth and the Rockabilly Rays from 5 – 9 pm.Show cars confirmed, to date, include the Miller Lite, Jim Beam, Home Depot, Carhartt, and Kellogg’s cars, and more are expected. Bring your camera!For more information, contact Watkins Glen Promotions at (607) 535-3003 or go to http://watkinsglen.com/promotions/thunder/