Race Tribute Highlight of Grand Prix Festival

Now in its 15th year, the Grand Prix Festival of Watkins Glen presented by Chemung Canal Trust Company continues its celebration of the community’s rich motor racing history with a full day of activities along Franklin Street in Watkins Glen on Friday, September 7, 2007.The festival kicks off at 10:00 am. Tributes to the original Grand Prix races through the streets include a pre-race Tech Inspection Reenactment at Smalley’s Garage at 9:00am, the Walk of Fame Induction ceremony at 12:00 pm at the court house, live music on the court house lawn at 1:00 pm, a historical lecture called The Legends Speak in Lafayette Park at 3:00 pm, and an all-day judged car show, the Chemung Canal Trust Company Concours d’Elegance.Highlighting the event is the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Tribute. The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association, sanctioning body for the Zippo US Vintage Grand Prix held at Watkins Glen International that same weekend, organizes vintage racing automobiles to arrive and park on Franklin Street at 4:30 pm for the public to enjoy. Opening Ceremonies for the event start at 5:30 pm on Franklin Street across from the County Court House. The first tribute laps are scheduled for 6:10 pm.Parked along the main streets of the village you will find over 500 classic sports cars of all ages and marques for your enjoyment. This year’s featured automobile is the BMW – a number of which will be parked on display at Lafayette Park starting at about 2:00 pm. In addition to live music, wine tasting, food courts, and assorted other family activities, a variety of vendors of racing items and related merchandise are provided for your entertainment and pleasure, plus fireworks at the gorge entrance at dusk.