Posted (07/02/2012) -
Racing fans came out in big numbers to Watkins Glen International this weekend. More than 20,000 racing fans were expected to watch the annual Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen. They came from near and far to get a taste of the fast cars. Our Iris St. Meran tells us what fans enjoy the most.
Racing enthusiasts got their fill of cars and speed this weekend at Watkins Glen. A record number of fans showed up for the 31st Annual Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen.
Watkins Glen International President Michael Printup said, "I think today we'll probably have around 22,000, 23,000 people out here. And you'll notice the majority of fans here stay on the ground. They go in the corners and watch the race versus filling the stands."
And that's what fans love the most about being here. They get to experience a different side of the race track.
"Oh it's wild. Getting to walk down the road before the race, getting to be able to brush up against the cars, see these cars close up. It's nothing like seeing them on TV, totally different impression," said Alex Moody, a Williamstown, Massachusetts resident.
Nate Bishop said, "It's a lot bigger than I expected, just the length of the track."
Whether they like to see Ferraris or Audis these fans agree on one thing, there's nothing like this experience here.
"A lot of it is the camaraderie of the fans. I have a lot of friends that come here. This is a major speedway in the area," said Andy Dominick, a Horseheads.
It’s a speedway and experience that Robert Barlow, of Rochester, enjoys so much that he's come every year for 50 years.
Barlow said, "I've walked the track many, many, many, many times, in fact. The viewing here is very, very good. The people here are very, very good."
And he's already looking forward to making more memories in the years to come.
“I plan on coming back until I can’t,” said Barlow.