On Friday, September 6, the 31st Annual Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival was held in the village. The daylong event honored the years 1948-1952, when cars raced down Franklin Street and around the State Park on a public road circuit of 6.6 miles in length. The featured marque this year was MG, in honor of its 100th birthday. A wonderful display of Porsche Speedsters highlighted the 70th anniversary of this iconic sportscar.
The IMRRC-sponsored “Legends Speak” program featured Glen Moore, MG historian, racer and owner of the Bob Fergus MG that competed in WG in 1952, as well as Denny Cornett, Roger Linton, and JC Argetsinger. Denny and Roger’s fathers competed here in 1948, and for many years thereafter, and of course, JC’s father, Cameron, was the man who brought racing to The Glen in 1948 and competed in the early races. Warm temps, sunny skies, thousands of smiling fans, and hundreds of cars running the streets made for a perfect day!
On Saturday, the IMRRC hosted its third Center Conversation event of the season. Glen Moore treated the audience to a fascinating and enlightening look at “100 Years of MG,” and noted local artist, Bob Gillespie, spoke about his new book, “One Track Mind,” highlighting his 50-plus year career of race car artwork. The book is a “must have” for any race fan, as Bob’s paintings and sketches seemingly leap off the page at you!
One Track Mind Book
Both the Fergus and Cornett MG’s were on display outside the Research Center and a crowd of over 100 was on hand to enjoy the festivities.
Contact Bob directly to purchase his book at rgillesp@roadrunner.com. A portion of the sales will benefit the IMRRC. Only 100 copies remain of the original press run!
After the excitement of Friday’s Grand Prix Festival on September 6, you are invited to a very special Center Conversation event at the International Motor Racing Research Center on Saturday, September 7 from 1-3PM.
Glen Moore is a noted MG historian, enthusiast, restorer, writer, racer… and owner of the Bob Fergus MGTD that competed in the 1952 Queen Catherine Cup race here at The Glen. Glen will offer a fascinating commentary on both the manufacturing and racing heritage of the car we honor as our featured marque at the Festival.
Noted local artist and race enthusiast, Bob Gillespie, will share the dais as he introduces his new book, One Track Mind to the public during the Festival weekend. The book will feature 95 paintings, 25 drawings, and 4 murals that will chronicle more than 50 years of Bob’s amazing and evocative racing artwork.
After the formal program, both gentlemen will return to the Research Center, where Glen will speak more about MG history and the Fergus car, which will be on display, and Bob to sell and autograph copies of One Track Mind.
Make your Festival weekend more complete by joining us for this great program. Admission is free. For more information, call the IMRRC at (607) 535-9044.
IMRRC featured in monthly MG club Magazine – featuring MGs on display at the IMRRC