Watkins Glen Providing Plenty of Fan Entertainment This Week - Speedway Digest

By Mark Robinson

IMSA Wire Service

Dawn Burlew knew well what she was getting into when she became president at Watkins Glen International. She was raised and has worked in the area her entire life.
It’s why she’s so excited to add to that community spirit as the iconic track and Finger Lakes region of New York welcome the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and four other IMSA-sanctioned series for the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen this week. In addition to nonstop action on the 3.4-mile road course running Thursday through Sunday, a myriad of other activities surrounding the event will provide a complete weekend for attending fans.
“I couldn’t have asked for, I would say, a better second career,” said Burlew, who took over the reins at Watkins Glen in January following a 40-year career at Corning, Inc. in nearby Corning, New York. “It’s been a great transition; I absolutely love it. I get to do so much with my community … and joining this team has been phenomenal.”
Burlew’s enthusiasm reaches a fever pitch when she talks about the fan-friendly activities scheduled to enhance the Sahlen’s Six Hours experience. It begins Wednesday evening with a free event at The Yard, a family entertainment center in the town of Watkins Glen, that will feature a driver autograph session, go-karting, live music and more from 5-7 p.m. ET.

“There’s going to be partner booth setups, we’re going to do an IMSA ticket sweepstakes so you could actually win tickets for the weekend,” Burlew said “There’s going to be driver go-kart races and autograph sessions. There’s going to be music, food trucks are going to be there, so there’s going to be a lot for people to do.”

Remaining fan events will take place at the track, including concerts featuring local bands Thursday through Saturday evenings, with fireworks following the Saturday show. A “Glow Party Track Walk” is set for 8 p.m. Thursday, where fans can walk the circuit and will be given glow sticks to light things up as the sun sets.

Fans have two opportunities to “dine” with the new track president on Saturday. “Donuts with Dawn” takes place from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Campground D concession stand and may include surprise appearances from some IMSA drivers. From 5:30-7 p.m. that evening, there’s “Hot Dogs with the Prez” where Burlew and Joe Sahlen, owner of the namesake title sponsor, will provide some of his company’s delicious hot dogs for dinner.

In addition, the WeatherTech Championship drivers’ autograph session takes place from 1-2 p.m. Saturday in the IMSA paddock. And there are also the traditional grid walks open to all fans prior to the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge race on Saturday (11:55 a.m.-12:35 p.m.) and the headlining WeatherTech Championship race on Sunday (10:05-11:10 a.m.).

“The nice thing about IMSA is every ticket gives you the same access, so people get to go up and see the cars and the drivers,” Burlew said. “There’s a lot of interaction that goes on because you’re so up front and close with our drivers and the teams. That’s the cool thing about it. We really are a family sport and this really gives people the opportunity to come out and see and be a part of it all weekend long.”

Tickets for the weekend remain available, with discounts available for teachers, students and first responders. Visit theglen.com for more information.