The Renaissance of Watkins Glen (J.J. O'Malley)

Podcast: BREAK/FIX the Motorsports & Vehicle Enthusiast Variety Show · Motoring Podcast Network

Opublikowano: 2026-10-06

Guest speaker and longtime journalist J.J. O’Malley recounts how Watkins Glen fell into “dark years” after financial and safety troubles culminated in the Grand Prix Association’s 1981 bankruptcy, the loss of Formula 1, event cancellations, foreclosure action by the Bank of New York, and a 1982 auction. He describes how SCCA Glen Region leaders formed the Green Flag Committee to find a new owner, and how Corning Glass executive Jim Reisbeck—after seeing Daytona’s economic impact—commissioned studies and began talks that led Corning Glass to form Corning Enterprises to revive the track. Partnering with International Speedway Corporation (20% ownership), th...