Fans vote: Watkins gets 'Best NASCAR track' venue

WATKINS GLEN-After more than a month of voting in USA Today's "10 Best Readers' Choice "Favorite NASCAR Track" poll, Watkins Glen International (WGI) has been named the winner. It was announced Friday, June 26. The historic road course in the Finger Lakes region led the list of 20 facilities in the country nominated for the honor. A panel of experts picked the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote online during four weeks of voting.
Watkins Glen beat out Martinsville Speedway (Virginia), Michigan International Speedway (Michigan), Bristol Motor Speedway (Tennessee), Darlington Raceway (South Carolina), Kansas Speedway (Kansas), Dover International Speedway (Delaware), Richmond International Raceway (Virginia), Talladega Superspeedway (Alabama) and Charlotte Motor Speedway (North Carolina).
"This is a win for Watkins Glen International, the Finger Lakes region, New York State, and especially for our fans," said WGI president Michael Printup. "Our fans, the best in racing, were behind us from the minute we were announced as a finalist. This is a tribute to them."
Other nominees for "Best NASCAR Track" included the Atlanta Motor Speedway, Auto Club Speedway, Daytona International Speedway, Homestead Miami Speedway, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Phoenix International Raceway, Pocono Raceway, Sonoma Raceway and the Texas Motor Speedway.
Last month, Watkins Glen State Park earned the No. 3 state park in the country, also in a USA Today poll. Letchworth State Park, located in Genesee Falls, took top honors in the vote.
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is set to make its annual visit to Watkins Glen Aug. 6 through 9 for the Cheez-It 355. For more, visitwww.TheGlen.com.