Over 30 Formula One Cars to Compete Prior to The IndyCar Series Race
Watkins Glen International has announced that Zippo will title sponsor the Historic Grand Prix race during the Inaugural Watkins Glen Indy Grand Prix presented by Argent Mortgage weekend. More than 30 authentic Formula One cars will return to the legendary 3.37-mile grand prix course at Watkins Glen International, September 23-25 for the newly titled Zippo Historic Grand Prix.
The spectacular racing show of F1 cars that competed between 1966 and 1983 will be running on the track all weekend. The race will be held on September 25th and will start at approximately 12:00 PM prior to the IndyCar Series and Menards Infiniti Pro Series events. Headlining the HGP entry are the USGP winning team cars of Jackie Stewart, Tyrrell 004, 1972; Carlos Reutemann, Brabham BT-44, 1974; Niki Lauda, Ferrari 312T, 1975; James Hunt, McLaren M-26, 1976-1977; Gilles Villeneuve, Ferrari 312 T-5, 1979; and Alan Jones, Williams FW07B, 1980.
These historic cars will also be on display in the paddock across from stand-four throughout the weekend. Garage/Paddock passes can be purchased for $30.00 by calling 866-461-RACE or online at TheGlen.com.
“Our 13-year sponsorship of the Zippo U.S. Vintage Grand Prix has created a strong partnership between Zippo and Watkins Glen. We are very excited to sponsor the Zippo Historic Grand Prix and salute the return of Indy car racing at the Glen,” said Greg Booth, President and CEO of Zippo Manufacturing Company. “We look forward to a spectacular weekend; in fact, a spectacular season of racing at the Glen.”
September 23-25 the cars of the Zippo Historic Grand Prix will be revisiting familiar terrain. Virtually all the HGP cars raced at Watkins Glen International during the United States Grand Prix years. Included in the confirmed entry are several USGP winning team cars, at least six World Drivers Championship winning cars and many fondly remembered GP cars from the halcyon days of Watkins Glen International and Formula One.
“We truly appreciate Zippo’s continued support of road racing at Watkins Glen International,” stated track president Craig Rust. “Zippo’s sponsorship has given us the ability to genuinely celebrate our history and showcase these magnificent cars during our inaugural IndyCar Series event.”
Zippo’s involvement with Watkins Glen International began in 1993 with the sponsorship of the annual fall vintage event, known as the Zippo U.S. Vintage Grand Prix. They renewed that partnership in September 2004 for another three years. In February, they announced an additional three-year agreement as title sponsor of the Zippo 200 NASCAR Busch Series race at The Glen on August 13th during the annual SIRIUS Satellite Radio at The Glen NASCAR NEXTEL Cup event.
Also of great interest in the HGP race will be two ex-Gilles Villeneuve Ferraris from 1979 and 1980, ex-James Hunt M-23 and M-26 McLarens and ex-Mario Andretti Lotus 77 and 79 models.
The cars and stars of the Indy 500 will go road racing during the Inaugural Watkins Glen Indy Grand Prix, presented by Argent Mortgage, September 23-25. And the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series will make three stops at The Glen during the 2005 season beginning June 10-12 during the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling 866-461-RACE or by visiting TheGlen.com.
