FCS: RACE: SCC: 2003 Watkins Glen schedule

Watkins Glen, NY (October 16, 2002) - Eight events are featured on the 2003 schedule at Watkins Glen International, including once again the NASCAR Winston Cup Series returning on its annual August weekend and two stops to the historic road course for the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series and the new Daytona Prototypes.

The season opens with Opening Day on May 4, marking the advance sale deadline for all race weekend tickets. Fans can once again take on the left- and right-hand turns of the famed road course in their own vehicles, or take a ride in a pace car.

The Chemung Canal Trust Historic Races, June 6-8, kicks off a month of sports car racing, which includes the Porsche Clash, June 13-15, and the Sports Car Grand Prix, June 20-22. The new and exciting Daytona Prototype makes its debut at the historic road course as part of the traditional Six Hours of The Glen, the featured event during the Sports Car Grand Prix. Support races include two Grand-Am Cup races and the Ferrari Challenge.

SCCA Finger Lakes Nationals returns again July 12-13, followed immediately by the Finger Lakes Wine Festival supported by Corning Museum of Glass, July 18-20. The Festival will again kick off on Friday evening with the Launch of the Lakes celebration.

New York State's largest weekend spectator sporting event returns again August 7-10, with the NASCAR Winston Cup Series taking center stage on Sunday in the Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen. Support races include the NASCAR Busch North Series 150 presented by Pepsi on Saturday and the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series' Bully Hill Vineyards 250 on Friday night.

The season is capped off by the Zippo U.S. Vintage Grand Prix, September 5-7, in conjunction with the Grand Prix Festival in the Village of Watkins Glen. The Glen will feature the racing career of Mark Donohue and highlight the American Muscle Car. Many significant cars and people from Donohue's racing career are expected to make an appearance during the weekend.

Ticket holders for the 2002 season are reminded to renew their tickets by November 22 through The Glen's ticket office. The first 2,424 general admission ticket holders to upgrade to a reserved grandstand seat on the Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen NASCAR Winston Cup weekend will receive a numbered, limited edition Jeff Gordon/Watkins Glen International FREE! Only 2,424 bobbleheads are available, so supplies are extremely limited and will be issued to ticket holders based on the renewal return date.

Tickets for the entire 2003 racing season go on sale November 4. For tickets and information, please contact the Watkins Glen ticket office at 607-535-2481 or log on to the official Watkins Glen Web site at www.theglen.com. For the finest Watkins Glen International items and apparel, motorsports collectibles, and authentic NASCAR merchandise, diecasts and clothing, stop by The Shop at 2 North Franklin Street in Watkins Glen or call 607-535-2338.

<pre> 2003 Schedule

May 4 Opening Day (Advance Sale Deadline)

June 6-8 Chemung Canal Trust Historic Races

June 13-15 Porsche Clash

June 20-22 Sports Car Grand Prix Weekend Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series Grand-Am Cup Ferrari Challenge

July 12-13 SCCA Finger Lakes Nationals

July 18-20 Finger Lakes Wine Festival, supported by Corning Museum of Glass

August 7-10 Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen weekend NASCAR Winston Cup Series NASCAR Busch North Series, Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series

September 5-7 Zippo U.S. Vintage Grand Prix: Mark Donohue tribute, highlighting the American Muscle Car

-wgi-