WATKINS GLEN INTERNATIONAL
DRIVE THE GLEN
Experience Watkins Glen International like you have never before. Drive three escorted laps around the storied road course in your personal vehicle, paced by an official Watkins Glen International pace car.
November 1 is the final chance to Drive The Glen in 2026. The experience returns April 5, 2027.
DRIVE THE GLEN YOUR WAY
CHOOSE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Drive The Glen passes are available online or at the Ticket Office located directly off County Route 16. Ticket pricing includes all fees.
DRIVE THE GLEN
Includes everyone present in the vehicle, provided they can be safely buckled in.
Buy NowNEW FOR 2026
BUS DRIVE THE GLEN
Bus Drive The Glen must be reserved in advance.
NEW FOR 2026
BUS DRIVE THE GLEN + HOP ON TOUR
Bus Drive The Glen with a Hop On Tour must be reserved in advance.
GROUPS
25 CARS OR MORE?
Groups of 25 cars or more, or groups interested in Bus Drive The Glen, must reserve their experience 30 days in advance.
Watkins Glen International commonly has on-track activity directly before Drive The Glen. In the case of short-notice cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances, the experience may be cancelled.
BEFORE YOU GO
CHECK UNAVAILABLE DATES & TIMES
Drive The Glen is subject to blackout dates and times. The current source lists the following October restrictions for 2026.
Make sure your vehicle and driver qualify
BEFORE YOU BOOK
REQUIRED
The vehicle must be street-legal, currently registered and insured.
DRIVER REQUIREMENTS
Drivers must be 18 years or older and must have a valid driver's license and insurance upon arrival.
NOT PERMITTED ON TRACK
Motorcycles, rental cars, ATVs, golf carts, and large-capacity vehicles including 15-passenger vans and buses are not permitted to drive on the track.
WAIVERS
COMPLETE THE REQUIRED WAIVER
Watkins Glen International requires compliance with the rules when participating in Drive The Glen.
Know where to go and when to arrive
DAY-OF PLANNING
STAGING
Staging is located at Gate 2, on Canandaigua Road.
12 PM LAP TIME
Staging begins at 11:15 AM.
5 PM LAP TIME
Staging begins at 4:15 PM.
ARRIVAL GUIDELINES
2790 County Route 16
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Enter through Gate 2 directly off County Route 16. Security will provide directions to the staging area on Canandaigua Road.
Due to unforeseen circumstances and track activity, WGI suggests calling security to confirm Drive The Glen is scheduled.
For a 12 PM session, call by 11 AM. For a 5 PM session, call by 4 PM.
Gate 2 Security: 607-535-3367
Outside those hours: 1-866-461-RACE
Three laps. One legendary road course.
THE EXPERIENCE
Drive The Glen lets visitors experience the twists and turns of Watkins Glen International from behind the wheel of their personal vehicle.
STAGE
Arrive at Gate 2 and follow directions to the staging area on Canandaigua Road.
DRIVE
Follow the official pace vehicle for three consecutive laps around the 3.45-mile Grand Prix circuit.
CAPTURE THE MOMENT
The experience includes a stop for photo opportunities at the start/finish line and concludes with a chance to visit The Pyramid retail shop.
Safety comes first
FOLLOW THE RULES
All rules must be followed to ensure everyone's safety.
- Everyone in the vehicle must sign a waiver.
- Seatbelts must be worn at all times.
- Please keep your hands and mobile devices inside the vehicle.
- Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
- Maintain the speed as set by the pace car.
- DO NOT pass another vehicle, especially not the pace car.
- All participants are required to remain in their personal vehicles.
- The vehicle MUST be street-legal. Motorcycles, rental cars, ATVs, golf carts, and/or large-capacity vehicles (15-passenger vans & buses) will not be permitted to drive on the track.
- Drivers must be 18 years or older and a valid driver's license & insurance are required upon arrival.
- Minors in vehicles must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian.
- All occupants must remain inside the vehicle at all times, with seatbelts on. Passengers are not permitted in truck beds.
GLEN. GLASS. GO.
CONTINUE THE EXPERIENCE AT THE CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS
Participated in Drive the Glen and looking to extend your time in the area? Visit Corning Museum of Glass, a quick 25-minute drive from Watkins Glen International. The Corning Museum of Glass is your finish line for world-class art, live glassmaking demonstrations, and 35 centuries of glassmaking history.
Receive $5 off admission for all adults in your party by showing your digital Drive the Glen ticket at the Admissions Desk at the Corning Museum of Glass. If you are booking your visit online, select "Drive the Glen" as the ticket type on the Corning Museum of Glass page. Kids and teens, 17 years and under, are free!
Visit the Corning Museum of Glass →FAQS
COMMON QUESTIONS
What is Drive The Glen?
Drive The Glen is an experience that allows visitors to drive their personal vehicles around the twists and turns of the historical 3.45-mile Watkins Glen International Raceway.
What is included in the experience?
Drive The Glen takes visitors for three laps of the raceway behind an official pace vehicle, a stop for photo opportunities at the start/finish line and concludes with a chance to visit The Pyramid retail shop to purchase official Watkins Glen International apparel and souvenirs.
Do I need a reservation?
Fans are encouraged to book online and check availability. Groups of 25 or more must reserve in advance by emailing [email protected].
When does Drive The Glen start?
Drive The Glen is offered each day from mid-April until the end of October at 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM, subject to blackout dates and times.
What time should I arrive?
Visitors are encouraged to arrive 30–45 minutes prior to each session to allow time to purchase tickets, sign waivers and relax before the experience.
Do I need a helmet or safety equipment?
Helmets are not required, but everyone in the vehicle must have their own safety belt and be buckled in during the experience.
How fast will I go?
This is a paced tour of the raceway designed to give visitors the opportunity to experience the raceway at safe speeds. There is NO passing allowed.
Can my child drive if they have a permit?
No. Drivers must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver's license.
How much does it cost?
Drive The Glen can be experienced for $40 per vehicle. This includes everyone present in the vehicle, provided they can be safely buckled in.
How many tickets do I need?
One ticket per car is necessary and results in three laps around the track at one of the scheduled times.
If I purchase two tickets, can I take six laps consecutively?
No. The 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM Drive The Glen times only allow for three laps at a time. If two tickets are purchased, WGI encourages customers to return at another time to complete the additional laps.