WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (Dec. 8, 2023) — The search for the next president of historic Watkins Glen International ended close to home, as long-time Corning Incorporated director and lifelong Southern Tier resident Dawn Burlew was named the first woman to hold the position, the track today announced.
Burlew was born in nearby Elmira and graduated from Horseheads High School before attending Cazenovia College and Keuka College in New York. She then launched her professional career at Corning Inc. Most recently, Burlew served as Director Government Affairs and Director Business Development at the multinational technology company based in nearby Corning, New York.
Retiring from Corning Inc. after 40 years, she brings a passion and commitment to the region in her new role at her home track.
“Part of my fabric is the community here in the Southern Tier and I‘m proud to represent the region as the next president of Watkins Glen International,” said Burlew. “My personal and professional lives have often brought me to The Glen, including when Corning was involved with the ownership of the track. I have a tool chest of skills that I know will be beneficial to WGI and NASCAR, allowing me to contribute to the team from day one.”
While at Corning Inc., Burlew led the company‘s New York State government affairs strategic network and advocacy initiatives to support, promote and advance corporate and regional economic sustainability.
Her ties to the motorsports community already extend to serving as a member of the governing council of the International Motor Racing Research Center located in the Village of Watkins Glen. She also serves as a board member of several other regional committees including the Business Council of New York State, Chemung County Chamber, and Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council.
“No one knows the region better or brings more devotion to our community around Watkins Glen International than Dawn,” said Chip Wile, Senior Vice President and Chief Track Properties Officer at NASCAR. “Her authentic connection to the business and governmental communities in New York State will allow her to grow The Glen through its next phase as one of the premier racing facilities in the country.”
Burlew will assume her new responsibilities at Watkins Glen International on Jan. 3, 2024.
In 2023, Watkins Glen International posted its eighth consecutive grandstand sellout for the Go Bowling at The Glen NASCAR Cup Series race. In early August, the track also announced a complete infield camping sellout — the earliest in recent years.
For the 2024 season, the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen race adds intensity to the weekend as it moves to the Playoffs for the first time in history. The previous two years the race was the penultimate in the regular season, helping to set the field for the Cup Series Playoffs.
Tickets for events during the 2024 season at Watkins Glen International — including the IMSA Sahlen‘s Six Hours of The Glen and the NASCAR Go Bowling at The Glen weekends — as well as the full event schedule, are available by calling 1-866-461-RACE or visiting TheGlen.com.
About Watkins Glen International
Located within five hours and 300 miles of 25 percent of the U.S. population, Watkins Glen International is the premier road racing facility in North America, four-times voted “Best NASCAR Track” by readers of USA Today. Keep up with The Glen on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For tickets, camping, and additional information, call 1-866-461-RACE or visit www.TheGlen.com and get all of the latest information by downloading the NASCAR tracks app at www.theglen.com/nascar-tracks-app.
2024 Watkins Glen International Schedule
April 6-7 — Opening Weekend
May 31 — June 2 — SCCA Majors Super Tour
June 6-9 — Historic Sportscar Racing
June 20-23 — IMSA Sahlen‘s Six Hours of The Glen
July 10-14 — Ferrari Challenge North America
July 26-28 —Finger Lakes Wine Festival
August 21-25 — Hilliard U.S. Vintage Grand Prix
September 11-15 — NASCAR Go Bowling at The Glen
2024 Watkins Glen International NASCAR Weekend Schedule
September 13 — ARCA Menards Series Race
September 14 — NASCAR Xfinity Series Race
September 15 — Go Bowling at The Glen — NASCAR Cup Series Race
About NASCAR
Celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2023, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 16 of the nation‘s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Seriesu2122, NASCAR Xfinity Seriesu2122, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Seriesu2122), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race, NASCAR Mexico Series, NASCAR Pinty‘s Series (Canada), NASCAR Whelen Euro Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Associationu2122 (IMSAu00ae) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championshipu2122, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 12 countries and more than 30 U.S. states. For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat (‘NASCAR‘).