New York State Legislature pays tribute to Watkins Glen International: O’Mara and Palmesano sponsor resolution proclaiming ‘Motorsports Appreciation Week’

Albany, N.Y., March 27—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) recently welcomed Watkins Glen International (WGI) President Michael Printup to the State Capitol to celebrate the contributions of motorsports to the economy and culture of the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions, and statewide.

Together, they officially opened a New York State Motorsports Exhibit in the Empire State Plaza and both houses of the State Legislature adopted a legislative resolution sponsored by O’Mara and Palmesano proclaiming April 19-25 as “Motorsports Appreciation Week” in New York.

In a joint statement, O’Mara and Palmesano said, “It is our privilege to join our legislative colleagues in paying tribute to one of the world’s iconic sporting venues. Across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions, we all take great pride in the fact that The Glen has resonated so powerfully throughout the history of American motorsports for more than six decades. Watkins Glen International has long stood as a mainstay of our regional culture and economy.  It’s one of New York State’s premier destinations, a backbone of our leading tourism industry, and a driving force for countless charitable, community service and economic development initiatives. Very simply, we’re fortunate to call Watkins Glen International one of our own.”

Printup said, “Motorsports Appreciation Week is one of the great signs of support that Watkins Glen International receives from the state of New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo, and our great friends in both houses in the Legislature. We hope those in Albany were able to stop down to Empire Plaza and enjoy the exhibit and see for themselves why our sport attracts so many visitors each and every year.”

WGI was lauded for being home to the state’s largest sporting event, the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race weekend each August, which attracts fans from all 50 states and 16 countries around the world.  The O’Mara-Palmesano resolution, which received unanimous approval, reads, in part, “Having a global fan base in the millions, motorsports is one of the most popular and fastest growing sports in the world.”   

WGI celebrated its 65th Anniversary in 2014.  The following year, in a USA Today online readers’ poll, The Glen was selected as “America’s Best NASCAR Track.”  WGI was chosen out of 20 nationwide finalists for the 2015 designation, running bumper to bumper throughout the final few weeks of voting with Martinsville Speedway (Ridgeway, VA).

Located within five hours of 25% of the United States population, WGI is the premier road racing facility in North America.  Keep up with The Glen on Facebook and Twitter, and download The Glen’s free mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.