About this event
NEQ Opening Day at Watkins Glen International
Drive this world famous road course
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to drive on one of the most famous road courses in the world? Well you don’t have to wonder any more. Join us and drive the track with fellow Audi enthusiasts under controlled conditions behind a pace car. If you are an NEQ track veteran you already know what it’s like to drive the Glen at speed. But what’s it like at street speeds with your family in the car?
Every year Watkins Glen International (The Glen) holds an opening day fundraiser to kick off the racing season. The price of admission is $28 which consists of a donation to the Watkins Glen R.A.C.E Foundation and a small administrative fee. The mission of R.A.C.E. (Racing And Community Enrichment) is to meet the needs of local underserved populations with a focus on youth-oriented support.
The day will begin at Audi Rochester on West Henrietta Road for breakfast courtesy of the dealership. From there we will make our way to The Glen where we will line up and be escorted via pace car for 3 laps of this world-famous race course.
We have added lunch at one of the Finger Lakes oldest wineries this year!
Upon completing the pace laps on the track we will rejoin as a group for a catered lunch at the Ginny Lee Café which is part of Wagner Winery. Wagner is located on Rt 414 on the East side of Seneca Lake north of Watkins Glen.
Enjoy views of the beautiful finger lakes while you have lunch and, perhaps, sample Wagner’s libations. After lunch you may continue along the Seneca and Cayuga Wine Trail to the many local wineries, stop by the Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls or return to The Glen for more paced laps on our own. Tickets for return laps may be purchased on line or at the gate. Or relax spending time exploring the natural wonders or shops in the Watkins Glen area.
Costs for this event are the charitable donation to the R.A.C.E Foundation, lunch at the Ginny Lee Café is $24 for adults, $10 for kids 12 and under. Future Audi owners under 2 years old are free. Choose any or all of these activities. Audi Rochester is graciously providing breakfast at the dealership for all those who want to start out from there.
How to Purchase Tickets for The Glen
- Prior to the event date purchase tickets for the track time and print the waivers for The Glen at BUYTICKETS You may use the discount code wgispecial for a reduced price for the lapping .
A little bit about the day…
7:45 AM - Meet up at Audi Rochester for a little socializing and a breakfast courtesy of Audi Rochester. (If you are coming from outside the Rochester area or the time is too early on a Saturday, you are welcome to skip the dealership and meet us at the track at 10:30 AM)
8:45 - leave for the track, making your own way. It’s about a 1:40 drive via the NYS Thruway and Rt 14 through Geneva.
10:30 Arrive at the track via Gate 3 to sign in and drive the track.
12:15 – 2:00 Lunch at the Ginny Lee Café at Wagner Winery, 9322 Rt 414, Lodi (30 min from the race track and 20 min from the Village of Watkins Glen)
2:00 Enjoy the rest of the day in the Finger Lakes.
See You At The Glen!
Event requirements
Audi Club members, Audi Rochester customers and their friends and family are all welcome at this event. In fact anyone who is interested in Audi's the Audi Club or motor sports is welcome to join us for the day.
Your car must have a valid State registration and inspection.
Watkins Glen International general liability waivers for each adult and minor who will be in the car are required. Complete and print these waivers and sign when in the presence of Watkins Glen personnel when you arrive at the track.
Also complete the Speed Waiver via your phone for everyone in attendence in your group.
