With NASCAR fans at Watkins Glen International facing rain and some muddy conditions this weekend, area towing companies are ready to answer the call.
Fleet Pride is one of many local towing companies in the area ready to provide vehicle recovery services around the Schuyler County road course this weekend.
In fact, Lauren Yochon, a Fleet Pride dispatcher, said the Montour Falls company is already positioned inside the grounds WGI. Fleet Pride typically maintains a presence at the track regardless of the weather.
NASCAR’s visit to Watkins Glen is typically held in the summer but the race was moved to early May on the 2026 schedule. The 2026 event has experienced some weather related issues, including soggy camping areas.
“We’ve been positioned inside the track at every NASCAR race for the past six or seven years,” Yochon said. “We’ve had two drivers, a heavy wrecker, a little wrecker as well as tractors for RVs getting in and out at WGI. We’ve been there since Wednesday and will leave Monday morning.”
Rain has been predicted throughout the weekend and with the track located near Seneca Lake, weather can change quickly so fans should be ready for potential rain and muddy conditions in camping areas.
NASCAR returns to summer date at Watkins Glen in 2027
Water-logged fans will be happy to hear that Watkins Glen International’s NASCAR Cup Series weekend is returning to September in 2027 and will be part of the playoffs. The specific race weekend in September will be announced at a later date.
“We’ve had some challenges this week, but we also know we have a great fan base here at The Glen and NASCAR fans overall are pretty hearty and love to travel and support motorsports in general,” WGI President Dawn Burlew said.
“I think when we tell them we’re going to be back in September to a great time of year that they will support us and come back.”
Weather has been a specific challenge this week. Watkins Glen has cordoned off a couple areas in its campgrounds because they became too wet after significant rain early in the week.
NASCAR is equipped to race in the rain, though not in a downpour or with standing water on the track.
Burlew said campers have been understanding of the situation.
“The fans have been phenomenal about having to be relocated and towed in and things like that,” she said. “They understand it’s an almost 2,000-acre property and there’s been a lot of rain over the last five days.
“The fans have been fantastic to work with, the team here at The Glen has been as responsive as they can be, as quick as they can be, with the number of fans we have in camping coming in.”
Grandstand seats are still available.
Weekend schedule at Watkins Glen International
NASCAR is kicking off the events at the track in 2026 rather than anchoring them in August or September. Here is the weekend schedule.
With reporting by Andrew Legare, Elmira Star-Gazette
This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: ‘Fans have been phenomenal’ at Watkins Glen despite weather challenges
Reporting by Jeff Smith, Corning Leader / Elmira Star-Gazette
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