Senator O'Mara, colleagues join Watkins Glen International President Michael Printup during 'Motorsports Appreciation Week'

Albany, N.Y., March 20— State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) today joined Governor Andrew Cuomo, legislative colleagues and Watkins Glen International President Michael Printup at a press conference in the New York State Museum to help celebrate “Motorsports Appreciation Week” and unveil a New York State Motorsports Exhibit in the Empire State Plaza.

It was also announced that New York’s first-ever Ferrari Challenge will take place this September at Watkins Glen International.  The Ferrari Challenge is scheduled for September 19-21. 

At today’s press conference, Cuomo singled out Watkins Glen International for its unique contributions to American motorsports, a sentiment echoed by O’Mara.

O’Mara said, "It's a great privilege for me to have this opportunity to join Governor Cuomo and my legislative colleagues to pay 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 in my legislative district 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."

[listen to Senator O'Mara's tribute to Watkins Glen International on Finger Lakes Radio]    

Last week the Senate approved a Legislative Resolution sponsored by O’Mara memorializing Cuomo to proclaim this week, March 17-21, 2014, as “Motorsports Appreciation Week in the State of New York.”  

O’Mara’s resolution (S.R.3935) 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...This Legislative Body, representing the people of the State of New York, encourages all New Yorkers to observe  and participate in Motorsports Appreciation Week, and experience the thrills and adventures associated with one of our nation's favorite pastimes.”

Earlier this week, on Tuesday, O’Mara welcomed Printup,  WGI Vice President Jon Beckman and WGI Director of Marketing & Promotions Andrew Smith to the Senate Chamber, where the Senate approved another resolution sponsored by O’Mara paying tribute to the 65th Anniversary of Watkins Glen International.  

That resolution (S.R.3934) states, in part, “As a world-renowned premier racing venue, Watkins Glen International brings over $200 million in annual economic activity to the Southern Finger Lakes region, including the creation of thousands of jobs from track operation and maintenance on site, to lodging, dining, shopping and entertainment spending by its fans...Throughout its 65 year history, Watkins Glen International has embodied more than giant crowds and great speed; the racing community continues to return year after year to witness its historic moments and unique charms that have made this place one of the premier motorsports facilities in the world."

[watch Senator O'Mara's tribute to Watkins Glen International earlier this week in a speech on the floor of the Senate]

[In the photo above, from left to right: Assemblymen Andrew Raia and Chris Friend, WGI representatives Andrew Smith and Jon Beckman, Wayne Taylor Racing's Jordan Taylor, Senator O'Mara, WGI President Micheal Printup (holding proclamation), Wayne Taylor Racing's Ricky Taylor, and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano.]