State legislators, WGI reps, IMSA drivers promote American motorsports at the New York State Capitol

Albany, N.Y., March 22— State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats), Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) and Assemblyman Chris Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) today joined Watkins Glen International (WGI) President Michael Printup and International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) drivers Ricky and Jordan Taylor of Wayne Taylor Racing to celebrate the contributions of motorsports to the economy and culture of the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions, and statewide.

In late January, Ricky and Jordan finished in 2nd Place at the 54th running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona and will be competing at the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen at WGI (June 30-July 3).

This week’s event at the Capitol includes a WGI-sponsored exhibit in the Empire State Plaza featuring the Kyle Busch NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship car along with the Datsun 240Z, Mazda MX-5 Miata and a dirt modified.  The cars will be on display on the Plaza Concourse through April 1.

At the Capitol, the area legislators singled out “The Glen” for its unique contributions to American motorsports.  WGI events annually generate over $200 million in economic activity across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes, as well as accounting for more than 2,000 local jobs.  The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend in August is one of New York’s largest sporting events and attracts fans from all 50 states as well as 16 different countries.     

WGI celebrated its 65th Anniversary in 2014.  Last year, in a USA Today online readers’ poll, WGI 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). 

In a joint statement, O’Mara, Palmesano and Friend said, "It’s a great privilege for us to join Governor Cuomo and our legislative colleagues, Watkins Glen International, and the professional drivers who make this sport go to showcase the importance of American motorsports to the regional and statewide economies.  It’s also a great opportunity to demonstrate our pride in one of the world’s iconic sporting venues and the fact that the 'The Glen' has resonated so powerfully throughout the history of American motorsports for more than six decades. Watkins Glen International is 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.  We're lucky to call Watkins Glen International one of our own."   

In the photo above, from left to right at the Kyle Busch NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship car: Assemblyman Palmesano, Senator O’Mara, Jordan Taylor, Ricky Taylor, Assemblyman Friend, and Jon Beckman, WGI Vice President of Business Development & Partnerships.