*CONSTRUCTION CREWS KEEP CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT ROLLING AT THE GLEN DESPITE WEATHER*
*All Projects Still On-Pace to be Completed Before NASCAR Weekend in August *
WATKINS GLEN, NY –* Construction continues to surge forward at Watkins Glen International as the $3 million capital improvement project moves closer and closer to completion. Crews have worked diligently to battle through constant rain and cooler than normal temperatures over the last month to ensure that the entire project remains on-schedule. All of the capital improvements announced in December 2010 are on-target to be completed in time for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen August 11-14.
The Green, Turn 10, and Turn 11 Grandstands are all at least 90-percent complete. Crews from E&D Specialty Stands Incorporated, out of North Collins NY, have completed most of the framework, seating, and the “flatwork” under each of the three new grandstands. The “flatwork” includes removing the topsoil and any gravel that was disturbed during the construction and replacing fabric, gravel and some of the paved walkways. The steel frame and seat planks are in place for the Silver grandstand, making it approximately 65-percent complete.
The Crown Royal Club is shooting up as quickly as the flowers and tree buds throughout the Finger Lakes Region. The Elmira, NY-based Edger Enterprises, Inc. has completed the entire outside frame and the roof installation is currently in progress. In the next few weeks, crews are anticipating the concrete blocks that will make-up the retaining walls to arrive. Located in the same spot as the original Glen Club before it burned down 2007, at the top of the famed Esses, Crown Royal Club guests will have an outstanding view from the full deck on the outside of the club come August.
Due to the consistent rainy weather over the past few weeks, lighting and water improvements in the Gate One GEICO Caveman camping area have been slowed, but are set to kick back into high gear when sunnier skies return. The 50 planned lighting poles have been placed by Syracuse, NY-based Syracuse Signal Systems but due the weather, the wiring and lights have not yet been installed. The approximately 20 water hydrants that will be located throughout the area are still expected to be in place by mid-June.
The two new permanent showers in the GEICO Reserved Campgrounds are also coming together quickly. The old water storage tanks that were located under the two bathroom facilities have been removed, new shower drainage has been installed, the new floors have been poured, and the partitions for the actual showers are being built. The VIP Pit Road RV area behind Pit Terrace has been graded and paving is expected to begin as soon as possible, weather permitting.
Tickets for the 2011 race season at Watkins Glen International are on sale now! Fans may order their tickets or get more information about the 2011 race season at WGI by calling the ticket office at 866-461-RACE (7223) or logging on to the official website, www.TheGlen.com. Gift certificates and track merchandise may be purchased at The Shop located at 2 North Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen. The Shop is open Monday-Sunday 9-5. Keep up with all of the latest happenings at The Glen by going to the official Watkins Glen International Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/watkinsgleninternational and following WGI on Twitter, @WGI.
