During the driver meetings prior to Sunday’s Cheez-It 355, Watkins Glen International President Michael Printup announced a grandstand sellout for the second consecutive season.
“This is a great testament to the passion and dedication our fans have for Watkins Glen International,” Printup said. “We’re looking forward to a great race and delivering an incredible experience that keeps our fans coming back year after year.”
In addition, the track also announced plans for a new viewing deck outside the Esses (turns 2-4) in 2017.
Joe Gibbs, owner of the winning No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, acknowledged the massive turnout during a post-race interview session with reporters.
“First of all, it’s great to be able to come to New York and Watkins Glen and race,” Gibbs said. “I want to say congratulations to everybody here. What impressed me a lot was that crowd. To have a sell-out crowd here is huge for our sport. It’s big for all of our sponsors. We had a number of them here with us this weekend.”
Team Penske driver Joey Logano had similar thoughts.
“Typical Watkins Glen,” he said. “I mean, it’s just awesome, crazy racing, full contact. Just insane out there. So a lot of fun from the driver’s seat and I’m sure the fans loved it as well in front of a sold‑out grandstand. It was pretty cool when I pulled over for the red flag in front of the grandstands and I could hear just fans screaming and yelling and loving it. I thought, ‘