Categories: This Day

March 1, 1921 – Cameron Argetsinger, founder of Watkins Glen International, is born

Cameron Argetsinger, born on this day in 1921, put Watkins Glen, New York on the racing map. Cameron developed a need for speed at a young age, following the purchase of a MG TC in 1947. That car became his membership ticket into the Sports Car Club of America. Cameron, who grew up spending his summers in Schuyler County, NY, dreamed of hosting a sports car race in Watkins Glen. In 1948 he organized the first Watkins Glen Sports Car Grand Prix, though held on a circuit made up of public roads, not a race track.

Top: F1 at Watkins Glen in 1974. By Christian Sinclair. CC2.0
Above: Cameron Argetsinger in 1948

The event became widely popular, but due to several deaths of drivers and spectators, it ended after eight years. In 1956, as Executive Director of the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Corporation, Argentsinger signed off on the purchase of 550 acres in Watkins Glen and a 2.3 mile racing course designed to imitate the area’s winding country roads was built. It would become known as Watkins Glen International.

Watkins Glen International

In 1961 the track hosted its first Formula One United States Grand Prix. That race occurred at Watkins Glen every year through 1980. After failing to purchase the racetrack from the corporation in 1969, Argetsinger resigned as Executive Director and moved to Texas to work for Chaparral Cars. He passed away in Watkins Glen on April 22, 2008.

Brian Corey

Recent Posts

October 31, 1957 – The Chevrolet Impala is announced

After debuting an Impala show car at the 1956 GM Motorama, Chevrolet used the name…

5 days ago

October 30, 1911 – Little Motor Car Company is founded, later becomes part of Chevrolet

The Little Motor Car Company, founded on October 30, 1911, in Flint, Michigan, is a…

5 days ago

October 29, 1932 – Safarikar builder Bruce Mohs is born

Bruce Mohs with his Opera Sedan following its restoration. (autobild.de) Perhaps you've heard of the…

1 week ago

October 28, 1977 – Tokyo Motor Show opens

First generation Daihatsu Charade. By Charles01 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 The annual Tokyo…

1 week ago

October 27, 1937 – Second generation Cadillac V-16 is introduced

1940 Cadillac V16 90 Town Car To build the ultimate automobile, Cadillac began development of…

1 week ago

October 26, 1966 – Toyota introduces what will become the best selling car ever, the Toyota Corolla

1966 Toyota Corolla debut (Toyota) The Toyota Corolla, one of the most iconic and enduring…

1 week ago