New York is a city that thrives with the fast pace of life and offers many exciting sports for many people. One of the sports associated with this state is auto racing. While it may be a an exhaustive job detailing all the activities and the history associated with auto racing in New York, it would be relevant to look at three main events and races in the history of New York auto racing.

History of New York Auto Racing
Watkins Glen is a not-too-large village in Schuyler County, New York and apart from its Watkins Glen State Park, it is known for its history of auto racing. The Watkins Glen or the Glen as it is more popularly known saw its origin in 1948 when the small village became home to some of the biggest names in the history of American racing. The course was the design and brainchild of Cameron Argetsinger who wanted to bring racing to the Glen. The 2.3 permanent race track was constructed in 1956, and in 1957, the Glen played host to the NASCAR Grand National Stock Car event. 1958 saw the Formula Libre race. The premier Watkins Glen US Grand Prix was conducted in 1961. In 1971, the track was expanded and today, the Glen has a plethora of auto races.

The Vanderbilt Cup is held on a course in Nassau County on Long Island, New York, and William Kissam Vanderbilt was responsible for establishing it in the year 1904. While the beginnings of this race are mired in controversy, the first race was conducted on a course that would through the Nassau County area. Thanks to the huge money prize put up by Vanderbilt, drivers from all over participated in the same. Taking a cue from the way the French conducted their auto races, Vanderbilt built a Long Island Motor Parkway which ran for 48 miles and was constructed between 1907 and 1908. The Vanderbilt races were held on Long Island from 1904 to 1910.

Another event which marks the history of auto racing in New York is the 1908 New York to Paris auto race. The event was an international one drawing teams from countries like Italy and Germany apart from the USA. In a mark of true adventure, the race was to see the drivers driving not just in the harsh winter season but also drive across the frozen Bering Straits. It was to cover 22,000 miles and the Thomas Flyer team from America did it in around 170 days. The race tested the drivers and their machines to the hilt. Flyer’s record remains to this day.

More Articles :

Watkins Glen: Track History
http://www.theglen.com/About-The-Glen/History-of-The-Glen/Track-History.aspx

Wikipedia: Watkins Glen, New York
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watkins_Glen,_New_York

VanderBilt Cup Races: What is VanderbiltCupRaces.com?
http://www.vanderbiltcupraces.com/about

Wikipedia: Vanderbilt Cup
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanderbilt_Cup

The Great Auto Race of 1908: New York to Paris Car Race
http://www.thegreatautorace.com/

Wikipedia: 1908 New York to Paris Race
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1908_New_York_to_Paris_Race