Here's what you need to know about NASCAR weekend at Watkins Glen International

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The time has finally arrived — NASCAR race weekend at Watkins Glen International.

Campers are already setting up, and racing starts on Friday, climaxing with the Cup Series at 3 p.m. Sunday.

The annual race was moved to September this year from its traditional spot in August and for the first time, is part of the NASCAR playoffs. It’s the second race of ten that will, over the course of three rounds, whittle the playoff field from 16 before the Championship Four go it at on November 10 in Phoenix.

But first things first. If you’re heading to The Glen for the first time or considering going, here are a few things you need to know:

Racing Schedule

NASCAR has different levels of racing. This weekend starts with the ARCA Menards Series, with the Xfinity Series on Saturday, and of course the big Cup Series race on Sunday.

Friday, September 13

6 p.m. ARCA Menards Race – General Tire 100

Saturday, September 14

3 p.m. NASCAR XFinity Series- Mission Foods 200

Sunday, September 15

3 p.m. NASCAR Cup Series – Go Bowling at the Glen

Stage breaks return to the 2.45 mile road course. Those will occur at the end of laps 20 and 40 with the race running 90 laps. (For NASCAR newbies, at the end of each stage, teams have the option to pit, before restarting the race. Points are awarded based on the finishing order of each stage).

Throughout the weekend, you can also watch practice and qualifying for each event. Click here for the full schedule.

NASCAR News

What’s different about a NASCAR race?

If you’re camping for the race, you probably know all this stuff, but if you’re only heading down Sunday for the Cup race, there are a few things you can do at The Glen that might be a bit different than attending a Bills game at Highmark Stadium.

You CAN bring in bags – two per person in fact – provided they’re no larger than 18x18x14.
You CAN bring in a soft-sided cooler (but only one per guest) along with your own food and drink, INCLUDING alcoholic beverages.
Cameras, binoculars, headsets are all good (and recommended) as well.
There’s even free guest wifi.

Click here for more information on what’s permitted and what’s not.

Tickets

There is still time to get tickets, whether directly through WGI, or checking out third party resale sites. Note, if you purchase through the track, there are much lower prices for children 12 and under.

You can also purchase “add ons” such as the pre-race pass. For $53, you get to walk the track adjacent to pit road, get an up-front view of the driver introductions and even sign the start-finish line.

Parking

If you’re heading down for the day (not staying overnight), parking outside the admission gates is free. Attendants will direct you to a spot. Shuttles are available.

Infield parking is available with the purchase of a Tailgate parking pass or Pit Terrace parking pass. Otherwise overnight parking is only allowed if you bought a campsite.

Much more information available in this WGI FAQ link.

Entertainment

Racing is only part of the fun when you head to The Glen. There are concerts, food and drinks, vendor tents, merchandise haulers, driver Q&A sessions, Fan Zone activities for kids, and of course, people-watching.

Rochester’s own Claudia Hoyser is the big concert Saturday night followed by fireworks.