While visiting NY last month, I took my 93 year old dad up to the racetrack at Watkins Glen on a Saturday and we did the 3 lap tour of the course. We were with a Porsche and a BMW along with my Mini Clubman and the pace vehicle actually took us around at a good clip at the urging of the Porsche driver. They were three fun laps that my dad really enjoyed. He said that driving is one thing that he really misses. He saw the Gran Prix races in the streets of Watkins Glen in the late 40s or early 50s before the track was built. After spending 4 years in Europe during WWII as a mechanic, he opened his own business as an auto mechanic and worked in that profession until he was 72. He still likes to head to the garage to work on anything mechanical. Just has trouble finding where he put tools and parts on occasion now. He was impressed with the Mini as was I. Great fun for $25. I recommend it if you are in that area. Beautiful countryside up there to tour in as well. 'Course I am a bit biased as that is my homeland.

 

Sounds like a priceless day.

 

Really cool thing, nice post!

I love that area, I attended a m'cycle rally there (Farmington / Bath and points in-between) in 1999. Wineries and scenery. And the Glen.

My dad would've been 93 this year, and would've loved that ride. Great that you've been able to have this much time with your dad.

 

Its where I am from.........can't beat the area for seneca lake scenery, wine, the race track and The Glen. The rolling hills to the lakes are beautiful in the Finger lake area. I've done the three laps and every corner and straightaway is burned into my memory. Its the best.

 

I was at Watkins last year for the Porsche Club event and was driven around the course by a professional driver in a Porsche Cayman R. it was a blast he was allowed to drive us around the track as fast as that Porsche would let him. The driver told me they went trough a set of tires each day they were there.
Too bad I didn't own a MINI at the time, I'm originally a Jeep guy.
I'm up in that area quite a lot I guess I need to get there with the MCSc.