Trans Am Weekend at The Glen

On July 16, 2026, the Trans Am Series brings American V8 thunder back to Watkins Glen International for a full day of professional road racing across multiple classes. The weekend features everything from high-horsepower TA machines producing over 850 horsepower to nimble GT divisions, all competing on the 3.4-mile circuit that has hosted racing since 1956.

Practice sessions begin on Friday, with qualifying on Saturday and the feature race on Sunday afternoon. General admission grants access to spectator areas around the track, while upgraded tickets include paddock passes that let you walk among team haulers, watch pre-race prep, and meet drivers during autograph sessions.

Trans Am racing traces its roots to 1966, when American muscle cars first battled on road courses, creating a legacy of close competition and distinctive engine notes that still define the series today. Watkins Glen’s elevation changes and high-speed corners suit the format perfectly, with the uphill Esses and sweeping Turn 1 providing natural passing zones where races are often decided. Past events have featured drivers such as Ernie Francis Jr. and Chris Dyson, and teams running Ford Mustangs, Chevrolet Camaros, and Dodge Challengers in period-correct liveries. The sound alone, especially when 30 cars accelerate out of the Inner Loop, makes this a favorite among motorsports traditionalists.

July weather in the Finger Lakes typically runs warm, so bring sun protection and plan for temperatures in the low 80s. Most fans set up lawn chairs at the Esses or near the Boot, where sightlines cover multiple corners, and you can watch battles develop over several laps.

If you’re new to Trans Am, arrive early and walk the paddock before racing starts, as teams are generally welcoming and happy to explain the technical details that separate the classes. Tickets are available online, and children under 12 often enter for free with an adult. Rain can make the racing even more dramatic, as driver skill becomes the deciding factor on a slick track.

After the checkered flag, head to Seneca Harbor Station in Watkins Glen, a waterfront restaurant and bar open since 2000 with a deck overlooking the lake and a menu built around local ingredients. For your stay, search Lake.com for rentals along the western shore of Seneca Lake, where you can wind down with an evening swim and watch the sun drop behind the vineyards after a day at the track.