Racing at Watkins Glen

We've read about the recently released movie "Rush." It tells the story of the rivalry between Formula 1 race car drivers Niki Lauda and James Hunt. I'm reminded of our encounter with these two drivers when MichaelK, David, Joe, and I went to Watkins Glen in October 1978. 

 Joe has been fascinated with racing much of his life. Going to a race at Watkins Glen was a long time dream. We did it up right. We bought tickets for pit roof seats and access to the pit area. $50 was a LOT of money in those days - still would be today (for us). We were close to all the drivers and all the action. 

(When Joe reviewed this post he said, "We spent that much money - a piece!?")

This is James Hunt (on the right). 

We didn't get a picture of Niki Lauda. We did see Lauda in a restaurant one evening. The  burn scars from his horrible accident were very noticeable. It was exciting to see him and several other drivers in that informal setting. 

Emerson Fittipaldi

These pictures were taken from our pit roof seats. 

Shows you how close we were to the men and their cars. 

I remember noticing how great Fittipaldi's orange suit looked against his yellow car. This picture is a bit faded. Take my word for it; the colors were stunning :) 

Mario Andretti (in the white suit)

interesting to watch crews and drivers working on their cars

tire changes and other pit row activities were interesting

David was with us but spent most of the time wandering on his own

visited Watkins Glen State Park also

Watkins Glen - quite an experience