Cameron Argetsinger had a vision of European style car racing in the heart of Schuyler County after WWII. In October of 1948 the very first grand prix ran the streets and over the next five years it drew large crowds. When the first tragic accident happened the races were moved to a permanent raceway that was opened in 1956. Today, over 60 years later, Watkins Glen International remains an important pit stop along the NASCAR circuit.