WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. -- After an issue came up at IndyCar's upcoming Boston event, the racing series reached out to Watkins Glen International to be a replacement. The local speedway was happy to step up.
"IndyCar was here for six years from 2005 to 2010," said WGI Vice President Jon Beckman. "To have them come back in 2016 after we spent $13 million repaving the venue makes the 2016 season schedule probably one of the greatest ever."
This summer, spectators will likely witness some of the fastest driving Watkins Glen International has ever seen.
"With the new surface and the grip, we expect records to break all season long, and including IndyCar," explained Beckman.
The addition of IndyCar also means crowds at the speedway may be even larger this summer. Track officials say that's great for the regional economy.
"Watkins Glen has about a $204 million economic impact in the region annually," said Beckman. "To add another event on top of that is fantastic for the region and the state. All the hotels and restaurants will benefit in Schuyler County, but there's really nothing else we could add to make this season any better."
IndyCar joins a massive 2016 lineup that includes NASCAR, Lamborghini, sports cars and vintage races like Sahlen's Six Hours of the Glen.
Now that IndyCar Racing is back at WGI for a year, track officials have their fingers crossed that maybe it can stay around for more years to come.
IndyCar tickets go on sale Wednesday morning at 9 a.m.