Conlin Wysocki is on the move. He knows a lot about Watkins Glen International.
“It’s a very iconic NASCAR finish. Marcos Ambrose pulled off a spectacular finish. I was sitting in that grandstand right there," Wysocki said.
He grew up in the shadow of the historic road course.
“I’ve been here since 2000, 2003. If you want to count when my mom was pregnant, 1998," Wysocki said. The newly-minted special events coordinator is a perfect tour guide.
What You Need To Know
- Conlin Wysocki grew up watching NASCAR. Now he's a part of it
- After attending races for fans since he was in the womb, now he works for them as special events coordinator
- Go Bowling at the Glen gets underway at 3 p.m. Sunday
- The race weekend is already in full swing, with fans, campers and drivers all over the facility
“Where we’re going Gate 5, we’re having a bunch of dee-jay performers, inflatables for kids to do, face painting, even some chainsaw carving stuff," Wysocki said.
The 22-year-old interned in the marketing department last year.
“There was an opening that happened this past spring. One of the people I worked with recognized the name. Low and behold, I’m here now," Wysocki said.
He went from being a fan to helping the fan experience.
“Coming here for so many years and now working here, it’s really surreal. I don’t think it’s ever going to really fully set in," Wysocki said.
It’s not just a passion for the track. It’s a love for the town where he grew up.
“It’s almost like a part of you. The pure historic nature that racing is in this town is pretty incredible. Maybe it’s the racing and the fumes," Wysocki said.
This weekend, like so many other NASCAR fans, he’ll get to see the action live.
“It’s really interesting to see what man and machine can put together to showcase to fans. It is a sport and it’s also an entertainment level. Not every day you get to see people driving going 180 miles. Hopefully, spraying that champagne at the end, have a good race," Wysocki said.