Former Watkins Glen International track president and International Speedway Corporation executive John Saunders was surprised by France family members and WGI executives on Friday as the track named its newly-opened administration and ticketing building – now known as the John R. Saunders Administration Building – in his honor.

Saunders worked alongside the France family for decades to help grow NASCAR’s tracks to be amongst the most preeminent in racing. The Corning, N.Y., native served as track president at WGI from 1983-1997, and later moved to Daytona Beach, Fla., as Chief Operating Officer and President with International Speedway Corporation (now part of NASCAR).

It was during his time at The Glen that the historic track truly transitioned from a popular local venue in the Finger Lakes Region of Western New York to one of the most famous road courses in the world. His focus on fan engagement and capital improvements to the facility helped the growth of WGI on the global motorsports stage.

“You can’t talk about the growth and success of Watkins Glen International without speaking about John Saunders’ influence,” said Watkins Glen International President Dawn Burlew. “As a life-long resident of the region and fan of The Glen myself, I know firsthand the impact he had in growing WGI into the famed track it is now. We are so proud to unveil the John R. Saunders Administration Building today to honor all that he has meant to this community.”

Saunders’ ties to the racing community in Watkins Glen still extend beyond the twists and turns of the track. He also currently serves as the chairman of the International Motor Racing Research Center located in the Village of Watkins Glen.

After decades of a portion of the staff working off-site at an office building in the Village of Watkins Glen, the opening of the John R. Saunders Administration Building in July brought all of the WGI employees together on the facility’s grounds. The move is designed to allow all staff to better support and enhance every aspect of the track’s activities.

The building also houses the ticketing and credentialing hub for events, and sits near the corner of County Route 16 and Bronson Hill Road on the site of the former ticket office.

The track and NASCAR worked with local architect Andrew J. Harding of AJH Design and local general contractor Welliver on the building’s design and construction.

The building dedication ceremony to honor Saunders came as the track prepares to host its first-ever NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race. The racing action kicks off later Friday, Sept. 13, with the ARCA Menards Series in the General Tire 100. That is followed by the Mission 200 at The Glen on Saturday, Sept. 14, the second-to-last race of the Xfinity Series regular season.

Then, on Sunday, Sept. 15, Watkins Glen International makes its NASCAR Cup Series Playoff debut in the Go Bowling at The Glen, with drivers battling it out on the 2.45-mile road course for the first time in the post-season.

For more details about the 2024 NASCAR race weekend at Watkins Glen International, please visit www.theglen.com.

— Watkins Glen International —