2021 Watkins Glen Preview 2

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. – Same locale. Same track. Different event.

Drivers Michael Johnson and Stephen Simpson and the Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA) team are  back at Watkins Glen International Speedway, as the iconic track is set to host IMSA events in consecutive weekends.

The WeatherTech 240, which was originally scheduled for Canadian Tire Motorsports Park in Ontario, Canada, will begin at 6:10 p.m. ET on Friday, July 2. The event was moved because of the COVID-19 pandemic and international travel restrictions.

“I’m excited to get back racing here at Watkins Glen,” said Johnson. “This track has always been a special place. I’m ready to have another good race, like we did last week here. Let’s do this!” 

All IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge races are streamed live on TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold. IMSA Radio also provides live audio coverage of select Michelin Pilot Challenge practice, qualifying sessions and full-length coverage of all races.

A week ago, Johnson and Simpson suffered some late-race bad luck but were able to salvage a sixth-place showing at the four-hour Tioga Downs Casino Resort 240 at The Glen.

Weather could play a significant role in the running of the WeatherTech 240, as the forecast is calling for a 60 percent chance of rain showers. Temperatures are expected to be in the low 70s with winds for the northwest at nine miles per hour

“I am looking forward to this weekend again,” said Simpson. “It’s fortunate that we didn’t have to wait long between Saturday’s race and Friday’s race. We are looking for a bit of redemption, for sure. The weather is supposed to be wet for the weekend so that’s another element to throw into it. A pretty short and sweet event; practice, then qualifying and then the race (Friday). It’s going to be a quick one, but I am hoping for a good result.”

In two weeks, Johnson, Simpson and the BHA team will travel to Lakeville in Northwest Connecticut for the Lime Rock Park 120 at historic Lime Rock Park on July 16-17. The two-hour race, which Johnson and Simpson won in 2018, is scheduled to go green at 11:05 a.m. on Saturday, July 17.

Built in 1956, Lime Rock Park, which features a circuit length of 1.50 miles, is the nation’s oldest continuously operating road racing venue. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.