Jeff Gordon the newest member of the Watkins Glens Legends class of 2011

Jeff Gordon and WGI President Michael Printup

The weekend is off to a great start for NASCAR superstar Jeff Gordon, as he received a prestigious honor upon his arrival at Watkins Glen. Gordon was honored as one of the 2011 Legends of the Glen by track president Michael Printup. Gordon was presented with a hand-blown glass vase made by Vitrix Glass of Corning, NY, during an induction ceremony held in the media center.  Mike Helton, president of NASCAR, was also in attendance to acknowledge Gordon’s contributions to the sport and join the celebration. Yesterday’s ceremony will not be the last induction that is scheduled to occur during the 2011 season at Watkins Glen. 


“When you talk about Watkins Glen International and NASCAR, one of the first people that have to be mentioned is Jeff Gordon and it is well deserved with the incredible success that he has achieved here,” said Michael Printup, president of Watkins Glen International.  “He has represented The Glen as our champion four times and each time has done so with exceptional class and dignity.  We are thrilled to welcome Jeff into this elite group of people that have had such a profound impact on our history.”


Gordon’s career at the Glen has been a dominant one, starting in 1995 and up until 2001, Gordon’s record was impeccable including four wins and three of those being consecutive in 1997, 1998, and again in 1999.  The four-time Sprint Cup Series Champion also owns six top-fives and nine top-10s since making his first Sprint Cup Series start at The Glen in 1993.


“This is a place that’s very special to me and the performances that we’ve have had over the years have been some of my favorites in my career,” said Gordon. “To go down as a legend at Watkins Glen is something that I will always treasure and hopefully we can add to that list of win this weekend.  Thank you Michael [Printup] very much for what you guys have done, this is a great facility, great track and we all enjoy racing here.  It’s an honor for me to receive this award.”


While Gordon and Printup reflected on this award and the impact Gordon has had on Watkins Glen, NASCAR President Mike Helton summed the event up by how the reflects on Gordon’s career as a whole.


“It’s been fun to watch Jeff’s career develop and perform and be such a consistent contributor on and off the race track throughout his career in NASCAR,” said Helton. “It’s an honor to be here to share this moment with Jeff and to join everybody to congratulate him.”