Formula 1 at Watkins Glen during "The Circus Era" (James Miller)

Dr. James Miller has a longtime interest in media technology, and this led him to the historical study of the automobile as an under-appreciated site of media consumption. From there, the highly digitalized modern race car presented itself as a possible precursor of future mobility. This was also an excuse to intellectualize the pleasure of motorsports, which has resulted in a connection with the IMRRC and membership in the International Motor Press Association. Miller is professor emeritus of communications at Hampshire College, a former member of the graduate faculty at UMass Amherst and a member of the Porsche Club of America.

Formula One raced at Watkins Glen for 20 years, 1961-1980. This was a still early time in post-war F1, when nearly everything was smaller scale, sponsorship was just beginning, a DIY ethos ruled the paddock and US media attention was limited. Yet these 20 years mark a crucial midway point between the Glen’s original road racing and the modern, corporatized F1 that has now developed into a global media spectacle. To mark 75 years of Watkins Glen motorsports, this presentation offers a sketch of this distinctive time and place, with emphasis on the local community engagement that made those glorious 20 years of F1 possible.

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00:00 Introduction and Sponsors

00:58 The Early Days of Formula One at Watkins Glen

01:48 Community Involvement and Economic Impact

02:41 Historical Study and Key Observations

05:33 The Circus Era: A Cultural Context

07:57 Watkins Glen: A Unique Racing Venue

08:57 The Founders and Key Figures

11:11 The Teams and Their Principals

12:41 Challenges and Triumphs of Team Ownership

14:00 Jackie Stewart: A Champion's Journey

14:55 The Unsung Heroes: F1 Mechanics

15:52 Watkins Glen: A Beloved Racing Venue

17:08 Local Involvement and Community Spirit

18:05 The Watkins Glen Effect and Future of Racing

18:59 Preserving Racing Heritage

20:33 The Impact of Bernie Ecclestone

21:39 Summer Jam and Music Festivals

23:23 Conclusion and Reflections

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This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family - and was recorded in front of a live studio audience.