The Glen Club, the VIP suite located in the Esses at Watkins Glen International, was destroyed by fire Tuesday night. The blaze began at 8:45 p.m., and the landmark was still burning on Wednesday morning.
The structure was built in 1967 and opened during that year’s U.S. Grand Prix weekend. Then known as the Onyx Club, it was presented by Lentheric Toiletries of London. The 2,888-square foot structure originally included an avocado green-carpeted conversation pit and red brick fireplace. Watkins Glen International purchased the bankrupt circuit in 1984 and renovated the building, and has continued to expand and improve the building over the years. No one was in the structure when the fire started, with the cause yet to be determined.
Watkins Glen International opens its 2007 season with the June 8-10 running of the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen, a weekend highlighted by a Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve race.
This article appeared on the www.RacingOne.com website, and was written by J. J. O’Malley.
