International Motor Racing Research Center

The International Motor Racing Research Center gives Watkins Glen’s racing identity an accessible historical setting. It is a library and archive with a global motorsport remit, rather than the racing circuit itself. Its South Decatur Street location allows visitors to include racing history in a village visit even when they are not attending a track event.

The visitor offer includes displays, a race car on the showroom floor, interactive material and an iRacing simulator. A film about the early history of racing in Watkins Glen helps connect the collections to the streets outside. The car on display can change, so the reason to visit is the wider interpretation rather than an assumed permanent model.

Behind that public introduction is a substantial documentary collection: books, periodicals, photographs, film, programs and archival records. Travelers with a specific research question should contact staff before arriving so appropriate material can be prepared. A general visit and a detailed archive consultation require different amounts of planning.

The regular published hours are Monday through Friday, with holiday closures. Saturday visits can be arranged by appointment; occasional event openings should not be generalized to every weekend. This centre is a useful counterpart to the gorge and lake, adding an explanation of why motorsport became part of the village’s public identity.

Verified: 2026-09-27 · Official website · Address: 610 South Decatur Street, Watkins Glen, NY 14891 · Phone: +1 607-535-9044 · Facebook · YouTube · Official logo

Sources: Visit The Center - International Motor Racing Research Center · Research Center for Motor Racing History | IMRRC · Contact Our Experts | IMRRC