The cars of MG will be the honored marque at the 2014 U.S. Vintage Grand Prix Watkins Glen, scheduled for September 5-7 at Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, New York. MG Vintage racers have designated this event as their “Focus Event” for 2014, according to the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA), which sanctions this event each year.
The MG shares a rich history with Watkins Glen and 2014 marks a big year for the marque with multiple event anniversaries. This year is the 55th anniversary of the first full MG races held at The Glen in 1959 and 1960. Some of the cars from these historic races will be present at this year’s U.S. Vintage Grand Prix. 2014 also marks the 60th anniversary of the Collier Brothers Memorial Trophy Race, celebrating 60 years of Collier Cup MG races. And lastly, this year will also be the 50th anniversary of the New England MG-T Register.
“We featured MG as our marque back in 2003 and it was a historic event with over 700 entries, a record number,” stated Michael Printup, President of Watkins Glen International. “We are hoping for the same type of support during their 55th anniversary run!”
Founded in the 1920s by Cecil Kimber, MGs were produced by The MG Car Company Limited, and were best known for their two-seat open sports cars. After World War II, MGs grew in popularity in the US as the “entry level” sports car for most young sports car enthusiasts. After its inception in the 1920s, the MG marque was in continuous use for over 50 years, with the exception of World War II.
Tickets and camping for the Glenora Wine Cellars U.S. Vintage Grand Prix presented by Welliver are currently on sale and can be purchased by visiting TheGlen.com, or by phone at 866.461.RACE.
[Source: Watkins Glen; photo: Michael DiPleco]
