“It’s no use today being 30, 40 miles out in the countryside. We have to be in market. We have to recognize that if we want the CEOs and senior vice presidents of major companies to visit our sport, outhouses and picnic tables are not acceptable. We’ve got to be in the major markets. We’ve got to drive it in that fashion, [even if] it flies in the face of many of the traditions of the sport.”
Is this Bernie Ecclestone's reasons for dumping the Glen from the F1 calendar? No, it's Chris Pook's reasons for dropping Road America... and Mid Ohio might be next.
http://autoweek.com/...t_code=04364546
However, what were the real reasons behind the demise of the Glen...no hotels? Drunken mobs at the Bog? Safety on the track?
What Killed Watkins Glen?
Started by
WGD706
, Mar 21 2003 21:22
18 replies to this topic
Advertisement
#2
Ray Bell
-
- 82,271 posts
- Joined: December 99
Member
Posted 21 March 2003 - 21:27
I'm sure Mike Argetsinger did a post on that subject some time ago...
And you won't get any closer to the facts than that.
And you won't get any closer to the facts than that.
#3
Nikos Spagnol
-
- 1,408 posts
- Joined: April 02
Member
Posted 21 March 2003 - 21:33
Organization was pretty lame there. Two drivers being decapitated due to badly fixed ARMCO doesn't help it neither. 
Bernie's excuses, however, are somewhat worrying. Seems like accomodations to CEO's and yuppies are a more important factor than the circuit at all. :
Bernie's excuses, however, are somewhat worrying. Seems like accomodations to CEO's and yuppies are a more important factor than the circuit at all. :
#4
WGD706
-
- 956 posts
- Joined: August 02
Member
Posted 21 March 2003 - 21:42
I've looked at almost all of the 541 threads mentioning Watkins Glen but haven't found a definitive answer as to who or what really did the track in. There's been fatalities at other circuits (Imola,for one glaring example and Monza, for another) that are still in use and I'm sure financing at other venues still being raced upon may have been on shaky ground at one time or another.
#5
Keir
-
- 5,241 posts
- Joined: February 00
Member
Posted 21 March 2003 - 22:41
The "Glen" is one hallowed place in my book.
Age and greed killed Watkins Glen. The powers that be wanted more money and Watkins could not deliver. It still ranks as a low point in motor racing history that Watkins Glen is no longer the home of the USGP!!
Age and greed killed Watkins Glen. The powers that be wanted more money and Watkins could not deliver. It still ranks as a low point in motor racing history that Watkins Glen is no longer the home of the USGP!!
#6
Mike Argetsinger
-
- 948 posts
- Joined: April 00
Member
Posted 22 March 2003 - 02:18
Nikos - you speak pretty authoritatively for someone who was roughly 3 months old (according to your profile) when the last Grand Prix was held at Watkins Glen. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
If I seem offended - I am.
Organization pretty lame you say? (Exactly why I am rising to the bait here I'm not sure but . . . .) During the 20 years the US Grand Prix was at Watkins Glen it was at least three times awarded the GPDA trophy for the best organized GP in the world for that year. And it was almost always in the top three in the voting. Both the drivers and the constructors/entrants liked Watkins Glen and one of the things they liked best was the organization. It was very professional. At least during the 60's it established new standards in a number of areas. Although there was a different management team in place after the circuit was lengthened (essentially the 70's) they too were doing a lot of things right. I could go on to further illustrate this point but I'm not sure its worth it. But if the organization had been 'pretty lame' as you say there is no way the race would have stayed there so long. There was a lot of competition for that event from other circuits and if it was as you say - it would have gone elsewhere.
WGD 706 postulates several possible reasons for the race leaving.
No hotels? That just isn't so. Racing has thrived there for 55 years now and there are many hotels and other accomodations available - then and now. The track hosts a Winston Cup race in August that now draws more people than the F-1 race did. They all find a place to sleep.
Drunken mobs at the bog? That did hurt - but certainly wasn't the reason the race left. It's a whole subject by itself. The bog emerged in the 70's after the track was expanded. They broke through old tiling and terracing for water run off during construction. I will admit that the organizers should have gotten this under control sooner than they did. But this, as I said, was not why the race left.
Safety on the track WGD 706 asks? No. As you said fatalities were not unique to Watkins Glen. Again this is a long topic by itself but Watkins Glen is a very fast and very demanding circuit. The state-of-the-art in circuit safety in the early 70's was armco barriers. Many people opposed them including myself. But that is what the driver's wanted and noone entered in to it (meaning the drivers or track management) with anything but the best intentions. It was a very dangerous period in racing and I think to point a finger at Watkins Glen as a dangerous track given the context of the time is just ridiculous.
But it is also wrong to point a finger at Bernie Ecclestone - either directly or by inference. Actually Bernie did everything he could to keep the race there up to and including underwriting the last race (when the track was already bankrupt).
The races at Watkins Glen - particularly the USGP - were always profitable in and of themselves. This continued to be true despite the increasing costs attendant to all GP organizers during the time when Ecclestone was changing the dynamics and cost of running a Grand Prix.
The reason for the bankruptcy was that the track incurred a debt under a bond issue that raised money for improvements and expansion prior to the 1971 season. It was this debt - and to a much lesser extent the increasing costs - that made the bankruptcy inevitable despite continued success on an event to event basis if you see what I mean.
It was at this time - 1970 - that Cameron Argetsinger (who had originated the races at Watkins Glen in 1948 and who was the first person to make F-1 racing a success in America) resigned from his position as head of the race operation. He had other plans that would have ensured that the needed changes were made while further ensuring continued financial viability for the track. But his plan was not chosen and he left because he obviously wasn't going to be part of something that was doomed to ultimately fail.
This bond issue that was floated as to the alternative to Argetsinger's plan - did inevitably lead to the bankruptcy and loss of the United States Grand Prix.
Although it is popular lore to blame Bernie Ecclestone and rising costs for the loss of the race (and for the bankruptcy), I can tell you that this is utter nonsense. The failure at Watkins Glen can be directly tied to the exorbitant debt they incurred in 1971. It could be, and was, predicted by anyone familiar with the numbers. And, most sadly, it never had to happen.
On the other hand - - the track was purchased out of bankruptcy more than 20 years ago. The right investments in infrastructure were made and today Watkins Glen remains as one of America's premier race circuits and - 55 years after Cameron Argetsinger came up with the original idea - continues to enrich the region in which it resides and the sport it promotes.
And that's not a bad thing.
If I seem offended - I am.
Organization pretty lame you say? (Exactly why I am rising to the bait here I'm not sure but . . . .) During the 20 years the US Grand Prix was at Watkins Glen it was at least three times awarded the GPDA trophy for the best organized GP in the world for that year. And it was almost always in the top three in the voting. Both the drivers and the constructors/entrants liked Watkins Glen and one of the things they liked best was the organization. It was very professional. At least during the 60's it established new standards in a number of areas. Although there was a different management team in place after the circuit was lengthened (essentially the 70's) they too were doing a lot of things right. I could go on to further illustrate this point but I'm not sure its worth it. But if the organization had been 'pretty lame' as you say there is no way the race would have stayed there so long. There was a lot of competition for that event from other circuits and if it was as you say - it would have gone elsewhere.
WGD 706 postulates several possible reasons for the race leaving.
No hotels? That just isn't so. Racing has thrived there for 55 years now and there are many hotels and other accomodations available - then and now. The track hosts a Winston Cup race in August that now draws more people than the F-1 race did. They all find a place to sleep.
Drunken mobs at the bog? That did hurt - but certainly wasn't the reason the race left. It's a whole subject by itself. The bog emerged in the 70's after the track was expanded. They broke through old tiling and terracing for water run off during construction. I will admit that the organizers should have gotten this under control sooner than they did. But this, as I said, was not why the race left.
Safety on the track WGD 706 asks? No. As you said fatalities were not unique to Watkins Glen. Again this is a long topic by itself but Watkins Glen is a very fast and very demanding circuit. The state-of-the-art in circuit safety in the early 70's was armco barriers. Many people opposed them including myself. But that is what the driver's wanted and noone entered in to it (meaning the drivers or track management) with anything but the best intentions. It was a very dangerous period in racing and I think to point a finger at Watkins Glen as a dangerous track given the context of the time is just ridiculous.
But it is also wrong to point a finger at Bernie Ecclestone - either directly or by inference. Actually Bernie did everything he could to keep the race there up to and including underwriting the last race (when the track was already bankrupt).
The races at Watkins Glen - particularly the USGP - were always profitable in and of themselves. This continued to be true despite the increasing costs attendant to all GP organizers during the time when Ecclestone was changing the dynamics and cost of running a Grand Prix.
The reason for the bankruptcy was that the track incurred a debt under a bond issue that raised money for improvements and expansion prior to the 1971 season. It was this debt - and to a much lesser extent the increasing costs - that made the bankruptcy inevitable despite continued success on an event to event basis if you see what I mean.
It was at this time - 1970 - that Cameron Argetsinger (who had originated the races at Watkins Glen in 1948 and who was the first person to make F-1 racing a success in America) resigned from his position as head of the race operation. He had other plans that would have ensured that the needed changes were made while further ensuring continued financial viability for the track. But his plan was not chosen and he left because he obviously wasn't going to be part of something that was doomed to ultimately fail.
This bond issue that was floated as to the alternative to Argetsinger's plan - did inevitably lead to the bankruptcy and loss of the United States Grand Prix.
Although it is popular lore to blame Bernie Ecclestone and rising costs for the loss of the race (and for the bankruptcy), I can tell you that this is utter nonsense. The failure at Watkins Glen can be directly tied to the exorbitant debt they incurred in 1971. It could be, and was, predicted by anyone familiar with the numbers. And, most sadly, it never had to happen.
On the other hand - - the track was purchased out of bankruptcy more than 20 years ago. The right investments in infrastructure were made and today Watkins Glen remains as one of America's premier race circuits and - 55 years after Cameron Argetsinger came up with the original idea - continues to enrich the region in which it resides and the sport it promotes.
And that's not a bad thing.
#7
maxie
-
- 1,565 posts
- Joined: February 01
Member
Posted 22 March 2003 - 02:46
Perhaps Bruno Giacomelli killed it by almost winning there? 
#8
WGD706
-
- 956 posts
- Joined: August 02
Member
Posted 22 March 2003 - 09:20
Mike
As Ray suggested, you are the one to go to for any definitive answer on the subject of the Glen. Some of the reasons for the track's departure from the F1 scene that I mentioned have been said so many times in various places, that they've fell into popular lore. (Especially the one about there being no major/big hotels.) When I read Chris Pook's statements on why CART/Champ Car was dropping Road America and possibly Mid-Ohio, it brought back memories on what I thought I had read about Bernie's reasons.
As Keir, and I'm sure so many others here will also say, Watkins Glen holds a special place in our hearts. It was the place that I finally got to see all of the things and people that I had been reading about for so long.
I may have said it before elsewhere, but please give your father a big "Thank You" from one grateful fan for providing so many years of fantastic racing. And another one to you for keeping the history alive.
BTW, how's your research on Walt coming along?
Warren
As Ray suggested, you are the one to go to for any definitive answer on the subject of the Glen. Some of the reasons for the track's departure from the F1 scene that I mentioned have been said so many times in various places, that they've fell into popular lore. (Especially the one about there being no major/big hotels.) When I read Chris Pook's statements on why CART/Champ Car was dropping Road America and possibly Mid-Ohio, it brought back memories on what I thought I had read about Bernie's reasons.
As Keir, and I'm sure so many others here will also say, Watkins Glen holds a special place in our hearts. It was the place that I finally got to see all of the things and people that I had been reading about for so long.
I may have said it before elsewhere, but please give your father a big "Thank You" from one grateful fan for providing so many years of fantastic racing. And another one to you for keeping the history alive.
BTW, how's your research on Walt coming along?
Warren
#9
eldougo
-
- 9,668 posts
- Joined: March 02
Member
Posted 22 March 2003 - 09:48
Quote -------- KEIR
It still ranks as a low point in motor racing history that Watkins Glen is no longer the home of the USGP!!
O,oooooooo SO TRUE WHAT A SHAME
#10
dbltop
-
- 1,673 posts
- Joined: September 00
Member
Posted 22 March 2003 - 10:18
You only have to read my signature to get my thoughts on W.G. Its not just the GP thats missing. It was a much simpler time. And, for that change at least we can blame Bernie!
#11
Allen Brown
-
- 5,568 posts
- Joined: December 00
Member
Posted 22 March 2003 - 12:27
I'm very interested by the talk of hotels in Watkins Glen. I have stayed in the town on several occassions (and will be back in a few weeks) and I can confirm there are hotels everywhere but more in the fashion of Bournemouth than Las Vegas. I've stayed at several, including Seneca Lodge, and I think there is still significant room for improvement. It is, however, a very friendly and welcoming town and I enjoy the lakeside relaxation of my trips there - and the great breakfasts at that little "family" diner on the main drag.
Mike - where would you suggest I stay at Easter?
Allen
Mike - where would you suggest I stay at Easter?
Allen
#12
Gary C
-
- 5,600 posts
- Joined: January 01
Member
Posted 22 March 2003 - 15:57
I went to the historic races at Watkins Glen last September (my first visit) and absolutely loved the place! The track was something else, and the people most welcoming! I had a great five days!!
#13
Don Capps
-
- 5,933 posts
- Joined: May 99
Member
Posted 22 March 2003 - 17:06
As Mike once again reminds us, things are often not what they seem. Like just about everyone else here, I was initially rather confused as to why Watkins Glen almost ceased to exist in the early 1980's. Although the reason was readily apparent to any of us who cared to read the articles written about the financial issues of the track, most of us attributed the collapse of the track to factors that were really "red herrings."
Not until some point in the late 80's or early 90's did I even begin to suspect that the reasons were what Mike lays out. It was one of those "Duh!" moments. My later talks with Mike and others confirmed that notion. The debt taken on by the track was structured in such a way that it is pretty remarkable that they managed to keep it operating as long as they did.
Once the financial crisis enveloped the track, nearly leading to its demise it seemed -- although that would be selling short the determination of many of the people involved, there was an effort to save the track that resulted in a restructuring of its debt and a plan to make it once again a vivable enterprise, a large part of this effort being the annual NASCAR Winston Cup and other NASCAR series events.
Nope, to point the finger at Bernie Ecclestone and pin the blame on him is not accurate in this case. Ecclestone and others attempted to help as much as they could, the debt was just too much to overcome save for a comprehensive restructuring. No real villians, just a business decision which didn't pan out as anticipated with some unpleasant results for us race fans.
Allen: You need to try the Seneca Lodge at Easter. It is a mandatory stopping place for any "pilgrimage" to Watkins Glen. There are several other places that Mike or I can recommend as well.
Not until some point in the late 80's or early 90's did I even begin to suspect that the reasons were what Mike lays out. It was one of those "Duh!" moments. My later talks with Mike and others confirmed that notion. The debt taken on by the track was structured in such a way that it is pretty remarkable that they managed to keep it operating as long as they did.
Once the financial crisis enveloped the track, nearly leading to its demise it seemed -- although that would be selling short the determination of many of the people involved, there was an effort to save the track that resulted in a restructuring of its debt and a plan to make it once again a vivable enterprise, a large part of this effort being the annual NASCAR Winston Cup and other NASCAR series events.
Nope, to point the finger at Bernie Ecclestone and pin the blame on him is not accurate in this case. Ecclestone and others attempted to help as much as they could, the debt was just too much to overcome save for a comprehensive restructuring. No real villians, just a business decision which didn't pan out as anticipated with some unpleasant results for us race fans.
Allen: You need to try the Seneca Lodge at Easter. It is a mandatory stopping place for any "pilgrimage" to Watkins Glen. There are several other places that Mike or I can recommend as well.
#14
Mike Argetsinger
-
- 948 posts
- Joined: April 00
Member
Posted 23 March 2003 - 02:21
Sincere thanks to all those who made the nice comments above. I really do appreciate it and will pass them along to my father.
Allen - I've never been to Las Vegas or Bournemouth but know just enough about both places to say that your analogy is pretty much spot on.
For something a little higher end you may want to try the inn at Glenora winery which is just eight miles up the west side of the lake (Seneca) from Watkins Glen. It is quite new and I understand very nice - I can definitely vouch for their restaurant which is first rate.
The Glen Motor Inn was for many years a great place and figures largely in lore from F-1 days. But time passed it by and now Vic Franseze and his family have taken the big step to take down all the old units and are completely rebuilding the place. I have no doubt that it will be very nice when completed but I don't know the building schedule and whether or not it will be finished by the time of your visit. Vic is a great guy and was on my father's pit crew when he raced at Sebring in 1960. Vic started racing shortly after that and still owns the CanAm McLaren he bought when it was new.
Of course, as Don has said, for pure fun and color and a large dose of tradition and nostalgia you just can't beat Seneca Lodge. It is still run by the Brubaker family who built it in the 1940's. Be sure to talk to either Nancy, Jim, Jack, Don, or Gloria when you stop by.
Another idea for something more upscale - try one of the B&B's. Several of them are very high end, elegant and charming. You won't be disappointed.
Let me know if you want phone numbers or other information for any of the places I have mentioned.
I'm glad to hear you will be there again and appreciate you being a supporter of the Research Center. Once again our paths won't cross, this time at least, as I will be racing at Homestead, Florida that week in a 12 Hour race.
Have you had a chance to do a lap of the original 6.6 mile circuit? It is all still there virtually as it was from 1948-52. It (the circuit) has just recently been placed on the National Register of Historic Sites which we hope will help to preserve the integrity of the original layout.
Warren - thanks for asking about the Walt Hansgen book. I am still very much deep in the research phase and have to admit it's great fun - albeit very time consuming. Mention of Walt in this country elicits a lot of warm memories and people have been very kind and forthcoming. I still have a lot of work to do though. Any and all comments, ideas, information, leads or just plain encouragement from my friends at TNF will be most appreciated and obviously recognized!
Allen - I've never been to Las Vegas or Bournemouth but know just enough about both places to say that your analogy is pretty much spot on.
For something a little higher end you may want to try the inn at Glenora winery which is just eight miles up the west side of the lake (Seneca) from Watkins Glen. It is quite new and I understand very nice - I can definitely vouch for their restaurant which is first rate.
The Glen Motor Inn was for many years a great place and figures largely in lore from F-1 days. But time passed it by and now Vic Franseze and his family have taken the big step to take down all the old units and are completely rebuilding the place. I have no doubt that it will be very nice when completed but I don't know the building schedule and whether or not it will be finished by the time of your visit. Vic is a great guy and was on my father's pit crew when he raced at Sebring in 1960. Vic started racing shortly after that and still owns the CanAm McLaren he bought when it was new.
Of course, as Don has said, for pure fun and color and a large dose of tradition and nostalgia you just can't beat Seneca Lodge. It is still run by the Brubaker family who built it in the 1940's. Be sure to talk to either Nancy, Jim, Jack, Don, or Gloria when you stop by.
Another idea for something more upscale - try one of the B&B's. Several of them are very high end, elegant and charming. You won't be disappointed.
Let me know if you want phone numbers or other information for any of the places I have mentioned.
I'm glad to hear you will be there again and appreciate you being a supporter of the Research Center. Once again our paths won't cross, this time at least, as I will be racing at Homestead, Florida that week in a 12 Hour race.
Have you had a chance to do a lap of the original 6.6 mile circuit? It is all still there virtually as it was from 1948-52. It (the circuit) has just recently been placed on the National Register of Historic Sites which we hope will help to preserve the integrity of the original layout.
Warren - thanks for asking about the Walt Hansgen book. I am still very much deep in the research phase and have to admit it's great fun - albeit very time consuming. Mention of Walt in this country elicits a lot of warm memories and people have been very kind and forthcoming. I still have a lot of work to do though. Any and all comments, ideas, information, leads or just plain encouragement from my friends at TNF will be most appreciated and obviously recognized!
#15
Allen Brown
-
- 5,568 posts
- Joined: December 00
Member
Posted 23 March 2003 - 19:33
MikeOriginally posted by Mike Argetsinger
Another idea for something more upscale - try one of the B&B's. Several of them are very high end, elegant and charming. You won't be disappointed.
Let me know if you want phone numbers or other information for any of the places I have mentioned.
I like being right in the town so I can walk to the Research Centre. I've stayed at the Colonial Inn, which despite its name is a middle-range motel - no breakfast but that great little diner I mentioned earlier always gets my breakfast business. I would like to try something slightly more up market in the centre but I've lost the piece of paper on which I wrote down the more impressive looking places. Maybe I'll just turn up and see what's available - I be surprised if the town was fully booked the week after Easter.
If you have a recommendation of an upscale B&B near the Centre, I'd appreciate it.
That's a shame. Best of luck and I'll catch you next time.Originally posted by Mike Argetsinger
I'm glad to hear you will be there again and appreciate you being a supporter of the Research Center. Once again our paths won't cross, this time at least, as I will be racing at Homestead, Florida that week in a 12 Hour race.
The Centre is wonderful and I'm lucky to be just a four-hour drive away a couple of times a year. Even for those who can't get there in person, you guys are doing a valuable service by helping educate those of us who can share what we learn here on TNF.
Allen
#16
rdrcr
-
- 2,727 posts
- Joined: June 01
Member
Posted 24 March 2003 - 07:21
Thanks for setting the record straight Mike...
Like many here, the Glen holds a very, very special place in my heart for the F1 and endurance events I had such a fantastic time spectating over.
I hope to make it to the Glen again this Septermber for the Zippo Historic races.
BTW,
I found this great photo essay of racing at the Glen in its heyday of F1 events. The photos in the glenphotos.com website, shows just what kind of action and the massive crowds the place drew. (Note: sometimes the sites' up, sometimes not.)
Man, it was one hulluva good time!
Like many here, the Glen holds a very, very special place in my heart for the F1 and endurance events I had such a fantastic time spectating over.
I hope to make it to the Glen again this Septermber for the Zippo Historic races.
BTW,
I found this great photo essay of racing at the Glen in its heyday of F1 events. The photos in the glenphotos.com website, shows just what kind of action and the massive crowds the place drew. (Note: sometimes the sites' up, sometimes not.)
Man, it was one hulluva good time!
#17
masterhit
-
- 1,837 posts
- Joined: May 02
Member
Posted 24 March 2003 - 13:01
I was seven years old, but I still remember Gilles Villeneuve versus Alan Jones at the Glen, simply because it was a fan-f'cking-tastic race. In fact I can still vaguely remember Murray getting excited at how quickly Alan's tires had been changed (it was around twenty seconds or so!) That was before he went into fits of apoplexy over Jones's wheel falling off!
#18
David M. Kane
-
- 5,402 posts
- Joined: December 00
Member
Posted 25 March 2003 - 04:01
I went to the USGP each year from 1970 to 1977-78. The things I remember most have to do with the time of the year. The race was always held the first weekend of October when the fall leaves were usually at their most
magical moment. The morning air was brisk and clean. You'd be in your motorhome eating breakfast and then some angel would either fire-up a DFV,
a Matra or a Ferrari and you'd remember why you looked forward all year long to coming to "The Glen".
It was time to grab your camera, head out to the back part of the Circuit
and wait for Ronnie and the boys to do the morning warm-up. It was a very
big party for sure, but you have to remember that it was the last good weather of the fall for all the college students and there are a lot of
American Colleges and Universities in the area.
It was and is still the most magical place in America despite what Chris
Pook might think. The Glen is a very earthy and naturally place, not a place for Guccis and Puccis...
The sequence from turn 1 up the hill through "THE WALL" and up the front
straight is still one of the greatest adventures in the world.
magical moment. The morning air was brisk and clean. You'd be in your motorhome eating breakfast and then some angel would either fire-up a DFV,
a Matra or a Ferrari and you'd remember why you looked forward all year long to coming to "The Glen".
It was time to grab your camera, head out to the back part of the Circuit
and wait for Ronnie and the boys to do the morning warm-up. It was a very
big party for sure, but you have to remember that it was the last good weather of the fall for all the college students and there are a lot of
American Colleges and Universities in the area.
It was and is still the most magical place in America despite what Chris
Pook might think. The Glen is a very earthy and naturally place, not a place for Guccis and Puccis...
The sequence from turn 1 up the hill through "THE WALL" and up the front
straight is still one of the greatest adventures in the world.
#19
Nikos Spagnol
-
- 1,408 posts
- Joined: April 02
Member
Posted 25 March 2003 - 22:25
Mike, of course I don't have the authority to argue this issue with you. I stand corrected for everything you just said. 
Nonetheless, the incidents I was refering to - Cevert in '73 and Koinning in '74 - happened when Glens was facing decadance - as you pointed out, they had huge debts by that time that eventually lead to bankrupty. Of course, it was a dangerous age of motorsport, cars being too fast and too unsafe. Emmo Fittipaldi stated that driving that Lotus '72 (whose fuel tank was INSIDE its cockipts walls
) felt like "smoking a Cuban cigar inside a gasoline bathtub". We can't blame those freak accidents on the track organization lonely. But I have heard people with much more authority than me stating that, by the seventies, organizers didn't "take care" Glens properly, what helps to explain missing bolts on the ARMCO on those sad weekends. 
Nonetheless, the incidents I was refering to - Cevert in '73 and Koinning in '74 - happened when Glens was facing decadance - as you pointed out, they had huge debts by that time that eventually lead to bankrupty. Of course, it was a dangerous age of motorsport, cars being too fast and too unsafe. Emmo Fittipaldi stated that driving that Lotus '72 (whose fuel tank was INSIDE its cockipts walls
) felt like "smoking a Cuban cigar inside a gasoline bathtub". We can't blame those freak accidents on the track organization lonely. But I have heard people with much more authority than me stating that, by the seventies, organizers didn't "take care" Glens properly, what helps to explain missing bolts on the ARMCO on those sad weekends.
