F1 Legends return: from Silverstone to Watkins Glen

Stewart and Hill to Accept Driver of the Decade Awards During Pre-Race Ceremonies on Big Screens

Sir Jackie Stewart and Mrs. Bette Hill will participate in the pre-race festivities for the Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen to accept the awards of Driver of the Decade and induction into Legends of The Glen. Mrs. Hill will be accepting the award on behalf of her late husband, Graham Hill.

Their messages will be broadcast on the Big Screens located around the historic road course as both Stewart and Hill are unable to attend the race due to their responsibilities and commitments associated with this weekend’s British Grand Prix in Silverstone, England.

"The lure of racing at Watkins Glen International is legendary, and to have these two iconic drivers inducted into the Legends of The Glen on this holiday weekend is only fitting," said Craig Rust, president of Watkins Glen International.

Graham Hill dominated F1 racing at Watkins Glen International from the time it arrived in 1961 through the event in 1967. Hill competed in seven United States Grand Prix at The Glen, and went on to post one 5th place finish, two 2nd place finishes, and three straight wins from 1963-1965. Unfortunately, Hill lost his life in a small plane crash in November 1975.

Sir Jackie Stewart had an equally impressive run during the years 1968-1977. In 1968, Stewart won at Watkins Glen International while becoming the first driver to lead every lap of the US Grand Prix. Stewart struggled in the next two U.S. Grand Prix with mechanical issues, but came back to finish 5th in 1971.

Stewart returned to Victory Lane at Watkins Glen International in 1972 in his Tyrrell Ford, and it looked like he would have an equally strong run in 1973. Stewart qualified 5th for the 1973 US Grand Prix, but withdrew from the event and retired from racing when his teammate, Francois Cevert, was killed in a practice crash.

Hill and Stewart were selected for the honor by a six-member panel of Glen experts. The criteria were, in order of importance, number of Glen victories, number of Top-5 finishes, number of Top-10 finishes, average finish, records set, and the significance/impact of their performances.

The committee was required to consider the results from one decade at a time with the breakdown being as follows: 1948-1957, 1958-1967, 1968-1977, 1978-1987, 1988-1997, or 1998-2007.

Great tickets for this weekend’s Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen are still available for purchase at the WGI ticket office. Fans will be treated to two races on Sunday, July 6;

the Penn Grade 1 Historic Grand Prix featuring vintage F1 cars at 12:30pm and the marquee race, Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen featuring the IndyCar® Series at 3:30pm.

- Ryan Lake-