Date: 3 July 2012
The unique trophy designed and created by Corning Museum of Glass artist Eric Meek encompasses key aspects of the Finger Lakes Region, including The Glen’s iconic blue guardrail, the Finger Lakes and, of course, glass.
The trophy is an elegant cylindrical glass piece made of clear glass encasing a solid blue core in the shape of The Glen’s unique winding racetrack. The blue reflects The Glen’s signature guardrail color, as well as the color of nearby Seneca Lake and the Watkins Glen gorges. The piece is slightly curved, showcasing the fluidity of glass in its molten state.
“The Corning Museum of Glass has provided Watkins Glen International a truly unique and beautiful trophy for our NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in August,” Watkins Glen International President Michael Printup said. “This distinctive work of art captures the essence of our partnership and the spirit of the region, uniting the world of art and speed. I cannot wait to see it held high in Gatorade Victory Lane by race winner for the world to see!”
Long before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season started, the challenge to create this piece began. The trophy is the result of several meetings, numerous prototypes and sketches, and leverages years of glassmaking experience by the talented team at The Corning Museum of Glass. The core racetrack form was handshaped by the artist.
Meek, who likes to draw upon glassmaking traditions and fine craftsmanship to realize modern, elegant works, said, “In forming this piece, we were faced with challenges that we don’t typically face day to day, with new ways of shaping glass. That’s what made it exciting to make and that’s what makes it a really unique trophy, something that could only be made here in Corning.”
The Corning Museum of Glass is home to the world’s most comprehensive glass collection, and offers live glassmaking demonstrations and classes, featuring some of the best glassmakers in the world. Watkins Glen International is the premiere road racing facility in North America and New York’s only home to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. This truly unique piece showcases two of the most prominent regional tourism attractions.
Tickets for the 2012 season at Watkins Glen International are on sale now! Fans may purchase their tickets and camping by contacting the WGI ticket office in person or by phone at 866.461.RACE (7223) or logging on to the official website, www.TheGlen.com. Gift certificates, daily Thunder Road Tour passes, event tickets and track merchandise are available for purchase at The Shop located at 2 North Franklin Street in Watkins Glen. The Shop is open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday. Keep up with The Glen on Facebook and Twitter. Download The Glen’s free mobile app from iTunes or for your Android mobile device.
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