HOD WATKINS GLEN - EMBERS & ENGINES
- When
- Where
- Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen, NY
- Event type
- hpde
Hooked On Driving presents the second annual EMBERS & ENGINES Track Takeover at Watkins Glen International, running Friday, October 2 through Sunday, October 4. This HPDE goes beyond a typical track day, featuring drifting, car shows, food trucks, merchandise vendors, and live entertainment in areas surrounding the paddock. HOD's program focuses on improving driver car control and awareness while building a community of skilled and responsible drivers both on and off the track. The event includes five on-track HPDE sessions, conditions permitting, open to Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert drivers. Novice drivers can receive in-car instruction. All participants have access to professional classroom sessions at the Media Center and after-session group debriefs. Track day rentals are available. Watkins Glen International is located at 2790 County Route 16, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, and can be reached at 607-535-2486. The 3.4-mile, 11-turn long course features elevation changes, long straights, and challenging corners, offering a mix of high-speed sections and technical turns. Paddock space is available for personal tents, canopies, and trailers; Hooked On Driving is not responsible for lost or damaged property. Overnight camping is available on-site with limited electric hookups. Vehicles can enter the paddock for trailer drop-offs after 6:00 PM the night before the event and must exit by 6:00 PM on the last day. Food is available on-site and in town. 93, 100, and 110 octane VP Race fuel are available on-site. Load-in begins at 6:00 PM the day before an event. Electric hookups are available through the track. A social BBQ with hot dogs, burgers, and sides provided by HOD NE will be held in the paddock after the track goes cold on Saturday night; it is BYOB. Run groups are as follows: A-Novice (Red Group) is for newer drivers with 0-10 events, requiring an in-car instructor and allowing lead-follow for Novice Solo drivers, with point-by passing on designated straights. B-Intermediate (White Group) requires prior experience and instructor approval, is for drivers with 10+ track days, and allows point-by passing anywhere the steering is straight. C-Advanced (Blue Group) is for experienced solo drivers with 40+ track days who are comfortable managing traffic at an elevated pace and are highly predictable, with passing allowed anywhere on track via point-by. D-Expert (Yellow Group) is for the highest level of drivers with years of experience on multiple tracks in all conditions, comfortable with side-by-side driving in traffic and highly predictable, with point-by passing optional but recommended; drivers must be cleared by a Chief Instructor. Event entry fees are $499 for Intermediate and Advanced drivers for a single day. Novice drivers pay $549 for a single day, which includes coaching and classroom sessions. Multi-day discounts and early bird registration are available for all groups. Coach/Instructor registration is free 30 days prior to the event, or $150 within 30 days. Garage rentals are $200 for a half bay for all three days. A Track Damage Defense Waiver of up to $1,000 is available for $100 per day or $150 for all event days, covering the first $1,000 of facility damage. Limited coaching spots are available and require clearance by a Chief Instructor. Participants must be 18 or older, or 17 with a parental waiver. Helmets must be SNELL SA2020 or newer; motorcycle (MA) helmets are not permitted. Closed-face helmets with visors are required for convertibles. Helmets are available for rent at $50 per day, including a balaclava. Clothing requirements: street cars/full interiors require short sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes; race cars/gutted interiors recommend an FIA or SFI Rated race suit, gloves, and race shoes. Prohibited vehicles on track include SUVs, trucks, motorcycles, and open-wheel vehicles. All vehicles must pass a self-tech inspection using HOD's form; drivers are responsible for bringing a track-ready car, and seats and restraints must be equal for passengers and drivers. Refunds will not be issued for mechanical failures or unprepared cars. Drivers are responsible for any track damage or cleanup costs and will be charged to the credit card on file. An optional Track Damage Waiver up to $1,000 is available. Passengers are allowed for B, C, and D Groups and must sign a waiver and obtain a passenger wristband at registration. Convertibles must have a fixed roll bar and meet the "broomstick" test, with active roll bar systems deployed before going on track. A certified (SFI 38.1, FIA 8858 or newer) head and neck restraint device (HANS) is mandatory for all occupants of cars with aftermarket harnesses and roll bar/cage systems. Cancellation policy: 31 days or more before an event, event fees minus a $50 processing fee will be refunded, or credited to your HOD account for 12 months. 11-30 days before an event, event fees minus a $100 per event day cancellation fee will be credited to your HOD account for 12 months. 10 days or less before an event, or for no-shows, all event fees will be forfeited. Events run rain or shine. Refunds or credits will not be issued for loss of track time due to an unprepared, unsafe, or mechanically deficient vehicle. Disregarding flagging rules, safety protocols, or unsafe driving in the paddock or on track will result in ejection without a refund. For event-related questions, email Northeast@HookedOnDriving.Com.