Watkins Glen open again, optimistic for NASCAR weekend

FILE - In this Aug. 5, 2018, file photo, Denny Hamlin (11), Chase Elliott (9) and Erik Jones (20) come around Turn 1 during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race in Watkins Glen, N.Y. Three months after its opening day was canceled by the coronavirus pandemic, Watkins Glen International is hosting car clubs again as NASCAR weekend looms in mid-August. “Everybody is excited about getting back in the saddle. I know we are," track president Michael Printup said. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File)

FILE - In this Aug. 3, 2019, file photo, Jimmie Johnson (48) drives through the area of the course called "The Bus Stop" during a practice run for the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Watkins Glen International, in Watkins Glen, N.Y. Three months after its opening day was canceled by the coronavirus pandemic, Watkins Glen International is hosting car clubs again as NASCAR weekend looms in mid-August. “Everybody is excited about getting back in the saddle. I know we are," track president Michael Printup said. (AP Photo/John Munson, File)

FILE - In this Aug. 5, 2018, file photo, Chase Elliott, center, celebrates after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race in Watkins Glen, N.Y. Three months after its opening day was canceled by the coronavirus pandemic, Watkins Glen International is hosting car clubs again as NASCAR weekend looms in mid-August. “Everybody is excited about getting back in the saddle. I know we are," track president Michael Printup said. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File)

FILE - In this Aug. 5, 2018, file photo, spectators watch as drivers come around Turn 1 during a restart after a caution during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race in Watkins Glen, N.Y. Three months after its opening day was canceled by the coronavirus pandemic, Watkins Glen International is hosting car clubs again as NASCAR weekend looms in mid-August. “Everybody is excited about getting back in the saddle. I know we are," track president Michael Printup said. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File)