Watkins Glen unveils unique trophy

Watkins Glen International unveiled the track's unique trophy that will be bestowed to the winner of this August's annual Sprint Cup Series race at the upstate New York road course.

Watkins Glen and The Corning Museum of Glass announced a strategic partnership Thursday morning and unveiled the unique trophy, designed and created by Corning Museum of Glass artist Eric Meek.

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.