WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (WENY) -- Watkins Glen International, the fabled road course in the Finger Lakes, is set to enter a new era with the appointment of new track president, Dawn Burlew. Burlew, who was born in Elmira and attended Horseheads High School, developed an interest in the track during her tenure at Corning Incorporated.

Over time Burlew has built an impressive resume in the world of motorsport. She is a member of the International Motor Racing Research Center's governing council, located in the village of Watkins Glen. In the business world she's just as active, serving on the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council as well as the Business Council of New York State.

"The only word I have for it is it's incredible," Burlew said. "I feel pretty blessed to be able to be a part of it and transition into it. I think it'll be a pretty smooth transition and I met with the team this morning and we're all excited to begin working together after the new year."

Burlew enters the role of track president following the departure of Michael Printup, who will now assume the role of president of the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) after a 15-year tenure with WGI. 

The 2.45 mile road course was involved in NASCAR's changes to the 2024 racing schedule. This year's Cup Series race will fall on September 15th, 2024, and serve as the second leg of the first round of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Round of 16.

"I think probably the biggest thing is polishing some of the events that have already been going on" Burlew added. "We've got a full schedule already put together next year with the Go Bowling at the Glen moving to later in September. I think that's an opportunity that will be looked at as almost a new event and change is always good, it's always in how we look at it. We just have to produce it at the highest level it's been at."

Burlew will officially take over as President of WGI on January 3rd, 2024.