2 Watkins Glen

Vote: 20.9%

Formula 1’s relationship with the United States has often been a troubled one. The list of false-start Stateside hosts – both permanent and street tracks – is lengthy.

Yet modern-day Austin’s Circuit of the Americas wasn’t the first time F1 has successfully laid down roots with a US road course. Between 1961 and 1980 it had the same at Watkins Glen.

The F1 races in beautiful Upstate New York quickly attracted a large and diverse crowd providing a fervent atmosphere. Then a new loop added to the track from 1971 elevated its layout to being a firm drivers’ favourite: sweeping, undulating and challenging.

Sadly though the track’s facilities and safety arrangements didn’t keep pace with requirements – F1 races there had their share of tragedy indeed.

Also the fans inhabiting the local ‘Bog’ were notorious. F1 last visited in 1980, but thankfully the track continues hosting a range of other categories.