What Is 2009 Six Hours of Watkins Glen

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2009 Six Hours of Watkins Glen was a 6-hour endurance sports car race held on July 4, 2009, at Watkins Glen International in New York. It served as the fourth round of the 2009 American Le Mans Series (ALMS) season and featured multiple prototype and GT classes.

Key Facts

The race took place on July 4, 2009, at Watkins Glen International, New York.
It was the fourth round of the 2009 American Le Mans Series season.
The winning car was the No. 055 Porsche RS Spyder driven by Romain Dumas and Sascha Maassen.
The race covered 193 laps around the 5.435 km circuit, totaling approximately 1,049 km.
Porsche claimed victory in the LMP2 class, while Corvette Racing won in GT2.

Overview

The 2009 Six Hours of Watkins Glen was a pivotal endurance race in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) calendar, drawing top sports car teams and drivers to the historic Watkins Glen International circuit. Held on Independence Day, July 4, 2009, the event combined high-speed racing with patriotic celebration, attracting thousands of fans to the scenic upstate New York track.

As a 6-hour endurance challenge, the race tested teams' reliability, strategy, and driver stamina across multiple classes including LMP1, LMP2, GT, and GT2. The event highlighted advancements in fuel-efficient racing technology, with hybrid and diesel-powered prototypes competing alongside production-based GT machines.

Event Date: The race occurred on July 4, 2009, aligning with Independence Day festivities and boosting attendance.
Circuit Length: Watkins Glen International's Grand Prix layout spans 5.435 kilometers (3.378 miles), featuring 11 turns and significant elevation changes.
Duration: The race lasted exactly 6 hours, ending at approximately 4:00 PM after starting at 10:00 AM local time.
Winning Team: The Van der Zouwen Motorsports No. 055 Porsche RS Spyder took overall victory in the LMP2 class.
Distance Covered: The winning car completed 193 laps, totaling roughly 1,049 kilometers (652 miles) during the race.

How It Works

The Six Hours of Watkins Glen followed the standard ALMS endurance format, requiring teams to balance speed with pit strategy, fuel efficiency, and tire management over six grueling hours. Each car was driven by multiple drivers, with mandatory driver changes and refueling stops dictated by race regulations.

LMP1 Class:LMP1 featured the fastest prototypes, such as the Audi R10 TDI, capable of 200+ mph but limited by fuel consumption rules.
LMP2 Class:LMP2 cars like the Porsche RS Spyder were smaller and less powerful but more fuel-efficient, making them competitive over long stints.
GT Class:GT included modified production-based cars like the Chevrolet Corvette C6.R, competing in aerodynamic and mechanical balance.
GT2 Class:GT2 featured cars such as the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, with tighter restrictions promoting close competition.
Pit Stops: Teams made an average of 12–14 pit stops, each including refueling, tire changes, and driver swaps.
Hybrid Technology: The 2009 race saw early use of hybrid systems in prototypes, emphasizing ALMS’s focus on innovation and sustainability.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key performance metrics across the top-finishing classes in the 2009 Six Hours of Watkins Glen:

Class	Winning Team	Drivers	Laps Completed	Average Speed
LMP2	Van der Zouwen Motorsports	Romain Dumas, Sascha Maassen	193	104.8 mph
LMP1	Drayson Racing	Jonny Cocker, Shane Doyle	189	102.3 mph
GT	Corvette Racing	Oliver Gavin, Tommy Milner	184	99.1 mph
GT2	Corvette Racing	Marcel Fässler, Antonio García	181	97.4 mph
Overall	Van der Zouwen Motorsports	Romain Dumas, Sascha Maassen	193	104.8 mph

The LMP2 class emerged victorious due to superior fuel economy and fewer mechanical issues, despite lower top speeds than LMP1. Corvette Racing dominated GT categories, showcasing the competitiveness of American-built machinery. The race also emphasized the importance of reliability, as several front-runners retired due to mechanical failures or accidents. Strategy and consistency ultimately outweighed raw speed, a hallmark of endurance racing.

Why It Matters

The 2009 Six Hours of Watkins Glen had lasting significance in motorsport history, highlighting technological innovation and competitive balance across multiple racing classes. It served as a proving ground for emerging hybrid and diesel technologies, influencing future developments in both racing and consumer automotive engineering.

Technological Showcase: The race demonstrated diesel and hybrid efficiency, with Audi and Porsche pushing boundaries in sustainable performance.
Driver Endurance: Competitors faced extreme physical demands, with drivers like Romain Dumas completing stints over 2 hours long.
Team Strategy: Success depended on precise pit timing and fuel calculations, often making the difference between winning and retiring.
Manufacturer Rivalry: The battle between Corvette and Porsche in GT2 intensified, boosting brand prestige and fan engagement.
Event Legacy: Watkins Glen has hosted major races since 1948, and the 2009 event reinforced its status as a premier U.S. road racing venue.
ALMS Innovation: The series promoted green racing initiatives, influencing later regulations in global endurance championships.

The 2009 race remains a benchmark for endurance racing excellence, combining tradition, technology, and thrilling competition in one of America’s most iconic motorsport settings.