The Watkins Glen Public Library collection of racing books, as seen in September 1997.
In June 1996, Watkins Glen International race track officials and community leaders began considering the best way to commemorate the 50th anniversary of racing in Watkins Glen, approaching in 1998. John Saunders, then president of Watkins Glen International and today president of the International Speedway Corp., proposed that an addition be built to the Watkins Glen Public Library to allow for the growth and development of the library’s small but excellent collection of books on racing history worldwide.
John Bishop, left, and Peg Bishop, speak with Brian Redman at a September 1997 fundraiser for the IMRRC.
The committee embraced the idea, seeing the new wing as a destination for racing enthusiasts who visit the village and a resource for the growing number of historians of the sport.
At the fund-raising kickoff in September 1996, the project was dedicated to John Bishop, the most respected leader in the history of road racing in America. He was honored for his key role in the creation of the International Motor Racing Research Center.
The International Motor Racing Research Center, re-configured to operate independently from the public library, opened in June 1999. The entire Motor Racing Collection from the public library was transferred to the IMRRC at that time.
Sir Stirling Moss speaks at a September 1998 event at the IMRRC, where construction was still underway.
Racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart was there for the celebration.
“There are many great automotive and racing museums around the world,” the three-time World Champion said as the honored guest at the gala opening. “But what has been created at Watkins Glen, a center for archives and real research, is truly unique and a tremendous asset to the whole racing community.”
The IMRRC is dedicated to John Bishop in recognition of his role in its formation. Bishop, founder of the race sanctioning organization IMSA, served as chairman of the Center’s Governing Council from its inception through 2004 and remained an active Council member and Chairman Emeritus until his death on June 5, 2014. He also served as chairman of the 2014 Sponsorship Team campaign. He was the first commissioner of the Grand American Road Racing Association and former executive director of the Sports Car Club of America. He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America on Aug. 6, 2014.
The late Rear Admiral Robert Rogers, U.S. Navy Ret., a member of the committee that created the IMRRC, leads the official groundbreaking in March 1998.
John Saunders, then president of Watkins Glen International and a member of the committee that created the IMRRC, celebrates a donation from the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association at a September 1998 event at the Center, where construction was still underway. With Saunders, now president of ISC, is Jean Argetsinger, also a committee member instrumental in founding the Center. Saunders is now chairman of the IMRRC Governing Council and Argetsinger served on the Board until she was 97 years old.