The Father of American Road Racing
Auto racing executive Cameron R. Argetsinger in 1948.
Cameron R. Argetsinger was a visionary who could make things happen. He had a passion for fast cars and is remembered as an outstanding driver. In 1948, at Watkins Glen, he conceived, organized, and drove in the first post-war road race in America. He brought full international races to Watkins Glen in 1958 and, beginning in 1961, was organizer and race director of the Formula One United States Grand Prix. Formula One enjoyed a successful run of 20 years at the Glen circuit. He was subsequently executive director of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) in the 1970s. He later served as commissioner for the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) in the 1980s. A graduate of Cornell Law School, he practiced law for 48 years. Retiring from the law in 2002, he was president of the International Motor Racing Research Center until 2007. In 2005, Watkins Glen International honored Argetsinger’s legacy by titling the Indy Racing League winner’s trophy the “Cameron R. Argetsinger Trophy,” a prestigious sterling-silver cup.
