WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (WENY) -- Starting on Friday, August 18, NASCAR will reve their engines and speed into Watkins Glen International (WGI), while the summertime event draws fans nationwide, it is also a great boost to our local economy. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand spent Tuesday, August 15, visiting Upstate's favorite places like Watkins Glen International, Corning Glass Museum, and the vast wineries and breweries across the Finger Lakes. 

"We're about to have a huge NASCAR weekend this weekend. It's one of the biggest weekends of the year for Watkins Glen," shared U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for New York. "It's fantastic for the surrounding community."

Watkins Glen Mayor Laure DeNardo estimates close to twenty thousand people will visit Upstate New York for NASCAR weekend.

"Well, we've been very fortunate in Watkins Glen to boost our economy for a number of reasons, including what New York State has brought here through the DRI (Downtown Revitalization Initiative) there's been lots of enhancements in the village itself and we're really proud to have such a community," said Denardo. 

Campers are set to start arriving at WGI Wednesday, August 16th, right before Sunday's Cup Series finale. Watkins Glen leaders hope visitors will stroll down the hill, and enjoy the town's stores, restaurants, and lake views.

Before race cars hit the track, Sen. Gillibrand was a handful of people given the chance to enjoy a Pace Car ride around WGI's sharp twists and turns. 

"Exhilarating, as you said, it was so exciting. It was something I've never done before and I was blown away by how fast these cars can go," excitingly shared Gillibrand.

Stick with WENY News all week long for NASCAR coverage.