WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (WENY) -- The big race that comes to mind when you think of Watkins Glen is NASCAR at WGI, but every summer, hundreds of jet ski racers flock to Clute Park to show off their skills. 

“I mean, I hold on tight. It's pretty much holding on for dear life,” said 11 year old Dominico Rossi, a jet ski rider. 

 With 28 buoys, twists and turns, and several laps, there's a lot of excitement in jet ski racing. At Clute Park, everyone can participate. 

“It's men's, women's, children's, and mixed classes. Probably our oldest is I think in their late sixties. It's a nice welcoming sport because you can have a wide range of ages that are involved, and it doesn't matter if you're male, female, child or adult,” said Christopher Yates, president of East Coast Water Cross. 

Some racers were as young as 11. Nico Rossi says jet skis have been a part of his life since he's been 4 years old. 

"When I was racing, for my first one I got, I think fourth because I missed a buoy, it happens. But then after that, my last race, I got first place,” said Rossi. 

 Jet skis can reach high speeds, and according to officials, some riders reach speeds of almost 75 miles per hour. There's a long history of racing in Watkins Glen, and East Coast Water Cross is proud to be a part of that history. 

"It's one of the tour favorites, for obvious reasons. It's a beautiful area, it’s really a completely different vibe and we attribute it to the fact that Watkins Glen really is a racing community, and they understand it, and that's why we keep coming back,” added Yates. 

 The jet ski racing community is tight knit in Watkins Glen. 

“There's stiff competition on the course, but afterword everyone likes to hang out.  We had a barbeque last night. We all get together and hang out, a lot of us are friends from outside of the racing, a lot of us made friends at the races and now we continue those relationships,” said Wayne Ordon, a jet ski racer. 

These races take place every summer, and those who attended say it's the highlight of the season.