WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (WENY) -- Watkins Glen International is officially open for the 2025 season. The track held its annual pep rally Friday night ahead of an opening weekend of activities.

"Really it's just to celebrate that our season is starting off this year, and getting everybody out and ready for what we have planned," said Watkins Glen International President Dawn Burlew.

Burlew welcomed local business owners and community members in an event with the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce. The opening pep rally took place in the Jack Daniels Hospitality Club. Guests could also take a ride around the track in the WGI Pace Car.

Nigar Hale, the executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, said she is excited about opening weekend, and she is thrilled the chamber was able to be a partner for the event.

"It's marked as one of those events that kicks off the season," Hale said. "And the fact that we are their partner in this endeavor makes us proud, we're thrilled, and it makes perfect sense being that here we are."

Friday's pep rally was just the first part of the opening weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, fans can drive their own cars around the iconic race course. Money from tickets sold for the event will go to WGI's Racing and Community Enrichment Foundation, or 'RACE' for short. Track officials said last year the RACE Foundation gave away around $20,000 to different organizations.

As the season rolls on, WGI will host dozens of events, including Sahlen's Six Hours, the Vintage Grand Prix, and the rebranded F.L.X. Summer Festival. NASCAR weekend will also return to its normal date in August after being moved to September last year. Burlew said the track will be running five different races during the NASCAR weekend this season. She also said it's an event that means a lot to the community, as well as the drivers and fans who come to visit.

"They hike the gorge. They go to the lake. They, that's just what we want. We want them to enjoy the area," said Burlew. "So, I think that's just part of the beauty of the event is that people love the track, they're here to have fun at the races, but they also love our area."

Burlew said the first groups of the year will take the track Sunday night.

For more information on WGI's opening weekend, and where to buy tickets, click here.