Watkins Glen International is gearing up for a milestone celebration, and they're bringing in some legendary names to mark the occasion. As the track prepares to honor 40 years of NASCAR Cup Series racing, five former drivers—including local hero Geoff Bodine—will help fans relive the glory days.

Geoff Bodine, a Chemung native who scored a memorable Cup victory at his home track in 1996, will serve as the honorary pace car driver for Sunday's Go Bowling at The Glen. It's a full-circle moment for the 18-time Cup Series winner, who also won the Daytona 500 40 years ago. "It's incredibly meaningful to have Geoff back," said WGI President Dawn Burlew, highlighting the lasting impact of the Bodine family on the region.

But the celebration doesn't stop there. Geoff's brother, Todd Bodine—a two-time Truck Series champion—will take on the role of honorary starter for Saturday's O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Mission 200 at The Glen. Meanwhile, sports-car veteran Butch Leitzinger, known for his multiple Rolex 24 wins, will serve as grand marshal for that same race. "Butch's incredible success on the world stage and his history here speak to the deep sports-car roots of this facility," Burlew added.

The weekend kicks off Friday with Ron Fellows, a two-time Craftsman Truck Series winner at Watkins Glen, as grand marshal for the Bully Hill Vineyards 176. Former NASCAR driver Joe Nemechek will serve as honorary starter for the 4:30 p.m. Truck Series race. Together, these drivers represent the versatility and tradition that make racing at The Glen so special.

This year's event is particularly significant: after the 2020 race was moved to Daytona International Speedway's road course, this will mark the 40th Cup Series race at Watkins Glen since it became a staple on the schedule in 1986.

For fans looking to get even closer to the action, Geoff Bodine will join fellow past WGI winner Ernie Irvan for a meet-and-greet on Saturday, May 9, from 1 to 4 p.m. at GCP Discount Liquors in Horseheads. The drivers will be signing bottles from the Rocavaka Champions Series of vodkas, available for $25.99 each. It's a unique opportunity to grab a piece of racing history—and a perfect souvenir from a weekend that celebrates four decades of speed at The Glen.