The Michael R. Argetsinger Symposium on International Motor Racing History was started in 2015 as a joint effort between the IMRRC [International Motor Racing Research Center] and the Society of Automotive Historians. Other than a break during COVID, the symposium has been held annually, and has grown exponentially from three presenters in 2025 to 20 in 2024. The symposium has been traditionally held at the Watkins Glen International Speedway Media Center. This year the conference was scaled back; it was held in a new venue – the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel – and limited to 14 presentations. This revised setup eliminated the ‘run over’ presentations and provided ample time for questions. Although the Speedway location was an interesting place to visit, it involved a long drive out of town on very hilly roads. Having the symposium in the hotel also provided a better environment for networking and camaraderie. The two-day conference also included a film festival and reception at the Watkins Glen Chamber of Commerce. Despite its historical significance as the origin of road racing, Watkins Glen is a sleepy town, especially during the off season. Being from the western part of the Eastern time zone, I was not used to darkness falling before 5PM which made for interesting walks around town.
I became involved with the Argetsinger when I travelled to the IMRRC to conduct some research for a paper on women-only racing a number of years ago. I presented at the conference the following year, and subsequently became part of the SAH contingent that organized the event. I presented a paper in 2024, but attended this year as a spectator. Although I am quiet and have often felt invisible at the gathering of so many motorsports experts [of which I am not], there was a perceptible difference in how I was regarded this year, no doubt due to my new role as SAH President. I received a dinner invitation for the first time in five years! But my new position allowed me to connect with many of the attendees in interesting ways, which I ultimately enjoyed. The only downside to the two days in Watkins Glen was the 3:15AM wake up call for my flight out of the two-gate Elmira airport.
The symposium was live streamed and converted to youtube for future viewing. If you have any interest in motorsport history, I suggest you check out the videos from this and past years. The presenters come from many disciplines – from academics to motor racing enthusiasts – so there is certain to be something for everyone.
