Anyone familiar with the Watkin's Glen area?

This is my first post, so hopefully I'm posting in the right place...

My wife and I are traveling from Ontario Canada to Watkin's Glen this weekend (in her '03 Sentra SE-R Spec V) for the Grand Am race.

I'm considering ordering a new set of tires (which it desperately needs) from the Tire Rack and having them shipped to the hotel. Anyone know a reliable place I can get them mounted?

There's a Walmart in Watkin's Glen but I'm not sure I want them handling my 17" aluminum rims / low-profile tires.

Do any tire companies/dealers have any kind of setup at the track itself? I'm guessing if they do, it would be for racers only.

Thanks!

From what I understand that WalMart handles high end race tires all the time for people, but I've never used them myself (I'm an hour away towards Rochester). I'd give them a call and see if they can handle what you want, and to make sure they have the necessary plastic bits to protect your wheels. The last time I had tires mounted at WalMart they didn't have the plastic bits, knew they didn't have them, and proceeded to scratch the crap outta my wife's Honda Pilot wheels anyway. They paid for the repairs but it was still a hassle.

There's not a lot of other great options in Watkins Glen that I know of, but I'm not really a "local". I know there's a couple guys who are and hopefully they can help you out.

I wasn't paying attention to the race schedule, but I may have to grab a ticket and go to the race this weekend.

sounds complicated...

There isn't much around there. I once had to run around looking for a new tire b/c mine had a bubble and I couldn't pass tech. Wasted most of the day.

Thanks for the input, both.

And yes, this would probably over-complicate what is supposed to be a relaxing weekend at the races for my wife and I.

But I tend not to relax well. So I'm told.

Have the tires shipped from TireRack to one of their preferred installers along the way, call ahead and make the appointment, and just stop for an hour on the way down to get the new shoes mounted. I've never used them myself, but Hawk Frame & Axle near me is supposed to be really good and they're relatively cheap too. Their shop is probably not more than 15 minutes out of your way too in a pretty location on the Erie Canal with nearby shops/resturants/starbucks/etc.

I have been to that wallmart and only know it is pretty much like every other wallmart. I'm sure your tire mounting experiences would have more to do with the tech that is on that day than the equipment and reputation of the store.

If you are serious about the tire swap, I would suggest looking into garages in either Ithica or Elmira/Horseheads NY.

There is possibly a nice garage in watkins glen, but I'm not really from the area. I also couldn't personally vouch for any shops in either Ithica or Elmira but they are both larger cities within an hours drive. And it's a beautiful scenic drive either way.

Enjoy your vacation!

If you want local to the track Corning is 20 miles away - not exactly a large city but big enough to probably have more than one tire shop to chose from. But I like my ship to shop idea better

http://www.parmenterinc.com/

Parmenter Automotive Tiremasters
2640 Route 14
Montour Falls, NY 14865
Phone: 607-535-7106
Fax: 607-535-7199

Just south of Watkins, with other locations as well.

I haven't been to the Glen since I was a kid, but I'd reccomend walking up the glen. It was always worth it when I was a kid.

There is a Goodyear tire place on Route 14 just south of the center of town. There is a good diner right nearby.

I still think you should probably just wait until you get home.

From what I remember, Watkins Glen is out in the middle of nowhere. If it were me, I would mount them before I left just in case, or find an National Tire and Battery or similar large chain store along the way to stop at. One with a place to eat nearby so I could do the swap over lunch.

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I'm starting to think I'll leave it until we get back home. I don't think it's worth throwing a wrench in the weekend just to save a few bucks on shipping.

But I do appreciate all the advice and tips on possible tire shops. Thanks!

mw wrote: I haven't been to the Glen since I was a kid, but I'd reccomend walking up the glen. It was always worth it when I was a kid.

Depending on your age and condition, you might want to walk DOWN the glen. I also recommend it. I was able to go up, but my ex-smoker parents were not able to.

There's also a waterfall a near there that they do a light show with. Not helping with the tires but that is a nice area to do a little exploring.

Walked the glen at the Vintage races a couple years ago. We'll do it again for sure, it was well worth it. Thanks!

I have a lot of memories of Watkins Glen. Beautiful area. Always could smell grapes in the air. Lousy facilities at the track. Has that changed? It's been a long time. Last time I was there we camped in the snow. The hills getting to the track were treacherous and one of team's trucks jacknived coming down. Still loved it, though.

CWH, yes you still pee in a trough next to 20 other dudes at the track, but its all part of the ambiance!

OP- I don't know of any solid tire places in Watkins Glen but, if its any indication, my dad has lived there for 9 years and still takes his cars to Ithaca to get any work done...

lesabre You DO have your passport or "enhanced driver's license" ready, right?

walterj wrote: There is a good diner right nearby.

Chef's used to be good, but last time I ate there it was terrible. Curly's is good, as well as Savards.

While House of Hong may serve mediocre Chinese food, being able to say you have eaten there is reason enough to do so.

Dan

Sorry to drag up this old post but I just wanted to say thanks again for all the tips. And yes, my passport is in order!

I'm going to hold off until I get back. With any luck, our dollar will be even closer to par with the US dollar by then...

Anybody else going to this race? Will there be a GRM booth?

lesabre400 wrote: Anybody else going to this race?

No, but if you get bored, I will be here

Susquehannock Rally

There are lots of wineries in that area too.

Drive safe!