Watkins Glen: F1's rock and roll years

    By Matthew Knight, CNN

    Updated 1629 GMT (0029 HKT) October 21, 2016

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    The unforgettable James Hunt savors victory at Watkins Glen in 1977.
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    The unforgettable James Hunt savors victory at Watkins Glen in 1977.
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    Three-time world champion Jackie Stewart says that Watkins Glen was a unique stop off for F1 drivers more used to a jet-set lifestyle and glamorous locations.
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    Three-time world champion Jackie Stewart says that Watkins Glen was a unique stop off for F1 drivers more used to a jet-set lifestyle and glamorous locations.
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    There was tragedy too, though. Stewart's Tyrrell teammate Francois Cevert was killed after crashing during qualifying for the 1973 US Grand Prix.
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    There was tragedy too, though. Stewart's Tyrrell teammate Francois Cevert was killed after crashing during qualifying for the 1973 US Grand Prix.
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    Many of the sports most famous drivers won at Watkins Glen including Canada's Gilles Villeneuve who took the checkered flag in 1979.
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    Many of the sports most famous drivers won at Watkins Glen including Canada's Gilles Villeneuve who took the checkered flag in 1979.
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    Spectators would turn up in their thousands, Stewart recalls -- the Scot likened the atmosphere at Watkins Glen to a music festival.
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    Spectators would turn up in their thousands, Stewart recalls -- the Scot