Anyone who’s ever heard me talk about the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival knows it’s my favorite event of the year. Something about those vintage cars, the rumble and roar of their engines, the smell of exhaust in the air – it’s all just too cool for words. Over the years I’ve learned how these cars have a way of bringing families together with a common purpose, but I recently learned it’s even more than that. 

             These vintage cars bring entire communities together and connect people from the other side of the globe. Well, it turns out just such a such a car stopped me in my tracks this morning as I was driving home in Watkins Glen - Parked right in the heart of town, this stunning Cunningham Cadillac replica was impossible to ignore. Its sleek lines, imposing size, and weathered exterior hinted at a life filled with adventure. I couldn’t help but be drawn to it like a moth to a flame. 

             There’s no doubt 1950 was an incredible year. So much was happening in the world, but here in the United States, something special was brewing right in the Village of Watkins Glen. Though parts were tragic as we offer condolences and pay respects to the memory of NY native Sam Collier, who tragically perished after crashing during the 1950 WG Grand Prix. But it was also incredible to learn that it was the Colliers who had persuaded Briggs Cunningham to lead an All-American effort at the 1950 Le Mans, where the Cunningham Cadillac was given the name “Le Monstre”, which is French meaning “The Monster”. (to read more about Sam Collier’s life visit:  https://www.historicracing.com/driverDetail.cfm…  

             In September of 1950, residents and visitors of Watkins Glen were introduced to that “Monster” (though it did not actually enter the race likely only being seen for exhibition laps or practice runs as seen in this video https://youtu.be/4uXhjM1cr6I?si=hG3I1t021XPVCURt&t=147 ) As mentioned, the people who saw the car in racing action at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (https://www.24h-lemans.com/en) early that year had never seen anything like it. It got its fearsome reputation not from sharp teeth or claws, but from its imposing figure that amazed and captivated onlookers. During that time period in racing, the engines were not allowed to be modified, but the car’s bodies could be changed at will – and thus a “monster” was born from the imagination of Briggs Cunningham. 

             Fast forward to today, and the spirit of that ’50s wonder lives on. This morning, as I drove through Watkins Glen, I stumbled upon a sight that could have transported anyone back in time: parked right in the heart of Village of Watkins Glen was a car that looked remarkably like the legendary “Le Monstre”! It turns out my eyes were not deceived, though this wasn’t an original (those reside in museums, a fact I also learned today) but a meticulously crafted replica. Even more incredible was the story behind it. 

             This wasn’t just an old car put together for show; it was a labor of love by a husband and wife, Derek and Pat Drinkwater, who are traveling the world, sharing their passion for racing history and making memories along the way. The car was adorned with stickers and signatures from the world over it seemed, a testament to the places they’ve been and the connections they’ve made. And just like the original car that raced at Le Mans, this replica is set to grace the vintage track at Watkins Glen during the 2024 SVRA Vintage Races in Watkins Glen. 

             What a treat, what an honor that we live in a place with such rich history, and that people are willing to come from so far away to share those memories, their hopes, and their dreams with us. As a community, we get to support them and be a part of their journey. When I got out of my car and walked over to look at this beautiful “Le Monstre,” I was fascinated. Year after year, during the Vintage Grand Prix and SVRA races, I’m always amazed at the cars that come in from all over the world. Even living so close to Watkins Glen International, I constantly see different car clubs and associations bringing some the most original, special, and unique cars imaginable to drive a lap on the track or town. 

             But to see one interesting enough to stop me in my tracks, make me pull over, jump out of my car, and grab my camera… that’s a special treat indeed. And as I did, I couldn’t even begin to tell you how even more pleasantly surprised I became to personally meet the owners of this car: Derek and Pat Drinkwater. We spent a few minutes chatting, getting to know each other like we were old friends catching up on fun times. 

             It was such a treat to find out they were here all the way from the UK, driving their beloved Le Monstre and making friends while meeting people across the United States. As we talked, I probably looked as silly as you can imagine, grinning from ear to ear, listening to their wonderful stories about the friends they’ve made sharing the wonder of the car they built together. It may be a “replica”, but the feelings and the passion it evokes are just as genuine as the real thing ever was. 

             The car didn’t need to run, it didn’t need to drive – because just looking at it was cool enough. But the fact that they have been driving it from place to place, pulling a trailer behind them ( https://hagerty-media-prod.imgix.net/…/Drinkwater-Le… ), is even more incredible than I could put into words. After feeling like a tourist in my own town, we said our goodbyes, hoping to meet up again during the SVRA Hilliard US Vintage Grand Prix Weekend August 21st - 24th. (The Grand Prix Festival will still be held on the first Friday after Labor Day 9/6/24 http://www.grandprixfestival.com/index.html )I asked their permission to stay back and take some photos of their car, which they happily obliged. 

             We were just on the side of the road, this was not a planned encounter, not a photoshoot, no special equipment was used, and there was no staging, backdrops, or vent shades – which made me wish for it all, but a las, looking back it feels like it made it that much more perfect of a way to capture what it was that made it so special to me. After all, I wasn’t really trying to simply take pictures of a cool car (you find thousands online); I wanted to capture the essence of a feeling, of a town, of a community, its guests, and of what it all means when it comes together. 

             These photos are more than just pixels on a screen, they’re a glimpse into the heart of the Village of Watkins Glen, a place that lives and breathes racing and family fun. They’re a tribute to the dreamers, the doers, and the adventurers who bring their passion to our streets and our racetracks - and most importantly, I hope these pictures and story serve as a reminder that even in a world that’s constantly forcing us to run at full speed, there will always be things worth slowing down for. 

             When we take the time to look, to listen, to connect, you never know what incredible stories and friendships might be waiting just around the corner. I could never tell you how grateful we are of all the hard work and dedication and countless hours volunteered by people who put together the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival year after year… they are the engine that needs no modifications, the heart of our community and this festival (along with others like it) are draw for people like Derek and Pat, its what brings them to our small village - and we could all use more friends like them. 

             I feel very blessed to be here, and I plan to be out there supporting the drivers, supporting the cars, and honoring the memory of those who paved the way. It is my sincere hope that everyone in our community gets a chance to meet Derek and Pat, and to see a version of a car that graced these roads some 74 years ago - a reminder of where we’ve been, where we’re going, and the enduring spirit that connects us all. Thank you so much for reading and please feel free to share!

 #watkinsglen #lemonstre #friends #cadillacracing #vintageracing #UnexpectedEncounters #communitylove #SamCollier #neverforgotten #WatkinsGlenMedia