The 1978 United States Grand Prix East at Watkins Glen drew a record crowd of over 150,000, with Carlos Reutemann winning both U.S. Formula One races that season.
Key Facts
- Race date
- October 1, 1978
- Circuit
- Watkins Glen Grand Prix Race Course
- Winner
- Carlos Reutemann (Ferrari)
- Runner-up
- Alan Jones (Australia)
- Winning margin
- 19 seconds
- Attendance
- Over 150,000 (record)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the Italian Grand Prix, where Mario Andretti clinched the 1978 Formula One drivers' championship in his Lotus 79, the field moved to Watkins Glen for the season's penultimate race. Andretti started from pole position before a record crowd, while Ferrari's Carlos Reutemann sought a second U.S. victory of the year.
On October 1, 1978, the United States Grand Prix East was held at Watkins Glen, New York. Andretti suffered brake problems early and retired with a blown engine. Carlos Reutemann dominated the race, crossing the finish line 19 seconds ahead of Australian Alan Jones to claim victory.
Reutemann's win completed a sweep of both 1978 U.S. Formula One races, having also won the United States Grand Prix West in Long Beach in April. The race set an attendance record of over 150,000 fans, underscoring the sport's growing popularity in North America despite champion Andretti's retirement from the event.