The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC) in Watkins Glen, New York, has announced its speaker “Conversation” series for 2012. Racers, authors, and others involved in the world of motor racing regularly visit the research center on selected Saturdays throughout the year to give a talk and answer questions from enthusasiasts. The series is free and open to the public. Who’s on the schedule this year?

As reported in this column previously, the first Conversation of the 2012 season will take place during opening weekend of Watkins Glen International, April 21-22. Janos Wimpffen, author of the Dean Batchelor Award-winning book, Elva: The Cars, The People, The History, will speak about the Elva and answer questions from enthusiasts. The program starts at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 21.

The majority of the Conversations for the year will revolve around a theme of America’s great race tracks. On May 19, for example, J. J. O’Malley, senior editor of publications for the International Speedway Corporation, will talk about the Daytona International Speedway. Mr. O’Malley’s books include Daytona 24 Hours: the Definitive History of America’s Great Endurance Race.

In June, William Edgar, prominent historian and contributor to automotive magazines, will speak about the Riverside, California racetrack that his father, John Edgar, a postwar sports car racing team pioneer, helped develop. Mr. Edgar will be at the IMRRC on June 23rd.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be the focus for the August 25th Conversation with track historian, Donald Davidson visiting the center. Mr. Davidson first attended a race at the track in 1964; he was hired a year later by the U.S. Auto Club and worked as statistician for 31 years. He has been the track’s historian since 1998. The Speedway is home to the 100-year-old renowned race, the Indianapolis 500.

Lastly, on October 13, Tom Schultz, historian at Road America since 2000, will speak at the IMRRC. His books include Road America, Five Decades of Racing at Elkart Lake and Road America, Celebrating Fifty Years of Road Racing. One of the aspects of this track that is appreciated by racers and enthusiasts alike is that the original configuration of the 4.048-mile, 14 turn track has not been altered despite millions of dollars’ worth of improvements over the years. Road America first hosted a SCCA national race in 1955.

All Conversations begin on their scheduled Saturdays at 1 p.m. ET and are free and open to the public. The IMRRC is located at  Phone: .

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