Uniting the worlds of glass and racing: Corning Museum crafts trophy for Watkins Glen International

This morning, the Museum announced an exciting partnership with Watkins Glen International and unveiled the trophy for the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

Created by Museum glassmaker Eric Meek, the trophy both references the raceway and captures the nature of the Finger Lakes region.

“When you look at the side of the trophy, it almost looks like a waterfall,” says Meek, “That’s an important part of our region, going into the Finger Lakes there are many beautiful glens, gorges and waterfalls.”

Viewed from the top, you can see the trophy’s core which was hand sculpted to the outline of the racetrack. The blue is a match to the color of the racetrack’s guardrails.

“The Corning Museum of Glass has provided Watkins Glen International a truly unique and beautiful trophy for our NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in August,” Watkins Glen International President Michael Printup said. “This one-of-a-kind work of art captures the essence of our partnership, uniting the world of art and speed. I cannot wait to see it held high in Gatorade Victory Lane by 2012 Sprint Cup Series race winner for the world to see!”

Watch the making of the trophy in this behind the scenes video on the process of creating this one-of-a kind glass trophy.