Grand prix of the United States - The Glen 1972

This striking 1972 original poster by Michael Turner, created for the United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen, captures the raw excitement and visual drama of Formula One at a moment when the sport was reaching a new level of global popularity. By the early 1970s, “The Glen” had become synonymous with top-tier international racing in America, and this poster reflects both the prestige of the event and the spectacle that surrounded it.

Turner places the viewer directly on the circuit, following a group of Formula One cars accelerating through a sweeping corner. The low viewpoint and exaggerated perspective emphasize the massive rear tires, exposed mechanical elements, and aerodynamic shapes that defined the era. Rather than focusing on a single driver, the composition highlights the dynamics of competition itself—multiple cars locked in pursuit, each line and brushstroke reinforcing the sense of speed and tension.

The painterly style is central to the poster’s impact. Broad, energetic strokes suggest the blur of asphalt and landscape, while sharper detailing on the cars anchors the scene in realism. This contrast creates a powerful illusion of motion, making the viewer almost feel the vibration and roar of engines. The palette—dominated by metallic grays, deep blacks, and flashes of red—adds to the intensity and modernity of the image.

Typography is integrated with restraint and clarity. The bold white lettering announcing “Grand Prix of the United States – The Glen – Oct 8” floats over the action without overpowering it, allowing the artwork to remain the emotional core while clearly situating the event in time and place.

Today, this poster stands as an iconic example of early 1970s motorsport graphics. It not only documents a major moment in American Formula One history but also demonstrates how artists like Michael Turner transformed racing posters into true works of art—images that continue to communicate speed, competition, and the enduring allure of the Grand Prix.

Original Poster

Sport - Automobile - United States

Formula 1 for the world championship of drivers - Sports Car club of America

Printed by Wilcox press in Ithaca

Good condition