WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. — Cameron Reynolds Argetsinger, founder and organizer of the first races in Watkins Glen died April 22 at his home in Burdett, N.Y. He was 87.

Argetsinger, who was also responsible for Formula One's 20-year run at the New York facility, was a local attorney who also served as president of the Int'l Motor Racing Research Center from September 2002 until mid-2007. After graduating from Cornell Law School, he practiced law in Schuyler County, N.Y., for 48 years.

Inspired by his love of fast automobiles and the area’s natural beauty, in 1948 he conceived, organized and drove in the races through the streets in what would become the world-famous Watkins Glen Grand Prix. In that first race, he drove his MG-TC to a ninth-place finish. He remained active as a driver through 1960.

Argetsinger brought full international races to Watkins Glen in 1958 and in 1961 inaugurated the U.S. Grand Prix for Formula One.

After leaving Watkins Glen in 1970, he was executive vice president of Chaparral Cars and was subsequently director of professional racing and executive director of the Sports Car Club of America, SCCA, from 1971-77. He also served as commissioner of the Int'l Motor Sport Association (IMSA) from 1986-92.

“Nothing that Cameron did was ordinary,” said Bill Milliken of Williamsville, N.Y., a close friend and who served as head of competition for SCCA at the early Watkins Glen races and in the Formula One years would serve as steward of the meeting. “Cameron’s interests were totally different than the average person. It’s amazing. He had the capability of dreaming pretty big dreams, and then he had the fortitude and strength of character to realize them."

He leaves his beloved wife of 67 years, Jean, their nine children, 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

A funeral Mass will be conducted on April 27, at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Decatur Street, Watkins Glen. The family will meet with friends thereafter at the Racing Research Center, 610 S. Decatur St. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Racing Research Center.