United States Grand Prix 1976 - Race Schedule and Countdown

James Hunt claimed his sixth victory of the season at Watkins Glen, the British driver's commanding performance at the United States Grand Prix giving him the championship lead for the first time all year heading into the Japanese finale. Hunt's dominant drive on the flowing New York State circuit demonstrated McLaren's peak form at the perfect moment, while Niki Lauda's third place showed he remained in contention despite his injuries. The championship would be decided at Mount Fuji in two weeks.

Jody Scheckter finished second for Tyrrell, the South African's consistent season continuing with another podium finish. Lauda's third place represented a crucial result, the Austrian limiting the damage despite clearly struggling with the physical demands of high-speed racing. His courage in continuing to race while still recovering from his near-fatal burns demonstrated extraordinary mental fortitude, though the toll on his body was evident.

Hunt's victory at Watkins Glen completed a remarkable turnaround - from 47 points behind after Britain to leading the championship by three points with one race remaining. The momentum had completely shifted, with McLaren's reliability and Hunt's aggressive driving style overwhelming Ferrari's earlier technical advantage. Everything would be decided at Fuji in conditions that would prove treacherous and controversial.