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Pocono Raceway Holiday Offer: Pocono Raceway announced their 2014 holiday offer. Included with the purchase of a Pocono Raceway $100 Gift Card is one Tricky Triangle Garage Experience for either the Pocono 400 on June 7, 2015, or the Pennsylvania 400 on August, 2, 2015. The Tricky Triangle Garage Experience includes a pre-race, guided tour of the Pocono Raceway Garage Area. Space is limited for this exclusive opportunity. Only the first 150 Gift Card purchasers, per event, qualify for the Tricky Triangle Garage Experience. A Sunday NASCAR Pocono event ticket and Pre-Race Pit/Paddock Pass are also required to take advantage of the Tricky Triangle Garage Experience. To purchase this holiday offer, which expires on December 19, 2014, please visit www.poconoraceway.com/holiday14. Pocono Raceway Gift Cards may be used to purchase any Pocono event ticket. These Gift Cards do not have an expiration date and can be redeemed online or by calling 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929).(Pocono Raceway)(12-5-2014)
Pocono Raceway to host NASCAR Season Finale Party: Pocono Raceway will host a 'NASCAR Race Party' on Sunday, November 16, starting at 3 p.m. ET, at Barley Creek Brewing Company in Tannersville, PA. Fans are invited to watch ESPN's race broadcast of the 400-mile NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship race, live from Homestead-Miami Speedway. This event is open to all ages, admission is free and will include Pocono Raceway raffle giveaways. The party will take place in the back section of Barley Creek Brewing Company, located at and around the Onyx Bar, from approximately 3:00 - 7:00pm/et. Fans are invited to bring their friends and family. Visit poconoraceway.com/raceparty for more info. Barley Creek Brewing Company is located at 1774 Sullivan Trail, Tannersville, PA 18372. For directions and more information about Barley Creek Brewing Company, please visit www.barleycreek.com.(Pocono Raceway)(11-13-2014)
Pocono offers special prices for military: Pocono Raceway proudly salutes our US Military Servicemen and Women. In recognition of your service to our country, we are happy to extend special pricing as a benefit to you and your family. Save 20% on 2015 NASCAR and INDYCAR tickets when you use your Troop ID, powered by ID.me. As an added salute this Veterans Day, all Veterans and active US Military who purchase a ticket through the ID.me platform between Monday, November 10 and Monday, November 17, 2014 will automatically be entered into an exclusive Grand Prize drawing for an automatic upgrade into our 300 Level Shaded Grandstand for two - a $300 value. For the convenience of all, and to ensure the most accurate verification of your Military status, the ID.me platform is designed for online use. However, if you are experiencing any difficulty, would like to learn more about products and services available at Pocono Raceway, or would like to speak to one of our trained ticketing specialist, please call 1-800-722-3929.Pocono Raceway)(11-11-2014)
Pocono Raceway receives $1 million grant for improvements: Governor Tom Corbett has announced a $1 million Economic Growth Initiative (EGI) grant to assist in the Pocono Raceway's renovation and improvement plan. "This raceway is a major tourism catalyst for Pennsylvania bringing in tourism dollars from neighboring states and around the country," said Corbett. "This investment will help ensure the safety of event spectators as well maintain the viability of this worldwide destination." The project will include substantial improvements to the raceway's main facility entrance with the rebuilding of two, 50 year old tunnels. These tunnels provide the only entrance and exit from within the racetrack. The project will also include construction of a pedestrian walkway. "As a structure that has stood for as long as this, safety becomes paramount in what we look at in projects that we must undertake here at Pocono Raceway stated Brandon Igdalsky, Raceway President and CEO. This project not only will shore up the safety & longevity of this area of the property, but also increase that first impression of a facility that is instrumental to tourism in the Pocono Mountains. This project will help us highlight not just who we are, but allow us to help showcase the region and our geography. In addition, it will open up a new ability to allow pedestrians to be able to safely use our tunnels as well as vehicle traffic."(Times Herald)(10-30-2014)
2015 Pocono tickets now on sale: Tickets to the 2015 NASCAR events at Pocono Raceway are now on sale to the public. In recognition of Dale Earnhardt Jr., sweeping both races this year, a prize will be awarded to 88 random fans who purchase full-priced tickets, within the next 88 days, to 2015 NASCAR events at 'The Tricky Triangle' as part of "The Great Pocono Postseason Pre-Sale." Additionally, fans who purchase full-price tickets within the first 88 hours of the pre-sale will be entered to win a VIP NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) driver experience. "The Great Pocono Postseason Pre-Sale" will run from October 6, 2014 - January 2, 2015. Individuals who purchase a full-price ticket to either the 2015 Pocono 400 or Pennsylvania 400 race weekends will be automatically entered, per transaction, to win one of 88 prizes. These prizes will include NASCAR driver autographed items, unique experiences and more. Anyone who purchases a full-priced event ticket, during the first 88 hours, will gain multiple entries in the 88 prize drawing, as well, as entry to win an exclusive NSCS driver Experience. For more information visit www.poconoraceway.com/presale.(Pocono Raceway)(10-8-2014)
2015 Pocono NASCAR Race Weekends Announced: Pocono Raceway will host two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) race weekends next summer. The June 5-7 Pocono 400 race weekend will feature NASCAR's top touring series, as well as, the ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menards (ARCA). Eight weeks later, "The Tricky Triangle" will host the July 31-August 2 Pennsylvania 400 race weekend featuring ARCA, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) and the NSCS.
Below is a tentative schedule of events for both 2015 NASCAR race weekends at Pocono Raceway:
Pocono 400
June 5 - NSCS and ARCA Practice and Qualifying
June 6 - NSCS Practice and Pocono 200 ARCA Race
June 7 - Pocono 400 NSCS Race
Pennsylvania 400
July 31 - NSCS and NCWTS Practice, NSCS Qualifying, and ModSpace 125 ARCA Race
August 1 - NSCS Practice, NCWTS Qualifying and Pocono Mountains 150 NCWTS Race
August 2 - Pennsylvania 400 NSCS Race
2014 NASCAR race weekend ticket holders can renew their tickets for the 2015 season. For more information regarding 2015 ticket renewals, please visit poconoraceway.com/renewals or call 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929).(Pocono Raceway)(8-26-2014)
Family sues NASCAR, Pocono over 2012 lightning death: NASCAR blew off a severe storm warning at the Pocono 400 race until the storm got so bad it had to stop the race, and 6 minutes later a fan was killed by lightning in the parking lot, his family claims in court. Brian Zimmerman was killed by lightning at 5:00pm on Aug. 5, 2012, his widow Marion claims in the Court of Common Pleas. She sued Pocono International Raceway and NASCAR, on Aug. 1. Ten other people were injured by lightning, one of whom sued NASCAR and the Pocono Raceway in July. Zimmerman claims that NASCAR and the Pocono Raceway received a severe thunderstorm warning from the National Weather Service at 4:12pm, but they "did nothing" to stop the race or warn fans until 4:21, when they "attempted to use social media" to warn race fans of the approaching storm. Brian Zimmerman did not have access to social media at the raceway, his widow says. The defendants stopped the race at 4:54pm At 4:59, they used social media again to warn fans to seek shelter. Brian was hit by lightning at 5:00pm and died. In the July lawsuit, Jason Peneck's wife Erin claims her husband suffered "severe and permanent injuries, including, but not limited to, a traumatic brain injury, second degree burns, and dysautonomia."(Courthouse News Service)(8-6-2014)
Pocono race officials announced: Country recording artists Eric Lee Beddingfield and Lucy Angel will perform during the GoBowling.com 400 race weekend at Pocono Raceway. NASCAR legend Richard Petty, on behalf of GoBowling.com, will serve as Grand Marshal for the GoBowling.com 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on August 3, members of Pocono Raceway's Kids Club will give the honorary command for the Pocono Mountains 150 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on August 2 and a ModSpace representative will serve as the Grand Marshal for the ModSpace 125 ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menards race on August 1. Eric Lee Beddingfield will perform the National Anthem at Sunday's 400-mile NASCAR race. Beddingfield was named "Artist to Watch" by Billboard Magazine and "Independent Artist of the Year" in 2012 by Music Row Magazine. His current single "I Just Wanna Play" is available for download on iTunes. Petty will give the command to fire engines prior to the GoBowling.com 400, exactly one day before the 40th anniversary of the first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race held at Pocono Raceway, a race won by "The King" on August 4, 1974.(Pocono Raceway)(7-31-2014)
Special Traffic Patterns planned for Pocono race: The Pennsylvania State Police will put special traffic patterns into effect to help motorists attending the GoBowling.com 400 NASCAR race on Sunday, August 3rd, 2014, at the Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Monroe County. On Sunday, August 3rd, the following traffic patterns will be in effect:
� Prior to the race, Route 115 from Interstate 80 to the raceway will be converted to two lanes and will be one way southbound. This conversion will be put into effect at approximately 8 a.m. and continue until all traffic has entered the track grounds.
� Following the race, Route 115 from the raceway to Interstate 80 will be converted to two lanes and will be one way northbound, until the raceway parking lots are cleared. This conversion will take place with 25 laps remaining in the race.
� Stoney Hollow Road has been designated a no parking and tow away zone from Long Pond Road to the Interstate 80 overpass. It will be properly posted and enforced. Any vehicle in violation will be removed at the owner's expense.
� Following the race, the Interstate 80 eastbound off-ramp at the Blakeslee exit (Exit 284) will be closed to traffic.
Traffic coming south to the race in the two lanes of Route 115 will be required to enter specific parking areas. Motorists should take note of signs posted along Route 115 and travel in the appropriate traffic lanes for their desired parking area. Likewise, outbound traffic traveling north will face similar signs with lane restrictions for Interstate 80 and Route 115 access. The August 1st weekend will bring with it large amounts of race fans to the Poconos. Motorists should expect higher traffic volume and possible delays not only on Route 115 and Interstate 80, but also on State Routes 209, 940 and 903. Those who normally utilize Route 115 to travel through the area should consider using Interstate 80, Route 33, Route 209, and the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike as alternate routes.
Tickets to the GoBowling.com 400 are available by visiting www.poconoraceway.com or by calling 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929).(Pocono Raceway)(7-29-2014)
"The King" named GoBowling.com 400 Grand Marshal: GoBowling.com announced NASCAR Hall of Famer and seven-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Richard Petty will serve as the Grand Marshal for the GoBowling.com 400. The GoBowling.com 400 will mark the 40th anniversary of Pocono Raceway's inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the Purolator 500, won by Petty on August 4, 1974. Additionally, GoBowling.com will host a promotion where one lucky fan could win $43,000 if the #43 GoBowling.com Richard Petty Motorsports entry, driven by Aric Almirola, wins the 400-miler at "The Tricky Triangle" on Sunday, August 3.
"This race carries special meaning for me as I think back to the thrill of tasting victory at the inaugural race at Pocono back in 1974. I see no better way to celebrate this milestone moment than by celebrating both racing and bowling, another sport that is pure Americana," said Richard Petty in today's GoBowling.com press release. "I am particularly excited to team up again with GoBowling.com and the bowling industry. Bowling isn't only just a lot of fun but it's a great sport that, like racing, brings people together and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life."
The "Win $43,000 if #43 Wins" promotion will take place during the GoBowling.com 400 race weekend at Pocono Raceway August 1-3. Fans attending the race should look for GoBowling.com branded tents in Fan Fair to register to win. Camping guests will receive information on how to enter this promotion in their RV/Camping Welcome Bags upon their arrival next week. One lucky fan will be chosen, at random, to sit atop the No. 43 pit box during a segment the race. Additionally, if the No. 43 car wins the race, one randomly chosen fan will receive $43,000. Certain terms and restrictions may apply. Tickets to next weekend's events are available by visiting www.poconoraceway.com or by calling 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929).(Pocono Raceway)(7-24-2014)
Earnhardt, Jr., Logano and Newman to Visit Tricky Triangle Club at Pocono: Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Joey Logano and Ryan Newman will make pre-race appearances at Pocono Raceway's Tricky Triangle Club Presented by Kalahari Resorts and Conventions on Sunday, August 3. Additionally, Pocono announced the return of the Red Carpet #SelfieSuite, located inside the Tricky Triangle Club, as an upgrade for new and existing GoBowling.com 400 ticket purchasers. The Tricky Triangle Club Presented by Kalahari Resorts and Conventions is a ticket add-on which features access to mentioned driver and special guest appearances, lunch, beverages, a Sunday Pit Tour Pass, four adult beverages tickets (for those ages 21 and older) and more. The special driver appearances will include pre-race question-and-answer sessions, led by Miss Sprint Cup Julianna White. Tickets to the Tricky Triangle Club require a GoBowling.com 400 Sunday ticket. The Red Carpet #SelfieSuite is a VIP seating area, which will be the closest place a fan can sit during the special guest appearances. Pocono Raceway will randomly select individuals, who have purchased an August Tricky Triangle Club Pass, to be upgraded to the Red Carpet #SelfieSuite.(Pocono Raceway)(7-23-2014)
Jimmie Johnson Experience Returning for GoBowling.com 400: Pocono Raceway announced they will host the Jimmie Johnson Fan Experience, which includes an exclusive, kids-focused question-and-answer session with the six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion, prior to the start of the GoBowling.com 400 on Sunday, August 3. Additionally, all kids in attendance will receive a No. 48 Lowe's Chevy replica car kit as part of the Lowe's Build and Grow clinic. For more information and to purchase access passes, please visit poconoraceway.com/jj48.(Pocono Raceway)(7-14-2014)
B.R.M. named Official Timekeeper of Pocono Raceway: Pocono Raceway announced a multi-year partnership with Bernard Richards Manufacture (BRM), an iconic, international watchmaker. BRM will serve as the "Official Timekeeper of Pocono Raceway" for all of 'The Tricky Triangle's' major events. Driven by passion for motorsports and engineered for exceptional performance, BRM's bespoke timepieces are defined by pure racing spirit, and as the only French watchmaking manufacture, the brand is synonymous with individuality. Introducing one-of-a-kind, limited-edition models every year, BRM's commitment to craftsmanship and technical precision has garnered global partnerships with racing's elite including Abarth, and INDYCAR drivers Marco Andretti and Simon Pagenaud.(Pocono Raceway)(7-6-2014)
Halftime Party and Fan Garage Experience Return to Pocono: Back by popular demand, Pocono Raceway announced the Bud Light Halftime Party and the Tricky Triangle Garage Experience will be offered at the GoBowling.com 400 at Pocono Raceway. Both fan experiences were a success at this year's Pocono 400. The Bud Light Halftime Party will be held, for those ages 21 and over, between laps 60-120 of the GoBowling.com 400 inside Pocono Raceway's Chalet Village on Sunday, August 3. This event will include beer, food, live entertainment, beer games and televisions to keep up with all the on-track action. Existing ticket holders can attend by purchasing the $19 Halftime Party Access Pass. New ticket purchasers can get access to the party and a GoBowling.com 400 tickets for just $69. The Tricky Triangle Garage Experience includes a guided tour of the Pocono Raceway garage area. The first 150 Pocono Raceway $100 Gift Card purchases, will be eligible to attend this pre-race experience.(Pocono Raceway)(6-28-2014)
Earnhardt Jr. wins at Pocono: #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the Pocono 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway for his 2nd win of 2014, his 1st win at Pocono and his 21st career win. It is the first season that Earnhardt Jr. has had multiple wins since 2004. The last four races at Pocono have been won by a different Hendrick Motorsports driver [6/2014-EarnhardtJr, 8/2013-Kahne, 6/2013-Johnson, 8/2012-Gordon]
#2-Keselowski finished 2nd [for the 2nd race in a row] followed by #41-Busch, #11-Hamlin (pole sitter), #42-Larson, #48-Johnson, #31-Newman, #24-Gordon, #78-Truex, Jr. and #1-McMurray.
Pole sitter, #11-Hamlin, led five laps and finished 4th.
#20-Kenseth, who came into the race as the points leader, finished 25th with a lot of front end damage, lost the points lead to #24-Gordon, who leads by 16 points over Kenseth.
#88-Earnhardt Jr. leads the Chase Seeding with two wins, highest in driver points at 3rd. #48-Johnson is second, also with 2 wins, but 4th in points. #22-Logano has 2 wins and is 9th in points. #4-Harvick has two wins and is 12th in points.
There were 21 lead changes among 10 drivers and there were 7 cautions for 26 yellow flag laps.
The average speed was 139.440mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Pocono Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Pocono Penalty Report (pdf).
See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Pocono Race & Points Report (pdf).(6-8-2014)
Pocono Raceway Partners with Google: Pocono Raceway has partnered with Google Business View Program, a division of Google Maps, and Aerial Media Productions. "The Tricky Triangle" becomes the first NASCAR track in the country to partner with this Google platform. Additionally, the Raceway has hired another company to capture video using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). "This is truly a great day," said Pocono Raceway President/CEO, Brandon Igdalsky. "Anytime an organization has the chance to be the first in their respective field to partner with a giant such as Google, it is a spectacular day. We are extremely happy about this partnership. We cannot wait to show you the amazing photos and video, once the package is all put together." Still photos and 360-view Photo Spheres, including the Google Tour, are being shot by Business Photo America, a Google-trusted agency. The UAV and other videography is being captured by the Kinston, N.C.-based Aerial Media Productions.(Pocono Raceway)(6-8-2014)
Pocono removes tunnel turn curb: #24-Jeff Gordon comments on the removal of curbing in tunnel turn at Pocono Raceway: "I don't think the track has changed - it's just the curb I believe has been removed from Turn 2 and the access road is now like a normal apron. I think visually it's going to take some getting used to. We used that curb as a real focal point and, now that it's gone, what you used to get through that corner will be different."(HMS)(6-6-2014)
Pocono 400 Hauler Parade Coming to Harrisburg PA: Pocono Raceway President/CEO Brandon Igdalsky and Pennsylvania First Lady Susan Corbett and Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse recently announced a unique NASCAR Hauler Parade coming to the capital city on Thursday, June 5, 2014. "We are pleased to announce yet another exciting event that will draw visitors to Pennsylvania this year,' Mrs. Corbett said. "The governor and I are excited that the NASCAR Hauler Parade will be travelling through Harrisburg and we look forward to welcoming visitors to the state's capital." This is the first time an official hauler parade will come through Pennsylvania and offer NASCAR fans the opportunity to see the iconic haulers up close, at no charge.
The hauler parade will feature 15-20 trucks representing Chip Ganassi Racing, Penske Racing, and Hendrick Motorsports teams as they make their way to the Pocono 400, which will take place June 6-8 in Long Pond, PA. In addition to transporting the racecars, a racing hauler is designed to be a NASCAR driver's home away from home. The trucks serve multiple purposes while on the road, from workshops to conference rooms. "We are thrilled to kick off the Pocono 400 weekend with this unique experience in Harrisburg," said Brandon Igdalsky, Pocono Raceway President and CEO. "We often say we have the best race fans in the world so we hope to see many of them cheering on the haulers on June 5."
The haulers will be staged at the Farm Show Complex for general public viewing from 10:00-11:30 am/et. on June 5. The hauler parade will then drive to the Capitol Complex, where the trucks will pause for pictures as they pass the State Capitol building.(Pocono Raceway)(6-4-2014)
Fan-Driven events to debut at Pocono: Pocono Raceway announced three first-time, fan-driven activities to occur at the June 6-8 Pocono 400 race weekend. These new events include a 50/50 raffle, the opportunity to be upgraded to the Red Carpet #SelfieSuite at Pocono's Tricky Triangle Club Presented by Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, featuring appearances by movie stars Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum and NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne, and the possibility to enjoy the Infield Block Party on Saturday night for a small donation, per car, to Pocono Raceway's local fire department. Next weekend fans will have the opportunity to participate in a weekend-long 50/50 contest where one lucky winner will take home a 50% share of the total jackpot. The efforts of the Mattioli Foundation, the Raceway's official charitable foundation and hosts of the raffle, should yield an estimated jackpot of $30,000. Proceeds from the contest will benefit the NASCAR Foundation. The Infield Block Party, usually reserved for Camping/RV guests only, will be open to the general public on Saturday night. For a small donation of $5, per car, to the Tunkhannock Township Fire Department, fans will be able to enjoy all the Infield Block Party has to offer.(Pocono Raceway)(5-31-2014)
Testing at Pocono this week UPDATE: Twelve drivers are scheduled to test at Pocono Raceway on Tuesday, May 27, 2014. Drivers scheduled to test: #51-Justin Allgaier, #7-Michael Annett, #15-Clint Bowyer, #66-Jeff Burton, #3-Austin Dillon, #42-Kyle Larson, #1-Jamie McMurray, #27-Paul Menard, #31-Ryan Newman, #36-Reed Sorenson, #78-Martin Truex, Jr. and #55-Brian Vickers. No Ford teams are scheduled to test. The test is closed to the public. In the event of inclement weather, rain date is Wednesday, May 28th. Drivers scheduled to test may change without notice.(Pocono Raceway)(5-26-2014)
UPDATE: Pocono Raceway will open their gates, for fans, for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams who will be testing on Tuesday, May 27 and Wednesday, May 28. A limited seating section of the Grandstands will be open from 9 am - 5 pm both day. Fans may access the Grandstands by entering the track property at Gate 5 (off Long Pond Road). From there, cones will guide fans to park by Gate 11. Admission and parking is FREE for the two-day test session. Fans may bring coolers, but glass of any kind, is strictly prohibited.(Pocono Raceway)(5-26-2014)
Inaugural Halftime Party Announced for Pocono 400: Pocono Raceway will host their first-ever 'Halftime Party' from lap 60 to lap 120 of the Pocono 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, June 8. This exclusive party will allow fans, ages 21 and older, to access a VIP-only area which will include beer, food, beer games, live music and a big-screen television to watch the race broadcast. "We are really excited about today's announcement," said Pocono Raceway President/CEO, Brandon Igdalsky. "To the best of our knowledge, this is the first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series mid-race party of its kind. Fans can enhance their Pocono race-day experience by getting out of the sun for a few laps, grabbing a few beers with friends and enjoying the live entertainment we're offering with the Halftime Party. All this without missing the action on the track." Fans have two options to gain access to the Pocono Raceway's Inaugural Halftime Party. The first is a $69 ticket package which includes a 100-level Grandstand ticket to the Pocono 400 and the Halftime Party Access Pass. The second option is a $19 Halftime Party Access Pass, for those who either have previously purchased Pocono 400 tickets or are looking to purchase higher-level seats. To purchase this one-of-a-kind access, and for more information, please visit poconoraceway.com/halftime.(Pocono Raceway)(5-25-2014)
Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill Named Grand Marshals at Pocono: Pocono Raceway announced Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, stars of Columbia Pictures/Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures' upcoming comedy 22 Jump Street, have been named Grand Marshals for the Pocono 400 on Sunday, June 8. Both movie stars will be on hand to give the honorary command to fire engines, take part in a VIP question-and-answer session, and enjoy the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at "The Tricky Triangle."
"The excitement surrounding the Pocono 400 is even higher now," said Pocono Raceway President/CEO, Brandon Igdalsky. "We are thrilled to have two movie stars of Jonah and Channing's stature joining us and helping us kick off the Pocono 400. Personally, I'm really looking forward to 22 Jump Street - I loved the first one and this one looks even better."
Hill and Tatum will make a special, pre-race appearance at Pocono's Tricky Triangle Club. The Tricky Triangle Club is a ticket add-on which features access to driver and special guest appearances, lunch, food, beverages, a Pit Tour Pass, four adult beverages (for those ages 21 and older) and more. Tickets to the Tricky Triangle Club require a Pocono 400 ticket. Both are available for purchase by visiting www.poconoraceway.com or by calling the Pocono Raceway ticket office at 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929). 22 Jump Street is produced by Neal H. Moritz, Jonah Hill, and Channing Tatum. The film, from Columbia Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, will be released on June 13.(Pocono Raceway)(5-21-2014)
Johnson headlines Kid-Focused events for Pocono 400: Pocono Raceway will host the fourth-annual Jimmie Johnson Fan Experience, which includes an exclusive, kids-focused question-and-answer session with the six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion, prior to the start of the Pocono 400 on Sunday, June 8. In addition to the ticket package, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers Clint Bowyer and Jamie McMurray will visit Pocono's seventh annual Bowlopolis Kids Day on Saturday, June 7. The 2014 Jimmie Johnson Fan Experience will feature a kid-generated question-and-answer session with the three-time Pocono race winner and a Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic, prior to the start of Sunday's 400-mile race. Pocono 400 ticket holders have two options to choose from for this pre-race experience: the $48 family-four pack or the $20 individual pass. For more information and to purchase access passes, please visit www.poconoraceway.com/jj48. Clint Bowyer and Jamie McMurray will visit Pocono Raceway's annual Bowlopolis Kids Day, a free event for all to enjoy, for their question-and-answer session on June 7. Bowyer and McMurray will appear in the Chalet Village, located behind the Grandstands and near Gate 8, in between the two scheduled NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practices on Saturday morning.(Pocono Raceway)(5-7-2014)
Pocono Raceway Announces All-New Kids Club: Pocono Raceway and their official mascot, Tricky, announced they will start a Kids Club for younger race fans, ages 14 and under. This membership will feature an exclusive welcome package, at-track benefits, two member-only events during the year and automatic entry into a drawing where one lucky member will be selected to wave the green flag to start one of Pocono Raceway's ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menards or Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tire races in 2014. After becoming a member, kids will receive a welcome bag containing their membership card, two-pocket folder, writing utensils, Tricky the Fox hero card, stuffed Tricky animal and more. A lucky kids club member will have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to be the Honorary Starter for either the June 7 Pocono 200, July 5 Pocono Indy Lights race or the August 1 ModSpace 125. Kids Club members will also receive free admission, with ticketed adult, to all Friday and Saturday race weekend events at "The Tricky Triangle." For more information and to join our Kids Club, visit poconoraceway.com/kidsclub. Tickets to all three of Pocono Raceway's NASCAR and INDYCAR race weekends are now available, with Kids (ages 12 and under) Sunday Grandstand tickets being offered at half price. To purchase tickets, please visit www.poconoraceway or call our ticket office at 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929).(Pocono Raceway)(4-11-2014)
Hot Dog Eating Championship qualifying to include NASCAR locations: Nathan's Famous, Inc. has unveiled the official list of sites that will host hot dog eating contests to qualify competitive eaters who will participate in the annual Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Nathan's Famous on Brooklyn's Coney Island. The Nathan's Famous qualifying tour stops in four new cities this year. It's also premiering at NASCAR events, including the annual Speed Street celebration in Charlotte, NC; Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, PA; and Sonoma Raceway in northern California. Nathan's Famous will host its first-ever qualifier at Busch Stadium prior to a St. Louis Cardinals game in May. This year's circuit begins on April 26th in Las Vegas and stops at 12 other cities before the final event takes place on July 4, 2014 at the Nathan's Famous flagship in Coney Island. The top male and top female finishers from each qualifier will earn a spot to compete in the ESPN-televised finals at the original Nathan's Famous, a holiday tradition since 1916.(Nathan's Famous)(3-21-2014)
Pocono honored for economic impact to Pennsylvania: Pocono Raceway was honored at a ceremony in the Rotunda of the State Capital Building in Harrisburg, PA for the economic impact that the Raceway provided the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 2013. Governor Tom Corbett and leaders of the State Senate and House of Representatives acknowledged the $257,500,000 economic stimulus resulting from the events held at the Raceway last year. The economic impact analysis, prepared by East Stroudsburg University, shows exactly what Pocono Raceway means to tourism in the Pennsylvania. Over 55% of the Raceway fans come from out of state- some coming as far as out of country- and visit for 3-5 days. They fill hotels rooms, camp, fish, shop, gamble, dine and enjoy everything northeast Pennsylvania has to offer. The Raceway generated over $15M in state tax revenue and put another $15M into the local economy. This is in addition to generating over $1M in hotel tax, revenue that is earmarked to support tourism promotion and advertising statewide by the DCED and in Northeast Pennsylvania by the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau.(Pocono Raceway)(3-13-2014)
Third-Annual Dover vs. Pocono Softball Game April 30: Dover International Speedway and Pocono Raceway take their yearly rivalry on to the field for the for the Third Annual Celebrity Softball Game, featuring NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers Kasey Kahne and Jamie McMurray. The game will be played on Wednesday, April 30 at the home of the York Revolution in York, Pa. Kahne, driver of the #5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy SS, will captain Team Pocono, while McMuray, who pilots the #1 Ganassi Racing Chevy SS, will lead Team Dover. The softball series is currently tied at one game a piece, with Team Pocono coming from behind to win the inaugural game in 2012 and Team Dover evening the score with a walk-off victory last year. Access to the celebrity softball game is free with a ticket to that night's baseball game. Tickets for the York Revolution game start at just $8, and all children ages 12 and younger that wear their NASCAR gear receive free admission. For tickets, call 717-801-4478 or visit www.YorkRevolution.com. In addition to Kahne and McMurray, the rosters from each team will be made up of members of national and local motorsports media, as well as other local media personalities, and a few other special guests.(Pocono Raceway)(3-9-2014)
Pocono Raceway Simplifies Grandstand Seating Layout: Pocono Raceway announced they have simplified the way fans will find their Grandstands seats while attending NASCAR and INDYCAR events at "The Tricky Triangle." This announcement comes one year after the Raceway introduced way-finding signage throughout their facility. During this simplification process, the actual location of previously purchased and/or available Grandstand tickets will not change.
The Grandstands have been split into three towers with Petty Tower, named after inaugural NASCAR race winner and NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty, France Tower, named after the founding father of NASCAR Bill France, Sr., and Donohue Tower, named after inaugural open-wheel race winner Mark Donohue.
The Grandstands have also been divided into three levels starting with a lower, 100-level closest to the racing action on the track, moving to the 200-level in the middle of the Grandstands and to the highest, 300-level with shaded seating and optimal views of the entire Raceway.
"One of the biggest issues we have had over the years was getting fans inside the track, through the gates and, eventually, to their seats," said Pocono Raceway President/CEO Brandon Igdalsky. "Phase one of this way-finding project began last year with new signs both inside and outside the facility. As part of the second phase, we will simplify the way our Grandstand seating is arranged. The best part about this change is nothing really changes for the fan. Seats have not been moved and the prices of tickets stay the same. The only difference now, it will be easier to find your seats. Especially, if you are a first time fan."
Historically, Grandstand sections were assigned an alpha-numeric name. Now, Grandstand sections will more simply be referred to by number. For example, section N-24 will now be referred to as section 146 and section S-22 will now be referred to as section 101. The easiest way to follow this new logic is keep in mind high section numbers are located closer to Turn 3 and decrease, in order, as they move across the Grandstands in race direction towards Turn 1. For instance, using the 100 Level as an example, section 146 is located closest to Turn 3 in the Petty Tower, while section 101 is located closest to Turn 1 in the Donohue Tower. Accordingly, section 123 is located at the Start/Finish Line in the France Tower. The 200 and 300 levels follow this same logic, so, sections 201 and 301 are closest to Turn 1 in the Donohue Tower.
The new seating map, depicting the changes mentioned, and more information regarding this simplification process can be found at www.poconoraceway.com/2014seats.(Pocono Raceway)(3-6-2014)
Dover and Pocono Partner Up for Feb. 23rd Event Featuring Giveaways: Dover International Speedway and Pocono Raceway will help area NASCAR fans kick off the 2014 season with the second-annual Daytona 500 Watch Party at XFINITY Live! Philadelphia on Sunday, February 23, at 1:00 pm/et. One of the biggest events in the motorsports world will be broadcast on the 32-foot Sony High Definition television screen at the center of the NBC Sports Area venue. In addition to viewing "The Great American Race," fans in attendance can enter to win a number of great prizes, including NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets to both the June 1, 2014, race at the Monster Mile and the June 8, 2014, "Pocono 400" at The Tricky Triangle, as well as, some autographed NASCAR memorabilia. The first 60 fans to arrive will have their choice of a pair of tickets to either the Friday, May 30 "Lucas Oil 200" NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race or the Saturday June 7 "Pocono 200" ARCA Racing Series race.
The event begins at noon at XFINITY Live!, a dining and entertainment venue located in the heart of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. The first-of-its-kind venue features more than a dozen restaurants and entertainment companies, including: Broad Street Bullies Pub, PBR Bar and Grill (Professional Bull Riders), Philly MarketPlace, Spectrum Grill, Victory Beer Hall and the NBC Sports Arena. XFINITY Live! is located at 1100 Pattison Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19418.(Pocono Raceway)(2-12-2014)
Kids NASCAR Sunday Grandstand Tickets Now Half Price at Pocono: Pocono Raceway announced all Sunday Grandstand tickets for kids, ages 12 and under, for both the June 8, Pocono 400 and the August 3, GoBowling.com 400, are now half price. Additionally, "The Tricky Triangle" introduced the Tricky Track Pack, a family-four pack for $98 which includes four select 100 level Sunday NASCAR Grandstand tickets, four soft drinks and four hot dogs. Pocono Raceway will continue to allow children, ages 12 and under, to attend all major motorsports events held on Fridays and Saturdays for free. Children must be accompanied by an adult ticket holder. Kids Sunday Grandstand tickets for the 2014 Pocono 400 and 2014 GoBowling.com 400 start at $22.50. The Tricky Track Pack is also now available for $98. To purchase tickets, visit www.poconoraceway.com or call at 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929).(Pocono Raceway)(2-1-2014)
Ground Hog Day Special at Pocono: On February 2nd, the eyes of the world will be fixed on Gobbler's Knob as we wait to see if Pennsylvania's most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, will see his shadow. Will there be six more weeks of winter or can we expect an early spring? In honor of Groundhog Day, Pocono Raceway is offering a 12% discount on Sunday Terrace Platinum, Terrace Vista and Terrace seats for this year's Pocono 400 & GoBowling.com 400! PLUS, based on Phil's prognostication, you could receive a FREE Pre-Race Pit/Paddock Pass! To purchase tickets and become eligible to receive a free Pre-Race Pit/Paddock Pass, log on to poconoraceway.com and enter promocode: PHIL.
If Phil does not see his shadow, this means there will be early Spring and Pocono Raceway will celebrate by providing everyone who purchases a ticket through this promotion with one FREE Pit/Paddock Pass, per transaction. Folks only have until 5:00pm on February 1st to be eligible for this exclusive offer.(Pocono Speedway)(1-31-2014)
Pocono Raceway Announces Staff Addition and Promotions: Brandon Igdalsky, Pocono Raceway President and CEO, announced today the addition of Kevin Henry to the Raceway staff as Senior Director of Facility Operations. Igdalsky also announced the promotions of Ben May and Roger Green. "The addition of Kevin, and the promotions of Ben and Roger, will strengthen the Raceway's management team and help lead Pocono Raceway on a successful growth path in future years," stated Igdalsky.
Kevin Henry comes to Pocono Raceway after a thirteen year professional experience at Penn State University's Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, where he took on numerous operational roles from facility management of venues such as Medlar Field at Lubrano Park - Penn State's mixed collegiate and professional baseball venue - to event management of varying scales to include Penn State's Beaver Stadium. In recent years, Kevin's focus was on event operations at Penn State's Beaver Stadium, working with major contractors and event personnel to successfully implement game operations for full-scale collegiate football games.
Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, Kevin holds a Bachelors' degree in Recreation and Park Management and a Master's Degree in Project Management from Penn State University. In addition, Kevin is an active member in the National Center for Spectator Sport Safety and Security (NCS4) and holds certifications in venue safety and security from both NCS4 and the Department of Homeland Security. Kevin and his wife, Colette will soon relocate to the Pocono region and are the proud parents of two children, Audrey and Will.
Ben May was promoted to the position of Pocono Raceway's Chief Marketing Officer. Ben has been a member of the Pocono Raceway family since 2000, where he began his career as the Trackside Sales Manager. Formerly, Ben was the Chief Operating Officer of the Pocono Raceway concessions arm, Mountain Concessions. Ben leads a dedicated team determined to exceed the experience the Pocono faithful deserves. Ben also heads up the concessions business for Pocono Raceway's sister track, South Boston Speedway. Additionally, Ben is a member of Pocono Raceway's sales, marketing and promotional team and proudly helps Pocono continue as a leader in the NASCAR industry with its entertainment, sustainable energy and fan -driven mindset. Ben is a Greenville, NC-native, a graduate of Elon University and lives in Effort, PA with his wife, Cory and son, Nate.
Roger Green assumes the position of Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships. Roger joined the Raceway staff in 2004, previously handling Trackside Sales including Corporate Displays, Driver Souvenir Trailers and Corporate Hospitality. He is a graduate of East Stroudsburg University with a Sports Management Degree. Roger resides in Saylorsburg, PA with his wife, Sandra and two children Braydon and Alexandra.(Pocono Raceway)(1-13-2014)
Pocono Raceway Announces New Fan Council Members: Pocono Raceway announced today the 20 members who will make up the 2014 Pocono Raceway Fan Council. All members, including those selected for the inaugural Fan Council last year, will now serve a two-year term. The Fan Council's main object is to help improve the overall fan experience for all who attend events at "The Tricky Triangle."
"We are excited to welcome the new members to our Fan Council and we cannot wait to see what they will bring to the table this year," said Brandon Igdalsky, Pocono Raceway President/CEO. "Additionally, the inaugural Fan Council members did such an amazing job; we decided to extend their term one more year and the terms of all future members for a total of two years. Pocono received nearly 100 applications this year and after a lengthy review, "The Tricky Triangle" would like to introduce the 2014 Pocono Raceway Fan Council:
� Patty Aber (Middletown, NJ)
� Tom Albrecht (Endicott, NY)
� Thomas Anderson (Bethlehem, PA)
� Paul Bartoli (Tannersville, PA)
� Tom Brys (North Brunswick, NJ)
� Patricia Christmann (Cresco, PA)
� Tom Frendak (Coaldale, PA)
� Christina Gillim (New York, NY)
� Howard Gregory (Weatherly, PA)
� Chuck Grew (Mechanicsburg, PA)
� George Harrelson (Binghamton, NY)
� Donna Hines (Wilkes Barre, PA)
� Jay Palmer (Greencastle, PA)
� Zach Martin (New York, NY)
� Scott McIsaac (Perth, Ontario)
� Jennifer Meyering (Schwenksville, PA)
� Jennifer Moulton (Budd Lake, NJ)
� Ray Rafalko (Old Forge, PA)
� Scott Townsend (Phoenix, MD)
� Deb Wentzel (Shillington, PA)
The Pocono Raceway Fan Council will complete surveys, meet quarterly and assist with promotional events throughout the year. Fan Council members will be active during the three major race weekends at Pocono as they interact with fellow fans and learn about their experiences.(Pocono Raceway)(12-21-2013)
Pocono lengthens truck race by 25 miles: Pocono Raceway announced today their 2014 race lengths have been extended. The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will make their fifth-annual return to Pocono Raceway for the Pocono Mountains 150 on Saturday, August 2. The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will return to Pocono Raceway for the fifth-straight season. The race length of the first two Truck races at "The Trick Triangle" were extended past the advertised distance, due to late-race accidents, and resulted in green-white-checkered finishes.(Pocono Raceway PR)(10-25-2013)
Pocono Announces 2014 Events Dates: Pocono Raceway will host three major motorsports race weekends and two premier endurance race events. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will return to "The Tricky Triangle" for the June 6-8 Pocono 400 and the August 1-3 GoBowling.com 400 race weekends. The IndyCar Series will be back for the second straight year during the July 5-6 Pocono IndyCar weekend Fueled by Sunoco. In addition, the Raceway will host the inaugural Tough Mudder Poconos April 19-20 and their third annual Warrior Dash on August 23. "The past year was incredible," stated Brandon Igdalsky, Pocono Raceway President and CEO. "Five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion, Jimmie Johnson, dominated and took the checkers in our June race. Local favorite Marco Andretti set a new track record as he earned the pole for the INDYCAR race in July, but during the race, Scott Dixon came out of nowhere to capture the first open-wheel victory at Pocono since 1989. Then the thrilling duel, at the end of the GoBowling.com 400 in August, between teammates Jeff Gordon and eventual race winner Kasey Kahne, capped off our exciting 2013 racing season. Tickets for the 2014 NASCAR and INDYCAR race weekends at Pocono Raceway, which will include the same supporting series events as 2013, will go on sale October 1, 2013. Fans can visit www.poconoraceway.com or call 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929).(Pocono Raceway)(10-1-2013)
Pocono Raceway Accepting 2014 Fan Council Applications: Pocono Raceway is accepting applications for the 2014 Pocono Raceway Fan Council, a 20-member board to be comprised of race fans to assist "The Tricky Triangle" staff in developing and improving overall fan engagement. Members of the inaugural Pocono Raceway Fan Council, created last year, will play a vital role in the selection process of the 2014 group.
"The creation of the Pocono Raceway Fan Council has provided a different perspective with the way we engage race fans," said Brandon Igdalsky, President and CEO of Pocono Raceway. "The 20 members selected for the inaugural council provided us with some great feedback, which will shape our fan-engagement planning for years to come. Their roles will change from providing input about our facility to assisting us with selecting new members for the 2014 Pocono Raceway Fan Council. We are excited to see who will apply this year!"
The Pocono Raceway Fan Council will complete surveys, meet quarterly (either in person or through conference calls) and assist with promotional events throughout the year. Members are selected to a one year term from January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014. Race fans interested in applying for the 2014 Pocono Raceway Fan Council can download and submit an application by visiting www.poconoraceway.com/fancouncil. Applications are due by Friday, October 18, 2013. All applicants must be over 18 years of age or older. Those selected for this year's fan council will be notified by a Pocono Raceway representative in December 2013.(Pocono Raceway)(10-1-2013)
Gordon & Stenhouse, Jr. appearing at Pocono's Tricky Triangle Club: Four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion, Jeff Gordon, and two-time NASCAR Nationwide Series champion, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., are scheduled to make appearances at Pocono Raceway's "Tricky Triangle Club" prior to the start of the GoBowling.com 400 on Sunday, August 4. "The Tricky Triangle Club" is a pre-race ticket add on, located inside the Raceway's Chalet Village, which features a Pre-Race Pit Tour Pass, lunch, beverages, four beer tickets (for adults ages 21 and over), a welcome bag including a race program and diecast, giveaway prizes, interactive games and access to driver/celebrity questions-and-answer sessions. A Sunday ticket is required to attend the "Tricky Triangle Club" and requesting autographs from drivers is strictly prohibited.(Pocono Raceway)(7-23-2013)
Heroin dealers arrested leaving Poconos NASCAR race: Four heroin dealers were arrested and their drugs seized outside the Party in the Poconos NASCAR race Sunday afternoon because their driver made a wrong turn leaving the track, police said. The group attracted the attention of police when the car turned right against traffic exiting the Pocono Raceway from Long Pond Road onto Route 115 in Tunkhannock Township, state police at Fern Ridge said. When police noticed drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle and started a car search, two of the suspects tried to hide several heroin packets, but police and NASCAR fans spotted the attempt and police confiscated the drugs, police said.(full story at the Morning Call)(6-12-2013)
Armed Forces Foundation and NASCAR Bring "Troops to the Track" Program to Pocono: The Armed Forces Foundation and NASCAR continue the 2013 Troops to the Track program on Sunday, June 9th, by bringing service members based out of United States Army Garrison West Point Directorate of Emergency Services Soldiers and Department of the Army civilians to the Party in the Poconos 400 at the Pocono Raceway. Their mission is to provide the West Point community world class police and fire emergency response, security, and exceptional customer service while directly enhancing the quality of life for all members of our community and the United States Military Academy. Troops to the Track will be expanded to include service member's families during NASCAR: An American Salute, which begins at the Coca-Cola 600 and runs through the Coke Zero 400 on July 4th weekend. NASCAR: An American Salute is a six-week industry-wide effort to honor and celebrate the service of current Armed Forces members, veterans, and their families. Sergeant John Shoemaker, a member of the military police force located at West Point, will be riding in the pace car and will be spotlighted at the Party at the Poconos 400. Sergeant Shoemaker has dedicated ten years of his life to the military and is proud to provide professional law enforcement for the West Point community and its guests.(AFF)(6-7-2013)
Tim Dugger to Perform Pre-Race Concert at Pocono Raceway June 9: Curb recording artist, Tim Dugger is addicted to the "fast lane" and there will be no faster lane on Sunday, June 9, than the Party in the Pocono 400 Presented by Walmart at Pocono Raceway. Dugger's concert will headline pre-race festivities leading the 1:00 PM start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at "The Tricky Triangle."
On Saturday, Pittsburgh-based, The Truth, will perform at Pocono Raceway's Victory Circle from 11:00 - 11:30 am. ET. The rock-genre band features two lead singers, Paul Michael Benson and Ayesha Scott, as well as lead, guitarist Shayne MacLaughlin and drummer Josh Gerba. The Truth will be touring with the ARCA Racing Series, serving as the official "Musical Partner" of Venturini Motorsports. Additionally, lead-singer Ayesha Scott will perform the national anthem prior to the start of the Pocono 200 ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menards race.
All Sunday Concourse Grandstand tickets are only $25! Our new partnership with Walmart has reduced tickets once costing $45 - $55 to just $25! For more details, visit www.poconoraceway.com or call 1-800-RACEWAY.
The entire weekend is jam-packed with tons of events for the whole family to enjoy. NASCAR Qualifying has moved back to its traditional Friday afternoon time slot and Saturday, besides being our annual Bowlopolis Kid's Day, will feature a 200-mile ARCA Racing Series race. Kids, ages 12 and under, are FREE to attend Friday and Saturday with accompanying adult Grandstand ticket holder. Friday Grandstand Tickets start at $10 and Saturday Grandstand Tickets start at $20 ($25 the day of the event).(Pocono Raceway)(6-6-2013)
Hamlin says Pocono has changed with repave: Denny Hamlin says the recent repaving of the 2.5-mile triangular track, where the Cup series races next week and Aug. 4, has taken away the edge he had there. "We had a leg up... we had two legs up on everyone when we went there with the old pavement," Hamlin said. "I think now we're better than average, but we're not the best anymore at that track. But it's definitely a place that we have performed well. Even after it got paved we still performed pretty well. Yeah, it is a track I look forward to ... Really, for me, I think that when they changed the track and they paved it, it changed everything. It really was like a whole new race track. Same with Kansas and Michigan -- all of these tracks, as soon as they pave them, they took one track and they just really threw it out and you've got a whole other surface, new setups, new way of driving style every single time. I think that's the challenge for us. We've got to really learn that race track again." Because passing is more difficult on the new Pocono surface, track position will be crucial. That may be good news for Hamlin, who will be trying for his third straight Sprint Cup pole next weekend at the Tricky Triangle.(NASCAR Wire Service)(6-2-2013)
Pocono Completes Extensive Road Course Upgrades: Pocono Raceway has completed their extensive road course renovation project. This includes the resurfacing of all infield road courses, the addition of multi-directional curbing and upgraded participant amenities. Each of the 17 track layouts can be run in either clockwise or counter clockwise directions, allowing for a total of 34 configurations. The courses range in distances from a technical half-mile layout to a 2.53-mile national circuit. FIM multi-directional curbing was added to all the corners and the run-offs were smoothed and leveled. All available configurations can be found by visiting www.poconoraceway.com/roadcourses.
Two new structures were added that include meeting rooms, classrooms, the Garage Grill Cafe and modern restrooms and showers for both competitors and guests conveniences. Additionally, 100 Infield RV spots have been opened for use. Complete with power, water and sewer hookups, these spots are available for both competitors and guests to enjoy while utilizing the road courses. For track rental availability, rates and RV Reservations, please contact Pocono Raceway's Operations Department at 570-646-2300. Pocono Raceway is the world's largest solar powered sports facility. The Raceway developed a 25 acre, three megawatt solar farm that provides the energy needs of the Raceway as well as adding electricity to the local power grid.(Pocono Raceway)(5-6-2013)
Fans rename June Pocono race "Party in the Poconos 400": Pocono Raceway and Walmart announced the new name for the June 9 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway, as voted on by race fans, will be the "Party in the Poconos 400 Presented by Walmart." Additionally, fan voting for the official June 7 - 9 race weekend concession item, from three fan-submitted pierogi recipes, begins today. "Party in the Poconos 400" was chosen, following a four-week, fan-driven vote between three fan-submitted race names. Nearly half of the overall votes for the new race name were in favor of "Party in the Poconos 400." The other race name submissions were the "Race More, Live Better 400" and the "Pocono for the People 400." Fans will continue to have their voices heard as they vote on the official race weekend concession item, to be sold at select Raceway vendor locations. Voting begins today and fans will vote on one of the following fan-submitted pierogi recipes: Hot Honey Buffalo Wing, Loaded Baked Potato or Sweet Cinnamon Sugar. To vote, please visit walmarturl.com/fandriven400. Concession item voting ends on May 6. Additionally, Pocono Raceway and Walmart are making the 400-mile June 9 race more affordable for fans by offering 16,000 Concourse Grandstand Tickets for $25 each. (Pocono Racineway)(4-9-2013)
August Pocono race named GoBowling.com 400: Pocono Raceway and Strike Ten Entertainment, the sponsorship activation arm of the bowling industry, jointly announce a groundbreaking, multi-faceted partnership deal that brings together two of the nation's favorite sports brands: NASCAR and GoBowling.com, the official brand of bowling. For the first time ever, the 2013 and 2014 August NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races will be renamed the "GoBowling.com 400" as part of this freshly inked two-year sponsorship. In addition to the renaming of the GoBowling.com 400, TPocono Raceway and Strike Ten Entertainment will deploy an integrated sponsorship campaign that will extend across multiple platforms including traditional marketing, digital and social media as well as event activations. The partnership program will also include a series of GoBowling.com-themed bowling league promotional contests and in-center marketing elements, as well as other initiatives to be rolled out across the more than 4,000 participating bowling centers.(Pocono Raceway)(3-13-2013)
Fan Voting for June Pocono race name begins: Pocono Raceway and Walmart announced, voting for the new name of the June 9 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at "The Tricky Triangle," based off three fan-submitted race name entries, is now open. The three fan-submitted race name finalists include: Race More. Live Better. 400, Pocono for the People 400, and Party in the Poconos 400. Race fans will have the chance to vote on their favorite race name choice until April 8. To vote, visit: walmarturl.com/fandriven400. Additionally, Pocono Raceway and Walmart are making the 400-mile June 9 race more affordable for fans through the "Fan Driven 400" program by offering 16,000 Concourse Grandstand Tickets for $25 each. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.poconoraceway.com or by calling 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929).(Pocono PR)(3-12-2013)
Bowyer, Harvick leading celebrity softball game between Dover and Pocono: Dover International Speedway and Pocono Raceway will square off on the diamond for the second straight year as both tracks announced the return of the Second Annual Celebrity Softball Game, featuring Sprint Cup Series drivers Clint Bowyer and Kevin Harvick. The game will be played on Wednesday, April 24 at the home of the Harrisburg Senators in Harrisburg, Pa. Bowyer will captain Team Dover, while Harvick, will lead Team Pocono. In the inaugural game last year, Jeff Burton and the team from The Tricky Triangle narrowly defeated Carl Edwards and the Monster Mile after mounting a late comeback. Access to the celebrity softball game is free with a ticket to that night's baseball game. Tickets for the Senators game start at just $8, and all children ages 16 and younger that wear their NASCAR gear get a free Senators Hat and free passes to the Kids Play Area. For tickets, call 717-231-4444 or visit SenatorsBaseball.com. In addition to Bowyer and Harvick, the rosters from each team will be made up of members of national and local motorsports media, as well as other local media personalities, and a few other special guests.(Dover Raceway)(3-12-2013)
Dover & Pocono team up for Daytona 500 Watch Party: Dover International Speedway and Pocono Raceway are bringing race fans together to kick-off the 2013 NASCAR season during the broadcast of the "Daytona 500" NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race which will be shown on the 32-foot Sony High Definition screen at XFINITY Live! in Philadelphia on Sunday, February 24 beginning at 1:00pm/et. In addition to the on-track action that opens the race season, fans in attendance will have the opportunity to compete against each other in the all-new "NASCAR The Game: Inside Line," as well as win a number of great prizes by entering for drawings to win tickets to the June 2 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at the Monster Mile or the June 9 "Pocono 400" NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at The Tricky Triangle. The day's grand prize winner will receive an incredible VIP package that includes suite tickets to the spring NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at both Dover and Pocono, as well as other upgrades for those trips to make the weekends a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Representatives from both tracks will also conduct trivia and other games during commercials and cautions with prizes such as copies of "NASCAR The Game: Inside Line" for Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii, various autographed NASCAR items, track merchandise and more. The first 60 fans to arrive will get a pair of tickets to either the Friday, May 31 "Lucas Oil 200" NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race or the Saturday, June 8 "Pocono 200" ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. XFINITY Live! is located at 1100 Pattison Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19148.
NASCAR returns to Dover International Speedway May 31-June 2, 2013 for the June 2 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the June 1 "5-hour ENERGY 200" NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the May 31 "Lucas Oil 200" NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. For tickets or more information, call 800-441-RACE or visit DoverSpeedway.com.
A week later, NASCAR's premier circuit visits Pocono Raceway for the June 7-9, 2013 "Pocono 400" race weekend, including the June 8 "Pocono 200" ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menards race and the June 9 "Pocono 400" NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. For tickets or more information, call 800-722-3929 or visit PoconoRaceway.com.(PR)(2-16-2013)
Walmart Puts NASCAR Fans in the Driver's Seat at Pocono: Walmart is putting race fans in the driver's seat with the "Fan Driven 400" - an innovative, socially-driven program that gives fans a voice in branding the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on June 9 at the Pocono Raceway. Starting today through May 27, fans can submit ideas and vote via Walmart's Local Facebook pages on details including the official race name, a signature concession and the pace car design. In addition to the Fan Driven 400, Walmart will once again offer its $99 Walmart Family Track Pack, which includes four discounted race tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas- a savings of more than $100. Walmart will also be hosting in-store events with race car displays, racing simulator machines and special appearances by fan-favorite drivers in every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race market. Beginning today through May 27, 2013, fans can vote online to customize the "Fan Driven 400" at walmarturl.com/FanDriven. The timeline for voting on various race components will be as follows:
Race Name Submission (2/14 - 2/25): Customers can submit a name of their choice (32 character limit).
Race Name Vote (3/11 - 4/8): Vote for one of the three race name options and see the Facebook user's name and photo who developed each submission.
Concession Item (4/8 - 5/6): Vote for one of three types of pierogies, sourced via The Pocono Fan Council.
Pace Car Design (5/6 - 5/27): Vote on one of three designs for the Pace Car, sourced via The Pocono Raceway.
Walmart is also making the Pocono 400 race on June 9, 2013 more affordable by offering 16,000 Concourse Grandstand tickets at a discounted price of $25. Tickets can be purchased online starting Feb. 15 at Walmart.com/NASCAR or through Pocono Raceway at poconoraceway.com.
Walmart Family Track Pack
The $99 Walmart Family Track Pack will be available online at Walmart.com/NASCAR and in select Walmart stores for the following races:
� Kobalt Tools 400, Las Vegas - March 10, 2013
� California Auto Club 400, Fontana - March 24, 2013
� Bojangles Southern 500, Darlington - May 11, 2013
� NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, Charlotte - May 18, 2013
� Coca-Cola 600, Charlotte - May 26, 2013
� Dover 400, Dover - June 2, 2013
� Quicken Loans 400, Michigan - June 16, 2013
� Coke Zero 400, Daytona - July 6, 2013
� Lenox Industrial Tools 301, New Hampshire - July 14, 2013
� Pennsylvania 400, Pocono - Aug. 4, 2013
� Cheez-it 355, Watkins Glen - Aug. 11, 2013
� Pure Michigan 400, Michigan - Aug. 18, 2013
� AdvoCare 500, Atlanta - Sept. 1, 2013
� Sylvania 300, New Hampshire - Sept. 22, 2013
� AAA 400, Dover - September 29, 2013
� Bank of America 500, Charlotte - Oct. 12, 2013
� Ford 400, Homestead - Nov. 17, 2013
(Pocono Raceway)(2-16-2013)
Joe Mattioli, III leaves Pocono Raceway Joseph R. Mattioli, III, the son of Dr. Rose Mattioli and the late Dr. Joseph Mattioli, announced that he is stepping down as a member of Pocono Raceway's Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Mattioli's tenure at Pocono started in 1974 following his graduation from Lehigh University and spanned over 40 years, with him serving as a member of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and as its past President and COO. In 1995, with Pocono enjoying unprecedented success, Mattioli stepped down as President and COO, but continued to assist the family business as a member of the Board and Executive Committee. Joe Mattioli is especially proud of Pocono's success through the 70's and 80's, when debt service, a hurricane, a recession, an oil crisis and two sanctioning body boycotts during the USAC - CART wars threatened to shut the track down. "This was a family business, so failure was not an option. With a lot of help, including major assistance from the France and Hulman families, somehow we fought our way to success," Mattioli concluded. Mattioli's future plans include focusing more time on non-profit and veterans' organizations that he supports, such as the Military Warriors Support Foundation, which provides housing assistance to returning veterans, and the Motor Sports Institute, which promotes academic success through engagement with motor racing. He also plans to develop Group 341, a consulting business he began 2011. With offices in California, Pennsylvania and Oklahoma, Group 341 provides strategic planning, marketing, branding, and event management consulting services.(Pocono Raceway)(1-28-2013)
Qualifying for 2013 Sprint Cup Series at Pocono moved to Friday: Pocono Raceway announced changes to their two 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards race weekends. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying for the Pocono 400 and the Pennsylvania 400 will occur on Friday, June 7th, and Friday, August 2nd, respectively. Additionally, the Pennsylvania 125 ARCA Racing Series moves from a traditional Saturday race event to Friday, August 2nd.
"We are excited with the changes to the 2013 race weekend schedules," said Pocono Raceway's President and CEO, Brandon Igdalsky. "Our fans were outspoken regarding the return of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying back to its traditional Friday slot. Additionally, our jam-packed August Pennsylvania 400 race weekend will now include three straight days of races with the ARCA Racing Series race moving to Friday; the Pocono Mountains 125, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race and two Sprint Cup practice sessions on Saturday and the Pennsylvania 400 on Sunday. The changes, done in cooperation with NASCAR and the ARCA Racing Series, should be a great benefit for race fans attending our Raceway this summer."
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying at Pocono Raceway was held on Saturdays the last two season, marking the first time since 2010 where qualifying will occur on Fridays. Tickets are still available for both the June 7-9 Pocono 400 and August 2-4 Pennsylvania 400 race weekends. Friday and Saturday event tickets start at $10 and $20, respectively, for both these weekends, with children ages 12 and under being admitted free (with accompanying adult holding a Grandstand ticket). Pocono 400 and Pennsylvania 400 tickets start at $45 and all Concourse-level section tickets are half-priced for children ages 12 and under. To purchase tickets, visit www.poconoraceway.com or call 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929).(Pocono Raceway)(1-18-2013)
Pocono Raceway Fan Council announced: The 20-member Inaugural Pocono Raceway Fan Council has been set. We're excited to announce the individuals who will assist our staff in creating and implementing a better overall fan experience for all to enjoy. To see the 20 members selected for the 2013 Fan Council, go to poconoraceway.com. The Pocono Raceway Fan Council members will also serve as a sounding board for their fellow race fans. On behalf of the entire staff at "The Tricky Triangle," we congratulate the 20 members selected for the Inaugural Fan Council and the nearly 150 applicants.(Pocono Raceway)(1-14-2013)
Little to no damage to tracks from hurricane: UPDATE: Racetracks that play host to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in areas impacted by Hurricane Sandy do not report significant damage from the storm as of Tuesday morning. Dover International Speedway, which is less than 10 miles west from Delaware Bay and 45 miles northwest of Rehobeth Beach, Del., did not sustain any significant damage, track spokesman Gary Camp said Tuesday morning. Pocono Raceway, which is 100 miles west of New York City and about 100 miles north of Philadelphia, was without power Tuesday morning but only lost one of the steeples that towers above its grandstands, according to a tweet from track president Brandon Igdalsky. New Hampshire Motor Speedway, about 80 miles northwest of Boston and 50 miles west northwest of Portsmouth, reported no damage and no loss of power.(Sporting News)(10-30-2012)
UPDATE: Watkins Glen, a road course that covers more than 1,800 acres in upstate New York that is 250 miles northwest of New York City, suffered more than an estimated $50,000 worth of damage, according to track president Michael Printup. Part of victory lane was ripped apart, eight billboards were blown down, grandstand signage destroyed and building trim was damaged. Trees also were blown down by winds estimated at 60 miles an hour.(Sporting News)(10-30-2012)
Pocono Raceway partners with Redbox for ticket sales : Pocono Raceway announced, through its relationship with New Era Tickets, the Official Ticket Partner of "The Tricky Triangle," tickets to the 2013 Pocono 400 (June 9) and Pennsylvania 400 (August 4) races are now available at select Redbox kiosks in the greater-Philadelphia area. The Raceway joins an elite list of national sport venues and events to partner with Redbox Tickets, including the Wells Fargo Center (Philadelphia), Villanova University Athletics and the Philadelphia Film Festival. Concourse Vista Grandstand tickets, costing $50 or $25 for children ages 12 and under, to both 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at the Long Pond, PA facility will be available at nearly 600 Redbox Philadelphia-area kiosks or online at www.redbox.com/tickets. Additional Pocono Raceway seating locations and events may become available at a later date.(Pocono Raceway)(10-3-2012)
2013 Pocono Raceway Tickets Now on Sale: Pocono Raceway announced 2013 Grandstand tickets to the June 7-9 Pocono 400 and August 2-4 Pennsylvania 400 race weekends are now available for purchase. Grandstand ticket prices for the 2013 season at "The Tricky Triangle" remain the same as they were in 2012. Sunday Grandstand tickets start at $45, all Concourse Grandstand tickets remain at half-price for kids ages 12 and under. Friday and Saturday General Admission tickets cost $10 and $20 ($25 at the gate), respectively. Children, ages 12 and under, accompanied by an adult holding a General Admission ticket will be admitted free on Friday and Saturday. This marks the initial release of select Grandstand tickets for the 2013 NASCAR race weekends at Pocono Raceway. Additional tickets will be released following the Raceway's customer renewal process. Available tickets can be purchased by contacting Pocono Raceway's ticket office at 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929) or by ordering them online at www.poconoraceway.com.(Pocono Raceway)(9-7-2012)
Pocono Raceway Announces 2013 Race Dates: Pocono Raceway announced its 2013 NASCAR events will be held on their traditional weekends and feature NASCAR's premier series, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The June 9, Pocono 400 and the August 4, Pennsylvania 400 be the cornerstone for each race weekend. The Pocono 400 will kick-off "The Tricky Triangle's" season-opening NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend, June 7-9. NASCAR's top touring series will be accompanied by the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards with the 27th running of the Pocono 200, set for Saturday, June 8th. On Sunday, June 9th, Joey Logano will look to repeat his 2012 winning performance in the 32nd running of the Pocono 400.
The 40th annual Pennsylvania 400 takes over the spotlight for Pocono's second NASCAR weekend, August 2-4. The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series rejoins the Sprint Cup Series and ARCA Series for a triple-header weekend of racing action. The Truck and ARCA Racing Series events are scheduled for Saturday, August 3rd. On Sunday, August 4th, defending race champion Jeff Gordon will lead the charge in the Pennsylvania 400.
Grandstand ticket prices for the 2013 NASCAR race at Pocono Raceway remain the same as the 2012 season. Friday and Saturday General Admission tickets will cost $10 and $20, ($25 at the gate) respectively. Children, ages 12 and under, accompanied by an adult holding a General Admission ticket will be admitted free on Friday and Saturday. Sunday Grandstand tickets start at $45, all Concourse-Level tickets will remain at half-price for kids ages 12 and under. Tickets to the 2013 events at Pocono Raceway will be available to the general public following our customer renewal process. Please visit poconoraceway.com. Pocono Raceway is the world's largest solar powered sports facility. The Raceway developed a 25 acre, three megawatt solar farm that provides the energy needs of the Raceway as well as adding electricity to the local power grid.(Pocono Raceway), see which 2013 race dates have been confirmed and a rough idea of what the 2013 Scheduled could look like on the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Schedule page.(8-29-2012)
Pennsylvania 400 Memorial Fund set up: Pocono Raceway has established the Pennsylvania 400 Memorial Fund to benefit the victims of the lighting strike tragedy which occurred following the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, August 5, 2012. Donations will be accepted at any PNC Branch or by mailing checks/money orders, addressed to "Pennsylvania 400 Memorial Fund" to the following address:
Pocono Raceway
Attn: Pennsylvania 400 Memorial Fund
1234 Long Pond Road
Long Pond, PA 18334
(Pocono Raceway)
Pocono Raceway Lightning Strike Update: A total of 10 race fans were struck by lightning in the Pocono Raceway parking lot after the conclusion of Sunday's Pennsylvania 400. All were transported to local hospitals with various degrees of injuries. Nine have been released. The tenth victim, Brian Zimmerman, was fatally injured during the storm. Private funeral services will be held on Saturday. Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Friday from 5:00PM - 8:00PM at the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge, PA.(Pocono Raceway)(8-10-2012)
Sad News - Brian Zimmerman: The man killed by lightning Sunday during the Pennsylvania 400 was a 41-year-old husband and father of three who was helping to pack items into a minivan when the bolt struck during a heavy thunderstorm. Brian Zimmerman of Moosic, near Scranton, collapsed and could not be revived despite the efforts of an off-duty paramedic and raceway firefighters who were nearby and witnessed the strike, according to the Monroe County coroner and raceway officials.(Morning Call)
AND Brian Franklin Zimmerman, age 41, of Moosic, PA, died tragically and unexpectedly Sunday evening at Pocono Raceway. He is survived by his loving wife, the former Marion Jones. The couple would have celebrated their 6th wedding anniversary on August 12th. He is also survived by his three children, two sons, Cole Patrick and Chase Randolph, and daughter, Lana Christine, all at home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Brian's name to a trust to Benefit the Family of Brian Zimmerman, care of Fidelity Banks of Northeastern Pennsylvania. See the full obituary for info and services at kearneyfuneralhome.com.(8-8-2012)
NASCAR evaluating weather policy: NASCAR and Pocono Raceway officials are investigating whether there is a need for emergency reaction policy changes to weather-related events following Sunday's tragedy at the 2.5-mile track. A 41-year-old man was killed and nine others were injured as a result of lightning strikes within minutes of the Sprint Cup race being called for severe weather. The incident raised the question of whether the race should have been called earlier to give the track time to evacuate the stands and everyone enough time to reach the safety of their cars or shelter. NASCAR spokesman David Higdon said NASCAR's attention to severe weather will be on "hyper alert" heading to this week's race at Watkins Glen. "But I will add we're always in that situation," he said. "Nobody had their guard down (at Pocono)." NASCAR doesn't have a hard and fast rule on how to react to severe weather. Higdon said that is left up to the individual tracks, and most don't have rules such as evacuating the track if lightning is within a certain radius of the facility. NASCAR officials made it clear that the safety of the fans in these situations ultimately is the responsibility of the tracks. The dilemma for tracks is they can have the best emergency plan, but the decision on when to stop the race is NASCAR's. As Ed Klima, the director of emergency services at Dover International Raceway, told the Associated Press, "it's very difficult to get people to leave if there's still cars going around the racetrack." The initial severe weather warning was issued to fans at Pocono at 4:12 p.m. NASCAR called the race and declared Jeff Gordon the winner at 4:54 p.m. The lightning strike that took the life of Brian F. Zimmerman of Moosic, Pa., while he was leaning against his car, took place at 5:01 p.m.(ESPN)(8-7-2012)
Fans struck by lightning after race: UPDATES: Three fans were struck by lightning following the rain-shortened NASCAR Sprint Cup race Sunday at Pocono Raceway. According to a witness, they were struck outside the track. Track spokesman Bob Pleban confirmed that three people were injured and two were transported to a local hospital. One was treated at the track care center and released. Pleban said he could not release the names nor the condition of those injured, who were hit during a massive thunderstorm that forced the race to be halted after 98 of 160 laps.(Sporting News)(8-5-2012)
UPDATE: Officials at Pocono Raceway say 10 people attending Sunday's NASCAR race were injured in a lightning strike in the parking lot behind the grandstand, and two are in critical condition. Pocono spokesman Bob Pleban says it's not clear if all 10 were actually struck by lightning. It's unknown whether one or multiple lightning strikes occurred. Pleban says five people were treated at the scene. He says one person was taken to Pocono Medical Center and another to Lehigh Valley, where they were in critical condition. The conditions of the other three are unknown.(Associated Press)(8-5-2012)
UPDATE 2: One fan was killed and nine others were injured as a result of lightning strikes following Sunday's Sprint Cup race at Pocono Raceway. Track officials said the name or gender of the fan killed could not be released until family members were notified. They said the fan was pronounced dead on arrival at Pocono Mountain Medical Center in Stroudsburg. One other fan is in critical condition at Lehigh Hospital in Allentown. The other eight are being treated and evaluated for minor injuries at local hospitals.(ESPN.com)(8-5-2012)
UPDATE 3 - Pocono Statement: As reported yesterday, a long time member of our Pocono Raceway family, a spectator has passed away following a lightning strike. According to Monroe County Coroner Robert Allen the name of the deceased is 41 year old Moosic, Pennsylvania resident Brian Zimmerman Additionally; nine other individuals were transferred to local hospitals as a result of two separate lightning strikes.
At approximately 5:01 p.m. Eastern Time, the first lightning strike occurred on property inside our Grandstand Parking area, located near Gate 5A. A Pocono Raceway Grandstand Fire unit was stationed in the vicinity and witnessed the actual strike. The response was immediate as the unit reported the incident to our control tower and advised spectators were injured. CPR was started immediately to Mr. Zimmerman by a friend on the scene.
Within a matter of 3 minutes, medical personnel and additional emergency services reported on the scene and took control of treatment to individuals. EMT responders were approached by additional individuals who reported symptoms related to the lightning strike. Those affected were taken to the Raceway Medical Centers, where they were examined and transported to local area hospitals for treatment and further evaluation. A total of nine individuals were treated as a result of the initial lightning strike.
At approximately 6:35 p.m. Eastern Time, the control tower was notified of a second possible lightning strike in the vicinity near Gate 3. The individual was immediately transported to Pocono Raceway's Infield Medical Center where they were initially treated for minor injuries before being transported to Pocono Medical Center in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania for further evaluation.
At this point in time, the one individual that was in critical condition has now been upgraded to stable. Some have been treated and released. Others involved are pending release as early as today and all are in good spirits. The safety of all guests to Pocono Raceway is of the utmost importance to our entire staff. This tragic event is at the forefront of all of our thoughts and prayers. We will learn from the incident and continue to implement strategies to help ensure the safety of fans and all attendees at future events at Pocono Raceway.
(Pocono Raceway)(8-6-2012)
Alex Boyd singing National Anthem at Pocono: The roar of 43 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series engines will fill the air as the green flag waves to start the 39th annual Pennsylvania 400 on Sunday, August 5. Prior to the start of the race, the sights and sounds of pre-race activities will feature a rising musical star and an aerial fly-over featuring military fighter planes from two separate eras. Virginia native and newly signed RCA Recording Artist Alex Boyd will perform the National Anthem prior to the start of the Pennsylvania 400. Boyd is gearing up to release his freshman album "Commit Me". A Heritage Air Force Foundation P-51 Mustang, World War Two fighter, and a modern day F-16 will provide a dramatic display of our nation's air power, past and present, as they streak across the sky above Pocono Raceway at the conclusion of pre-race activities. The F-16 is part of the 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw Air Force Base, Sumter, S.C.(Pocono Raceway)(8-3-2012)
Pennsylvania 400's Pocono Presidential Pick for $100,000: The 2012 Presidential race is heating up and our very own Pocono Raceway President and CEO, Brandon Igdalsky, is initiating his own campaign with a bold prediction on his pick to win the Pennsylvania 400. Igdalsky is so confident with his pick, he will give $100,000 away to one lucky race fan if Dale Earnhardt, Jr., wins "The Tricky Triangle" 400-miler on Sunday, August 5th. Yes, you heard it right the first time! One lucky fan can walk away $100,000 richer if Dale Jr. wins the Pennsylvania 400! Fans can enter the "Pocono Presidential Pick for $100,000" by visiting any of their Official Pocono Raceway souvenir trailers, stands or tents, located throughout our facility, during the Pennsylvania 400 race weekend. Once there, they will be required to fill out a simple entry blank to become automatically entered. The Pocono Raceway staff will randomly select an individual at the half-way point of the Pennsylvania 400. If the No. 88 Chevrolet, piloted by Dale Jr. takes the checkered flag, they will win $100,000! Additionally, four other winners will be chosen at random, along with the potential $100,000 winner, with each receiving two Terrace Club tickets to a 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race of their choice at Pocono Raceway, regardless of the outcome of the 2012 Pennsylvania 400. For more information, including additional rules and regulations, please visit www.poconoraceway.com/100k.(Pocono Raceway)(7-28-2012)
Pocono Raceway Assists the Flight 93 National Memorial Campaign: The National Park Foundation's Flight 93 National Memorial Campaign has been chosen as Pocono Raceway's charitable beneficiary of the NASCAR Green Flag Tree Planting program. The National Park Foundation, the official charity of America's national parks, is excited that the eight green flags dropped during the Pocono 400 at Pocono Raceway on June 10 will result in planting eight acres (approximately 5,000) of seedlings at the Flight 93 National Memorial as part of a 150,000-tree planting initiative. The memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania remembers the heroism of the forty men and women on board Flight 93 and offers a place of learning and understanding about the events of September 11, 2001. Tree planting is an essential feature of the memorial's design intended to symbolically create a living memorial and to develop an environmentally sustainable model for the 2,200-acre reclaimed coal mine and national park. The model will transform this area in important ways. Building the memorial will invigorate new life into a field scarred both by the events of September 11 and by years of mining and will change the Flight 93 site into a publicly-accessible national park visited and enjoyed by millions of visitors.(Pocono Raceway)(7-22-2012)
Teams will have to pit more often at Pocono: Higher speeds at Pocono will increase fuel consumption in Sunday's race and shorten the pit intervals for most teams. So don't be surprised to see the first stop come much earlier than usual (probably well before the 30-lap mark), given that crew chiefs will be inclined to play it safe. "The track is fast, incredibly fast, approaching 12 miles per hour faster than it was last year," said Howard Comstock of SRT Motorsports Engineering, which supports the Penske Racing Dodge teams of Brad Keselowski and AJ Allmendinger. "That's a big deal, and it makes a big difference. . . .We all know that this is a very important place for fuel economy. You can't risk running out on the backstretch on a flat track, or you'll never get back to the pits. So the speed is great, but how bad does that hurt fuel economy? We're in the throttle so long around the track now that it's using fuel to get the kind of speeds that we're seeing." Accordingly, crew chiefs and race engineers will have to be particularly vigilant in keeping track of fuel mileage. There will also be intense pressure on the fuelers to make sure the cell is filled.(NASCAR Wire Service)(6-10-2012)
Pocono honoring Mattioli: Pocono Raceway founder Dr. Joseph Mattioli passed away in January, but his memory will be honored during the NASCAR Sprint Cup weekend. Dr. Rose Mattioli, Mattioli's widow, and Nick Igdalsky, his grandson, announced Thursday a series of tributes that will take place. "The main push this weekend is Sam Bass was kind enough to do a tribute piece for Doc, which will be the program cover for this event," said Igdalsky, who was appointed executive vice president and chief operating officer when Mattioli unexpectedly announced his retirement last August. The race program will also include a seven-page photo spread to Mattioli, an Old Forge native who died Jan. 26 at age 86. Other tributes this weekend include:
All ARCA and Sprint Cup cars will carry a decal with "Doc" - Mattioli's nickname - inside an outline of the 2.5-mile track.
Many Pocono staff members will also wear pins of a similar design.
There is a sign saying "Welcome to Doc's Place" as fans enter the infield via the tunnel.
Large boulders at the entrance to the paddock area were repainted like the decal.
A larger version of the decal will be emblazoned on the grass near the start of pit road.
There will also be a moment of silence, Taps and a 21-gun salute prior to Sunday's Pocono 400 Presented by #NASCAR. Mattioli was a Navy medic in the Pacific during World War II.(Times Leader)(6-10-2012)
NASCAR to salute NOSC sailors at Pocono: NASCAR will honor Lehigh Valley sailors representing the U.S. Navy Operational Support Center on Sunday at Pocono Raceway through an initiative called "Troops to the Track," which invites active duty, wounded warriors, veterans and military families to races throughout the year for NASCAR-style VIP experiences. The program is part of the "NASCAR Unites -- An American Salute" patriotic initiative involving the NASCAR community and fans during a six-week summer period between Memorial Day and Independence Day weekend to support U.S. military families. This weekend, NASCAR will host 20 sailors and their families for a daylong interactive at-track experience, including a meet-and-greet with Sprint Cup Series drivers, special invitation and recognition at the drivers' pre-race meeting, private tour of the Cup Series garage, pit-road access to witness the driver introductions/national anthem, and special seating in the grandstands. NOSC Lehigh Valley maintains the highest rate of readiness in order to provide mission-capable units and individuals to the Navy and Marine Corps team throughout the full range of operations through peace and war. The sailors represent a wide range of military service from seven to 20 years and many whom have served in the Arabian Gulf, Japan, Kuwait, Africa, Iraq, Guantanamo Bay and Afghanistan.(NASCAR)(6-9-2012)
NASCAR won't need restrictor plates at Pocono: Lap times are wicked fast at Pocono Raceway since the 2.5-mile track was repaved last year. However, Robin Pemberton, NASCAR's vice president of competition, doesn't anticipate the need for restrictor plates this weekend. On Thursday, drivers flirted with a total lap speed of 180 mph and cars topped 212 mph entering Turn 1 at Pocono Raceway during the second day of testing. "No, absolutely not," Pemberton said of the prospect of implementing restrictor plates. "We're well within reason here. Average speed is going pretty good, so we're happy. There's a lot of grip here, so there's no reason for that." #11-Denny Hamlin and Pemberton expect the track qualifying record of 172.533 mph set by Kasey Kahne in 2004 to be obliterated Saturday. Pemberton predicted the time will be at least two seconds faster. Kahne led all drivers in Thursday's test session with a top lap of 179.490 mph. And Hamlin, one of the first drivers to experiment with tandem drafting at restrictor-plate track Talladega Superspeedway, anticipates some form of drafting down the straightaway at Pocono. He also believes the corners will be treacherous. However, the latest wrinkle - the distance of Sunday's race was changed from 500 miles to 400 - could have the greatest effect of all.(Fox Sports)(6-8-2012)
Testing concludes at Pocono: Speed - and plenty of it - was the buzz word at Pocono Raceway during the second of two days of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series testing at the newly-paved 2.5-mile triangular-shaped track as teams prepare for Sunday's Pocono 400 Presented by #NASCAR. Kasey Kahne put down the overall fastest lap of the test at 179.490 mph during today's afternoon session. A.J. Allmendinger set the pace in the morning session at 177.190 mph - well ahead of the 175.380 mph fast lap Mark Martin recorded on Wednesday. A total of 41 cars tested today; yesterday 36 cars were on track. Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition, said the test was a success from NASCAR's perspective. "It's been really smooth," Pemberton said. "All in all it's been really positive in the garage area. [The track is] definitely faster but with the amount of grip that's here, you'll see the grooves widen out. With the 400 mile race and the outstanding job Goodyear did with these tires, I think we're in for an exceptional weekend."(NASCAR)(6-7-2012)
High speeds highlight Wednesday test: A new surface was on full display today at Pocono Raceway, where 36 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars were on track during a test session in preparation for Sunday's Pocono 400 presented by #NASCAR. Today's test was the first full-field opportunity for the series at Pocono; seven drivers took part in a Goodyear tire test in April.
"We're in for a really good race come Sunday," said John Darby, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series director. "Goodyear's done an excellent job at matching the tire to the new surface. Basically all the way up and down through the garage we've heard zero complaints which is a good feeling. It will only continue to get better throughout the weekend, because more of the racing surface gets rubbered in, grooves get wider and offer the ability to the competitors to turn into some multiple lane racing, especially through corners where it counts come Sunday. So we're pleased."
Additionally, for the first time in the track's history, the race is scheduled for 400 miles, down from 500. That also will be the case for the second race at Pocono in August.
"They did a great job; (the) track was really nice and smooth (with) good grip," said four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon, a five-time winner at Pocono. "We have had some repaves where it is a handful and pretty slick. That was not the case at all today."
"You never know what to expect when a race track gets paved," said Jeff Burton. "This pavement is unbelievably just nice, smooth. The quality of racing is going to be improved a great deal. [But] it's still Pocono. It still has the same characteristics and the personality of Pocono, but just has more grip"
Mark Martin was the fastest in today's session with a speed of 175.380 mph, which bettered the top practice speed from last August's race at Pocono - 170.026 mph by Ryan Newman. In all, 33 drivers eclipsed Newman's 2011 number. Paul Menard put down 61 laps, most among all drivers. A brief rain shower shortened the originally-scheduled four-hour session by 35 minutes.(NASCAR)(6-6-2012)
Pocono Race named Pocono 400 Presented by #NASCAR: Pocono Raceway announced a relationship with Twitter. The June 10, Pocono 400 will be renamed the Pocono 400 Presented by #NASCAR. The renaming of the first of two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events annually held at "The Tricky Triangle," comes two weeks after @NASCAR and @Twitter announced a unique digital partnership with the creation of twitter.com/#NASCAR, launching this week at Pocono Raceway. The twitter.com/#NASCAR event page will feature Tweets that bring fans closer to everything that unfolds during the Pocono 400. Pocono Raceway will launch several Twitter-based initiatives throughout the Pocono 400 Presented by #NASCAR race weekend. One such program will be a "Tweet Your Seat" contest, occurring during pre-race activities on Sunday, June 10, where one randomly-selected fan will become the Honorary Starter and wave the green flag to start the race. Additionally, "The Tricky Triangle" will be hosting a Fan Fair Scavenger Tweet Hunt, with a Tweet Up to follow, on Sunday, June 10, starting at 8:30 a.m. ET. The Tweet Hunt, open to the first 50 teams of two to arrive at the Flag Pole, located outside Fan Fair and behind the Grandstands, will be solely Twitter-based, meaning all participants must have a mobile device connected to their Twitter accounts. More information will be explained throughout the race weekend via the Raceway's Twitter handle and website.(Pocono Raceway)(6-4-2012)
Fan-friendly events added to Pocono 400 schedule: Pocono Raceway announced new, fan-driven additions to the June 8-10 Pocono 400 race weekend schedule. These events include a NASCAR Driver Autograph Session with Denny Hamlin, Ryan Newman, Regan Smith and Kurt Busch, and Question and Answer Sessions with drivers Carl Edwards and Martin Truex, Jr. The NASCAR Driver Autograph Session is open to the first 200 fans, due to time constraints, and will take place inside Pocono Raceway's Club Pocono (a.k.a. $100 Club), located in the Paddock Area on Saturday, June 9, from 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. The NASCAR Driver Question and Answers Sessions with Edwards and Truex Jr., which also require a Pre-Race Pit/Paddock Pass, will take place on the Thunderstage, located between Club Pocono (a.k.a. $100 Club) and the Cafeteria in our Paddock area. Additionally, live bands will play during pre-race times on Saturday and Sunday at our Thunderstage. Infield patrons will have access to the SPEED Stage, the truTV Lizard Lick Towing Concert Series Stage, and our newly-created Barley Creek Wiffle Ball Field.(Pocono Raceway)(6-2-2012)
Vanilla Ice serving as pace car driver at Pocono: Vanilla Ice will be the Honorary Pace Car Driver for the June 10, 2012 Pocono 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway. Vanilla Ice, whose 1991 hit "Ice Ice Baby" was the first rap single to reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, will soon be seen in the upcoming Sony Pictures release, That's My Boy, in theaters June 15. Before assuming his driving duties in the 2012 Camaro SS 'Official Pace Car', Vanilla Ice will make an appearance at The Tricky Triangle Club, tour the team haulers and attend the driver's meeting prior to the race. He will also do a pre-race parade lap in his Mustang 5.0 (that he drove in the movie) with race fans, who can bid on the ride now through Thursday, June 7 as part of the online auction component of the inaugural Pocono Celebrity Charity Poker Showdown.(Pocono Raceway)(6-1-2012)
Pocono test will end early for Prelude to the Dream: #14-Tony Stewart's annual charity race, The Prelude to the Dream at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, is scheduled for June 6. So is an afternoon of Sprint Cup testing at newly repaved Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa. The two tracks are 480 miles apart, and many Cup drivers participate in Stewart's dirt late model race, won last year by #15-Clint Bowyer. To help with scheduling, NASCAR moved the start of the Pocono test session from 1 p.m. to noon ET. The test will conclude at 4 p.m. instead of 5 p.m., allowing drivers plenty of time to fly to Eldora before the start of the Prelude.(NASCAR Wire Service)(5-14-2012)
May 15 celebrity softball game between Dover and Pocono: The celebrity softball game between Dover International Speedway and Pocono Raceway is set for Tuesday, May 15 at 4 p.m. at Campbell's Field, home of the Camden Riversharks. The rosters for each team have been announced, with Carl Edwards captaining Team Dover and Jeff Burton at the helm for Team Pocono. Tickets to the game are free with the purchase of a ticket to that evening's 7:05 p.m. baseball game between the Camden Riversharks and Lancaster Barnstormers. Children ages 16 and younger that wear their NASCAR gear get in free. In addition, the United Way of Camden County offers free admission for any child that wears the uniform of the little league team they play for to the game. Edwards and Burton will be joined on their respective teams by members of the local media and the tracks they are representing. NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Cale Gale, as well as Nationwide Series driver Donnie Neuenberger, will play alongside Edwards with Team Dover. ARCA driver Brandon McReynolds, son of NASCAR on Fox analyst Larry McReynolds, and Ron Karkovice, former Major League Baseball catcher and current bench coach for the Camden Riversharks, will support Burton with Team Pocono.(Dover Speedway)(5-13-2012)
Kasey Kahne ticket deal at Pocono: Pocono Raceway added Kasey Kahne, driver of the #5 Farmers Insurance Chevy for Hendrick Motorsports, to its list of driver ticket packages being offered for the Pocono 400 race weekend occurring June 8-10. This is the third NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver added to the Raceway's lineup, joining the "Jeff Gordon 24 Experience" and the "Jimmie Johnson 48 Family Package." The "Kasey Kahne 5 Experience" will give race fans access to Kahne's exclusive, 15-minute question and answer session on Sunday, June 10, a Terrace Vista Grandstand ticket for the Pocono 400, a Commemorative Pocono Raceway Genuine Track Medallion, automatic entry to win an autographed piece of Pocono Raceway's former track surface signed by Kahne and access to the Pocono Raceway's Tricky Triangle Club. The Tricky Triangle Club includes a Pre-Race Pit/Paddock Pass, four beer tickets (for those 21 years of age or older), food and beverage, an Official Pocono 400 Souvenir Program and Welcome Bag and access to additional 15-minute question and answer sessions with NASCAR drivers and personalities.(Pocono Raceway)(5-4-2012)
Testing at Pocono UPDATE: hearing that there will be two testing sessions at Pocono Raceway, which is being repaved before the Sprint Cup race in June. Supposedly the Goodyear tire tests are scheduled for April 24th and 25th, 2012. And supposedly teams will be able to test at Pocono on June 6th and 7th, the days before practices at the track on June 8th. The Sprint Cup Series race is scheduled for June 10th.(3-28-2012)
Free Grandstand Admission at Pocono for Goodyear Tire Testing: Goodyear Tire, the Official Tire of NASCAR, recently announced that April 24 & 25, 2012 will be the dates for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tire tests at Pocono Raceway. The Raceway is in the final stages of repaving the entire track and it's essentially a brand new track. Goodyear engineers will provide a number of different tire compounds and will determine, through this test, what are the best compounds based on results of the test. Goodyear will then produce the tires that will be used in the June 10, 2012 Pocono 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.
The drivers and teams tentatively schedule for the Pocono test are: #1-Jamie McMurray (Chevy); #5-Kasey Kahne (Chevy); #20-Joey Logano (Toyota); #22-A.J. Allmendinger (Dodge) and #43-Aric Almirola (Ford). Fans will be permitted to view both days of the test from the grandstand area at no charge. Fans should enter the parking lots via Gate # 5 (Andretti Rd.) with Gate # 11 opening at 9:00 AM. Fans will be directed to grandstand seating areas near the Start/Finish line. Concession stands will be open both dates of the test. NASCAR will allow all Sprint Cup Series teams to test the new Pocono surface with a specially scheduled test on June 6-7. Grandstands will not be open for this test, however, race fans that have Trackside RV, Reserved Fence Line RV, Reserved Infield RV or Early Bird Infield RV tickets for the Pocono 400 will have the opportunity to view the test session on Thursday for no additional charge. In fact, Gate # 1 tunnel entrance and Gate # 4 (for Trackside RV) will open at 9:00 AM on June 7 to allow early access for these fans. For ticket information call 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929) or visit www.poconoraceway.com.(Pocono Raceway)(4-9-2012)
Gordon and Johnson ticket packages at Pocono: Pocono Raceway announced they will offer driver-specific packages at "The Tricky Triangle" for both of their annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekends, occurring June 8th-10th and August 3rd-5th. The first two available packages this year are the Jeff Gordon 24 Experience and the Jimmie Johnson 48 Family Package. The Jeff Gordon 24 Experience includes access to Jeff Gordon's exclusive, 15-minute question and answer session on Saturday, June 9th, a Grandstand ticket (in Row 24) to the Pocono 400 on June 10th, a ticket to Sprint Cup Series Qualifying and the ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menards Pocono 200 on June 9th, a Pre-Race Pit/Paddock Pass (valid on Saturday and Sunday) and automatic entry into random drawing for an autographed Jeff Gordon Pocono Raceway Commemorative Track Piece. The Jimmie Johnson 48 Family Package is back for the second straight year and is available for both race weekends at Pocono Raceway in 2012. Fans can choose from two, specially-priced ticket packages, in either the Concourse Gold or Terrace Vista sections, for either the Pocono 400 in June or the Pennsylvania 400 in August. All package holders will have access to Jimmie Johnson's fan-driven, 15-minute question and answer session on June 10th or August 5th, receive 1 Lowe's Build and Grown #48 Wooden Car, receive 1 Commemorative Pocono Raceway Genuine Track Medallion and be automatically entered to win a signed Jimmie Johnson Pocono Raceway Commemorative Track Piece.(Pocono Raceway)
Dr. Joseph Mattioli, Pocono Raceway Patriarch, Passes: Dr. Joseph Mattioli, Pocono Raceway Founder and Chairman of the Board, passed away today at the Lehigh Valley Hospital Center, surrounded by his loving family, following a lengthy illness. He was 86. "Doc" as he was known to friends and associates, was one of the most respected and admired men in automobile racing. He founded Pocono Raceway in the early 1960's and has been at the helm of Pocono ever since. Under his leadership, the track grew in stature and has hosted 68 very successful NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Events. His passion and drive helped Pocono Raceway succeed when other tracks fell by the wayside. Pocono Raceway is the only remaining family owned and run track on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule. He was always concerned that race fans and race car drivers and their families were treated with the upmost respect and constantly upgraded procedures and Raceway facilities to meet that goal.
He kept his fingers on the pulse of stock car racing and read everything printed concerning the sport. He was in the office daily, until last fall, and oversaw all aspects of the Pocono Raceway operations. At age 83, Dr. Mattioli spearheaded an ambitious solar energy project. He built a three megawatt photovoltaic solar energy system on 25 acres at Pocono Raceway. It is the world's largest solar-powered sports facility, making Pocono Raceway a leader in the renewable energy and environmental fields.
Dr. Mattioli was also well respected in the community. In 2009, he received the Philanthropic Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals for his generous and continuous contributions to local civic organizations, hospitals, schools and charities. He served on the board of directors of numerous organizations and was dedicated to improving the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
He served in the Pacific during World War Two as a Navy medic. Using the G.I. bill, he enrolled in the dentistry program at Temple University (where he met his soon to be wife, Rose.) Upon graduation, he developed his dental practice into a very lucrative business by working 12 to 14 hour days, six and sometimes seven days a week. He then began investing in and developing properties in Philadelphia and Northeastern Pennsylvania where he became involved in the start up of Pocono Raceway.
Dr. Mattioli is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dr. Rose, daughters Louie and Michele and son Joseph Mattioli III, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His passing leaves a void in the NASCAR community and especially to his family and extended "Pocono Raceway" family. Service Arrangements for Dr. Joseph Mattioli are incomplete at this time.(Pocono Raceway)(1-26-2012)
Half-Priced Concourse Tickets for Kids 12 and Under at Pocono: Pocono Raceway has always strived to be fan friendly with an emphasis on families. Pocono Raceway announced its latest initiative, Kids 12 and under will be admitted at half price to ALL Concourse Grandstand sections for the June 10, Pocono 400 and the August 5, Pennsylvania 400, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events in 2012. These sections include: Concourse Gold (adult price $55.00, kids price $27.50), Concourse Vista (adult price $50.00, kids price $25.00) and Concourse (adult price $45.00, kids price $22.50.) The Concourse Grandstand runs the along the front straight at Pocono Raceway (nearly 3,000 feet), so fans purchasing the kids tickets have the option of choosing seats at or near the start/finish line, near Turn # 1 or near Turn # 3. All Concourse Gold sections contain body contoured bucket seats. (All Kids tickets must be purchased with at least one full-priced ticket. All seating is subject to availability. Everyone must have a Sunday grandstand ticket for Raceday admission. Gate validation at time of entry required.) As in the past, Kids 12 and under are admitted free (with a paying adult) to all grandstand sections on Friday and Saturday for practice, qualifying and companion races including the Camping World Truck Series race in August. Grandstand parking is always free at Pocono Raceway. Make Pocono Raceway a memorable racing experience for your family and kids in 2012 with great racing action and huge savings. Tickets can be purchased on line at poconoraceway.com, toll free via phone 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929).(Pocono Raceway)(1-7-2012)
Pocono Raceway solar farm reaches milestone:- Slightly more than 16 months after the dedication of Pocono Raceway's solar farm, the total amount of electricity produced by the 25 acre facility reached the 5,000,000 kilowatt hour (kWh) mark. The Pocono Raceway solar installation consists of 39,960 American made photovoltaic modules that will produce more than 72 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy over the next 20 years. The environmental attributes associated with the system will offset more than 3,104 Metric Tons of carbon dioxide annually and will generate enough power to provide the electricity needs for over 500 homes beyond the power needs of Pocono Raceway. The 5,000,000kWh produced has already impacted the environment. The total energy generated equals the use of more than 30,000 60Watt light bulbs for one year at eight hours per day and represents a savings of more than 400,000 gallons of gasoline with a carbon dioxide (CO2) offset equaling that of 90,000 trees or 143,000 Propane BBQ Grills. The Raceway has been awarded a number of environmental awards for its sustainable energy efforts including the 2011 Excellence in Renewable Energy Awards, Readers Choice Award presented by RenewableEnergyWorld.com and the 2011 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence, presented each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. These awards highlight the best in environmental innovation and expertise. The Pocono Raceway Solar Farm is located along Long Pond Road adjacent Pocono Raceway's storied 2.5 mile Super Speedway.(Pocono Raceway)(12-27-2011)
Pocono Raceway Executive Honored By U.S. Air Force: Air Force Recruiting Squadron (314th RCS) recently held its annual training conference at the Resorts Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, NJ. This year's annual event was jammed packed with innovative training workshops, command key speakers and awards presentations. A special award was presented to Bob Pallo, Pocono Raceway Vice-President, for his efforts in bringing together two great organizations... the U.S Air Force and Pocono Raceway. Lt. Col. Ricardo Trimillos, the 314th RCS Commander, bestowed the title of "Honorary Commander" of the 314th RCS upon Mr. Pallo. Pallo has forged an irreplaceable bond with the members of the 314th RCS Eagles. He has partnered with their booster club and created the opportunity for unit members to volunteer time working various booths throughout the raceway. The booster club retains a portion of the proceeds and those proceeds contribute to 75% of the booster club's annual operating budget. By indoctrinating Bob Pallo into the Air Force culture, Lt Col Trimillos has capitalized on a lucrative future venture with Pocono Raceway. The combined outputs of these two great organizations are certain to yield winning results for both the U.S. Air Force and Pocono Raceway.(Pocono Raceway)(12-26-2011)
Mattiolis honored: Drs. Rose and Joseph Mattioli, of Pocono Raceway, received the National Motorsports Press Association's Myers Brothers Award last night. The award, presented during season-ending NASCAR festivities in Las Vegas, recognizes individuals and/or groups who have provided outstanding contributions to stock car racing. The Mattiolis have owned Pocono Raceway since it opened in the late 1960s. Finalists for the award included Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and the Wood Brothers. "[The Mattiolis] represent the true heart and spirit of NASCAR," said NMPA president Rea White. "They always recognized that NASCAR was more about people than anything else." Billy and Bobby Myers were former NASCAR competitors.(Philadelphia Daily News)(12-2-2011)
Pocono Raceway's Thanksgiving Ticket Sale: Pocono Raceway announced the "Turkey Ticket Promotion," giving race fans a 15 percent discount on their choice of Concourse Vista (sale cost: $42.50) or Terrace (sale cost: $63.75) tickets to the 2012 Pocono 400 on Sunday, June 10th and the 2012 Pennsylvania 400 on Sunday, August 5th. Additionally, all purchasers of this promotion will receive a Pocono Raceway hunter's cap for free. There is a limited supply of these tickets and this special offer ends on Wednesday, November 30th. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.poconoraceway.com/turkey.html, or call 1-800-RACEWAY (722-3929) and mention the promotional code "TURKEY".(Pocono Raceway)(11-3-2011)
Pocono Raceway to be repaved: per an image on Pocono Raceway's Facebook, look for an announcement today [around 11am/et] that Pocono Raceway will repave the track before the start of the 2012 racing season. Supposedly work has already begun on removing asphalt.
UPDATE: On June 4, 2010 Pocono Raceway announced the Raceway was embarking on an expansive construction project directed to improve driver safety and enhance competition. In the fall of 2010, more 5,500 feet of the new generation SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barrier was installed to the inside of the track from the exit of turn one to the entrance of turn three, and more than 6,100 feet of catch fence added from the front straight to turn two. Today, Raceway President and CEO, Brandon Igdalsky announced the kick-off of phase two of the project that includes: a new outer pit wall, concrete pit stalls and repaving of the 2.5 mile superspeedway, known as "The Tricky Triangle."
"We received input from a number of drivers, as well as, NASCAR Officials before making our final improvement plans," stated Igdalsky. "A new outer pit wall will replace the current pit wall and new concrete pit stalls will provide an excellent surface for pit stops and subsequent burn-outs. Our pit stalls are already among the largest on the circuit and our pit road is one of the widest and safest in NASCAR," Igdalsky added. "Pocono was last repaved in 1995 and all construction work will be completed prior to Pocono Raceway's June 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event."
The 2012 Pocono Raceway schedule includes the June 10, Pocono 400 and the August 5, Pennsylvania 400, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events. An ARCA 200-mile race will be run on Saturday, June 9. An ARCA 125-mile race and a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series 125-mile race will be run on Saturday, August 4. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pole Qualifying will also be conducted on the Saturday prior to each Sprint Cup Series event.
Renewal forms for 2012 tickets have been sent out to existing ticket holders. June 2011 ticket holders will receive a 10 percent discount on tickets ordered by October 31. August 2011 ticket holders will receive a 20 percent discount on tickets ordered by November 1 or a 10 percent discount on tickets ordered by December 31. Additionally, if race fans renew their tickets for the 2012 season by October 31, they will be automatically entered into a random drawing for two tickets to 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Banquet in Las Vegas on Friday, December 2 and $500 spending cash. For additional renewal or ticket information call toll free 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3923) or visit: www.poconoraceway.com.(Pocono Raceway)(10-4-2011)
Pocono Raceway Solar Farm hits milestone: Slightly more than one year after the dedication of Pocono Raceway's solar farm, the total amount of electricity produced by the 25 acre facility reached the 4,000,000 kilowatt hour (kWh) mark. The solar installation consists of 39,960 American made photovoltaic modules that will produce more than 72 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy over the next 20 years. The environmental attributes associated with the system will offset more than 3,104 Metric Tons of carbon dioxide annually and will generate enough power to provide the electricity needs for over 1,000 homes beyond the power needs of Pocono Raceway.
The 4,000,000 (kWh) produced has already impacted the environment. The total energy generated equals the use of 22,830 light bulbs (60W) for one year at eight hours per day and represents a savings of 324,000 gallons of gasoline with a carbon dioxide (CO2) offset equaling that of 72,000 trees. The Raceway has been awarded a number of environmental awards for its sustainable energy efforts including the 2011 Excellence in Renewable Energy Awards, Readers Choice Award presented by RenewableEnergyWorld.com and the 2011 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence, presented each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. These awards highlight the best in environmental innovation and expertise
The Pocono Raceway Solar Farm is located along Long Pond Road adjacent Pocono Raceway's storied two and one-half mile Super Speedway. Pocono Raceway will host two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekends in 2012. The 31st annual Pocono 400 is scheduled for June 8-10 and the 39th annual Pennsylvania 400 is set for August 3-5.(Pocono Raceway)(9-28-2011)
Drive the track at Ponoco for hurricane relief: Hurricane Irene's widespread destruction was felt up and down the East Coast. Northeastern Pennsylvania had its share of flooding and wind damage that has affected thousands of residents in the Pocono Mountains. Through it all, the American Red Cross was there to assist Hurricane Irene victims with food, clothing, meals and shelter. Hurricane Irene is the latest natural disaster to have taxed the resources of the Red Cross. Pocono Raceway would like to help. The Raceway, which has partnered with the Red Cross in hosting blood drives and various fundraising activities, will be allowing individuals the unique opportunity to drive their personal vehicles on the famed 2.5 mile superspeedway on Thursday September 1. For a donation of $10.00 per car, individuals can take a two-lap drive around "The Tricky Triangle." Pocono Raceway will match the total dollar amount collected. All proceeds from this event will be donated to the American Red Cross of the Poconos, Disaster Relief Fund. Hours of the ride on September 1 will be from 12 noon to 6:30 p.m.(Pocono Raceway)(8-30-2011)
Pocono considering 400 mile races: UPDATE: Pocono Raceway President Brandon Igdalski told Sirius XM NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody that cutting the track's two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races from 500 miles to 400 next season is "being considered". "We're looking at things, but we haven't made that decision quite yet," said Igdalski. "We're looking at it for the future, whether it's this year, next year, or a couple of years down the road. It's a different sport and a different time than it was years ago, and we're always looking at things." Igdalski took the helm of the historic tri-oval when his grandfather, track founder Dr. Joseph Mattioli, announced his retirement Friday. Igdalski said he was unaware of his grandfather's plans, adding, "We got a call about 30 minutes beforehand saying, `Be in the Media Center in half an hour.' I had no idea he was going to retire. My jaw hit the ground."(Sirius Speedway)(8-10-2011)
UPDATE: Pocono Raceway's first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race was in 1974, a second Sprint Cup Series race was added to the Pocono schedule in 1982. Sunday's Good Sam RV Insurance 500 was the 68thSprint Cup Series at Pocono Raceway. Each race was scheduled for 500 miles and each produced its share of drama and excitement. Starting with the June 10, 2012 Pocono Sprint Cup Series race, the scheduled distance for both NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races will be shortened to 400 miles. "The 400 mile distance will make NASCAR racing at Pocono even more exciting," stated Raceway President and CEO , Brandon Igdalsky. "Race strategies will change, fuel mileage calculations will be altered and I firmly believe that our fans will be treated to outstanding racing at the 400 mile distance." "NASCAR supports Pocono Raceway's move to two 400-mile NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in 2012," stated Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR Senior Vice President, Racing Operations . "We believe this will be a good transition for the fans and competitors. It will provide the teams with a new type of strategy and should make for even more exciting competition at a unique facility that has a long-standing history in our sport." Eight weeks after the Pocono 400. It will be the August 5, Pennsylvania 400. Both 400 mile races will have the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards as companion races. The August Pennsylvania 400 weekend will also feature a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on August 4.(Pocono Raceway)(8-10-2011)
Security Guards Stabbed at Pocono Raceway: Two Philadelphia-area men were in the Monroe County jail over the weekend after police said one stabbed two security guards at Pocono Raceway early Sunday. Daniel Kupper, 20, of Melrose Park, is in Monroe County Correctional Facility on $100,000 bail after Pocono Mountain Regional Police said he stabbed two members of the track's security force during a fight around 3:20 am. Police said Louis Kupper, 23, of Elkins Park, didn't stab either of the two unidentified guards, but is in jail on a parole violation. According to police, the Kuppers were passengers in a van that disobeyed traffic directions given by the event staff at the track's staging area. Both got out of the vehicle and began fighting with security and event staffers. Daniel Kupper then stabbed a 50-year-old security staffer in his neck, shoulder and back, police said. He also stabbed a 55-year-old security staffer in the collarbone and back, police said. Both were taken to local hospitals for treatment. The 55-year-old was listed in stable condition at Lehigh Valley Medical Center, but no condition was available for the 50-year-old victim. Both were employees of the Strike Force Protective Services company. Daniel Kupper is being charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct, public drunkenness and underage drinking. After a Sunday preliminary hearing, he is in jail on $100,000 bail. Louis Kupper is charged with simple assault, furnishing alcohol to a minor, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness. He is being held in the jail on a parole violation and is waiting for an arraignment hearing.(Pocono Record)(8-9-2011)
Keselowski wins at Pocono: an injured #2-Brad Keselowski won the Good Sam RV Insurance 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway for his 3rd career win and 2nd win of 2011. On Wednesday, Keselowski broke his left ankle in a practice wreck at Road Atlanta. On lap 124 there was a heavy rain shower at 3:35pm/et that brought a 1 hour, 40 minute delay of the race. The track was dried and the race restarted and finished.
#18-Busch [who spun early in the race] finished 2nd followed by #22-Busch, #48-Johnson, #39-Newman, #24-Gordon, #99-Edwards, #16-Biffle, #88-Earnhardt Jr. and last weeks race winner #27-Menard. The pole sitter, #20-Logano, who would had won the race if the rain delay ended the race, had a tire go down late and had to pit, finishing 26th.
Points leader going in to the race, #99-Edwards, finished 7th and his lead drops to 9 points over #48-Johnson.
There were 23 lead changes among 10 drivers and 5 cautions for 21 yellow flag laps and a 1:40 red flag for rain. The attendance is listed as 85,000, down from 100,000 last year.
Scheduled Race Re-Air:
ESPN2, Monday, August 8 at 12:00 am/et;
SPEED, Wednesday, August 10 at 12:00pm/et
See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski's Pocono Race Results/Awards page.
See drivers championship points standings on Jayski's Drivers Points Standings page.(8-7-2011)
In Memoriam: On Sunday, August 7th, a Pit Wall Plaque will be dedicated to the memory of John A. Venuti, known to many in the racing world as "The Bear". John was a dear friend of Pocono Raceway and NASCAR.(Pocono Raceway)(8-7-2011)
Revised Pocono Schedule for Sunday: Due to the postponement of the Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service 125 (NASCAR Camping World Truck Series) & Pennsylvania 125 (ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards) races, Pocono Raceway will exchange a Saturday General Admission grandstand ticket for a $25.00 credit towards the purchase of any Sunday Grandstand ticket OR a similar Saturday Grandstand ticket in 2012. Pocono Raceway will also exchange a Saturday Terrace Club ticket for a $75.00 credit towards the purchase of any Sunday ticket valued at $75.00 or more. Fans can exchange their tickets by visiting the Gate # 8 ticket booth behind the Grandstands, beginning at 8:00 am. If the Pre-Race Pits are not open due to competition on the track, Pre-Race Pit /Paddock Pass will be honored for Pre-Race Pit/Paddock admission for either NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway in 2012.
Here is Sunday's revised schedule of events is as follows:
5:00 a.m. - Parking Lots Open
8:00 a.m. - Grandstand Gates Open
9:00 a.m. - Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service 125 (Truck Series) race
TBD - Pennsylvania 125 (ARCA) race to immediately follow conclusion of Truck Series event
12:00 p.m. - Salute to the Armed Forces Pre-Race Festivities Begin
12:30 p.m. - Sprint Cup Series Driver Introductions
1:00 p.m. - Good Sam RV Insurance 500 (Cup Series) race.(Pocono Raceway)
TV Note: SPEED will offer live coverage of Sunday's rain-postponed NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race from Pocono Raceway Sunday at 9:00 am/et. NASCAR RaceDay follows the Truck Series race live at 10:00 am/et. SPEED also will provide same-day delayed coverage of the ARCA Racing Series race from Pocono Sunday at 10:00pm/et following Wind Tunnel.(8-7-2011)
Pocono Raceway Forms Multi-Year Partnership with FullCircle Ventures: Pocono Raceway has formed a multi-year agreement with FullCircle Ventures, LLC to represent the track in marketing its assets and creating corporate partnerships. Known as the "Tricky Triangle" for its triangular 2.5-mile layout, Pocono Raceway is just 90 miles from New York and Philadelphia. FullCircle will aggressively promote the track's close proximity to the nation's No. 1 and No. 4 television markets, focusing on corporate sponsorship, race entitlement, suite sales and trackside marketing, while also identifying and developing new entertainment opportunities for the track that annually hosts two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race and two ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards events. It features the StockCar Racing Experience, offering fan packages that range from a three-lap ride-along program to an 80-lap driving experience. And from its strong social networking presence to the implementation of SAFER Barriers and new catchfencing all around the 2.5-mile triangle, Pocono Raceway has continued to renovate well after building new competitor garages, a media center and infield care center in 1999. In August 2010, Pocono Raceway opened a 25-acre solar farm capable of producing 3-4 million megawatts of electricity per year. The solar farm allows the track to be totally self-sustaining from an energy perspective, while also providing additional electricity to the local grid - a claim no other racing facility in the country can make. In fact, Pocono Raceway is the largest renewable energy project in the state of Pennsylvania.(Pocono Raceway)(8-7-2011)
Pocono Raceway owner resigns and retires MORE: Pocono Raceway owner Joseph Mattioli has resigned and turned over all his duties to his grandchildren. "It has to stay in the family," said Mattioli, in a June interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer. "I put it in trust. They can't touch it. They can't sell it. The (SOBs) are going to run it, or they're going to starve." Track president and grandson Brandon Igdalsky has added the new title of CEO to his list of duties at the track. The 87-year-old Mattioli fought back tears Friday as he talked about his decision to step down. Mattioli was in a wheelchair and held his wife's hand. Mattioli was a former dentist in the Philadelphia area before he moved to the Poconos in the 1960s. He's known around the track as "Doc."(Pocono Record)(8-5-2011)
MORE see the Doc Mattioli retirement statement at the Pocono Raceway site.(8-7-2011)
Hauler knocks down Pocono flagstand: a Truck Series [#66] team hauler accidentally knocked down the Pocono Raceway flagstand at the start-finish line. The track will use a temporary stand for the weekend.
National Anthem for Pocono: Country recording artist, Lauren Briant, will sing the National Anthem prior to the Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service 125, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Pocono Raceway on Saturday August 6. Later that evening (7:00 - 9:30 pm) she will perform a free concert in the Pocono Raceway infield for infield and RV guests. A fireworks display will follow the concert.
Saturday August 6 will be filled with exciting racing starting with NASCAR Camping World Truck Series qualifying at 9:35 am followed by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Weis Markets qualifying at 10:40 am. Pre-race activities for the Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service 125 begin at 12:30 pm with the green flag scheduled for 1:00 pm. The Pennsylvania 125, ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards race will immediately follow the truck series race. The Lauren Briant infield concert and a fireworks display will conclude a day of exciting, action packed events. Pre-race activities for the Good Sam RV Insurance 500, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race begin at 11:00 am on Sunday August 7. Driver introduction is set for 12:30 pm leading up to the scheduled 1:00 pm start of the Good Sam RV Insurance 500. Good tickets remain for both days but are going fast. To order tickets call the Pocono Raceway Ticket Office toll free at 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929) or online at www.poconoraceway.com. A print at home option is available for online purchases.(Pocono Raceway)(8-2-2011)
Good Sam sponsoring August race at Pocono: Good Sam, the world's largest RV owners community, and Pocono International Raceway, announced the sponsorship of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Camping World Series races at Pocono Raceway on August 6-7 , 2011. The Sprint Cup Series event will be titled the Good Sam RV Insurance 500 and the Camping World Truck Series event will be titled the Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service 125. The Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service 125 will air live on SPEED at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday. August 6, 2011. The Good Sam RV Insurance 500 will air live on ESPN at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, August 7, 2011. For ticket information, visit http://www.poconoraceway.com or call toll free 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929)(Pocono Raceway)(7-21-2011)
More Shifting Now Available At Pocono: For practice, qualifying and the race, all competitors must compete with transmission gear ratios as follows: 1st gear optional; 2nd gear 1.70:1 or greater (1.699 or less will not be permitted); 3rd gear 1.14:1 or greater (1.139 or less will not be permitted); 4th gear must remain 1.00:1. Overdrive ratios will not be permitted.
This is an addendum to the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rule Book which states: Transmission gear ratios between 1.00:1 and 1.28:1 will not be permitted for the remaining forward transmission gears except road course Events. Overdrive gears will not be permitted.
Said John Darby, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Director: "There has been some confusion that shifting was not allowed at Pocono, and that isn't true. The real reason shifting stopped at Pocono was because gear ratios weren't compatible for shifting. Over the last few years, teams have done it with limited success but not on a consistent basis. So, what we did was change transmission gear ratios to make it easier on engines and give teams a better opportunity to use third gear and shift. Primarily it's in an effort to allow the drivers to maximize the RPM on each of the three straightaways. When you look at the race track, you instantly see the issue that they're faced with. The frontstretch is more than 3,700 feet [3,740], the backstretch or the Long Pond Straight is 3,000 [3,055] feet and the short straightaway between the Tunnel Turn and Turn 3 is only 1,780 feet. So consequently [there will be] a straightaway that you don't get anywhere near your maximum potential RPM. This is all done in an effort to try to even those three straightaways out in the RPM that the engine will attain."(NASCAR)(6-10-2011)
Pocono Raceway Festival: This Saturday, June 11th at noon, the Sherman Theater will present the third annual Pocono Raceway Festival located on Main Street in downtown Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Taking place the day before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 5-Hour Energy 500 race at the Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, PA - just minutes down Interstate 80 - this free, all-day long music and racing celebration will have something for everyone in the family. The festival was created in part to support Sunday's race at the Pocono Raceway and to give the fans that are visiting the region something fun to do on the day prior to the race.
By combining spectacular show car displays, delicious food vendors, fun games for all ages, and musical performances on several stages, the staff at the Sherman Theater is ready to top last year's awesome event. Headlining the musical portion of the festival with a rockin' performance on the 5th street stage will be legendary rock icons Blue Oyster Cult. Known for their classic hits like "Don't Fear The Reaper", "Burnin' For You", "Godzilla", and others, these hit makers will keep the Main Street crowd moving.
Although admission to The 2011 Pocono Raceway festival is free, VIP tickets are available at ShermanTheater.com right now for just $8 and include a variety of perks for the fan who is looking for that special experience. Benefits of a VIP ticket include:
* A guaranteed spot in the VIP area closest to the stage for the Blue Oyster Cult show.
* An entry into a raffle on the day of the festival where fans can win any number of cool prizes
* A limited edition poster commemorating the Pocono Raceway Festival with Blue Oyster Cult (while supplies last).
* One ticket to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Pocono Raceway on August 6th, 2011 (while supplies last).
In addition to Blue Oyster Cult, other performances representing various musical genres and styles will run throughout the day on several outdoor stages around the downtown area. Fans will be treated to sets from NEPA favorites MiZ, The Mike Montrey Band, Sherman Theater Clash For Cash winners The Hollow, Waiting For Katie, Mouths of Babes, Sinners Saints, The Kevin Brennan Band, The Holy Goats, Dave Goddess Group, Mystery Fyre, and High Strung.
Rich Berkowitz, Sherman Theater President & CEO, explained why the Sherman works to produce this festival year after year. "This festival is a great opportunity for race fans, local residents, and tourists visiting the Poconos to get acquainted with all that downtown Stroudsburg and the Pocono Mountains have to offer." Berkowitz continued, "And attending the Pocono Raceway Festival is also an exciting way to support a community treasure like the Sherman Theater."
The Pocono Raceway Festival highlights all of the great retail, food, and craft attractions downtown Stroudsburg has in store during the time when NASCAR race teams make their way to the Pocono Mountains region for the first Sprint Cup race of the year at Pocono Raceway. This year's festival will feature:
* A GEICO show car display with fun interactive games and prizes
* The FedEx show car and truck along with a FedEx Racing shop
* The Stock Car Experience with a virtual NASCAR driving simulator
* The Coors Lite NASCAR show car
* The Miss Sprint Cup Girls
* Giveaways and samples from Pocono 500 race title sponsor 5-Hour Energy
* Kitt from Knight Rider
Other attractions at the festival include RC Car Races, Pinewood Derby Races, Rock Wall Climbing, Carnival games with prizes, racing simulators, face painting, air brush tattoos, and NASCAR themed vendors. And for the young fans at the festival, the characters of Blue and Magenta from Blue's Clues: Live will be making an appearance and taking pictures!
In addition to all of this, there will be nearly two hundred different vendors and storefronts with sidewalk sales and specials. Not to mention the over twenty different food vendors and restaurants that will showcase food ranging from Caribbean jerk chicken to pulled pork to deep fried Oreos.
The Pocono Raceway Festival is an event to benefit the nonprofit Sherman Theater, including all of the work that the organization accomplishes with local charities like the Rotary Club, Daffodil Express, and others. Festival attendees are encouraged to purchase raffle tickets on Saturday as all proceeds from the raffle will support the Sherman Theater. These raffle tickets will earn fans the chance to score cool prizes like Terrace Club passes for both NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Pocono Raceway, Martin brand acoustic guitars signed by performing artists like Hinder and moe., and much more.
The 2011 Pocono Raceway Festival could not be produced by the Sherman Theater without help from generous festival sponsors including ESSA Bank, Gray Chevrolet, the Rotary Club of the Stroudsburgs, the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, and the Jacob Stroud Corporation. Sherman Theater media partners for this event include 98.5 KRZ, Viamedia, and the Pocono Record. For more information on the 2011 Pocono Raceway Festival or any of the Sherman Theater's upcoming events, visit the Sherman online at www.shermantheater.com.(Sherman Theater PR)(6-9-2011)
Pocono Raceway Welcomes Back PepsiCo's Dream Machine Recycling Program: As we cruise into the 2011 season, Pocono Raceway continues to fuel our recycling efforts by welcoming back the PepsiCo Dream Machine recycling program. Last year, we became the first raceway to launch the program, and are excited to provide race fans with this convenient and rewarding recycling option again this season!
When you recycle your plastic bottles and aluminum cans in a Dream Machine, you can:
* Support post-9/11 U.S. veterans with disabilities;
* Help make our planet a little greener; and
* Earn personal reward points, redeemable for local discounts (kiosks only).
Each time you recycle in a Dream Machine you are taking action to help support a disabled U.S. veteran - the more bottles and cans people recycle in a Dream Machine, the more support PepsiCo will provide to the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities, a national program offering post-9/11 disabled U.S. veterans free education and experiential training in entrepreneurship and small business management.
You're also helping to make our planet greener; many people are shocked to learn that only one-third of the plastic beverage containers in the United States are recycled - that means that two-thirds often wind up as litter. But, if every household in the U.S. recycled just three more plastic bottles a month, we could divert more than 23 million pounds of plastic from our landfills. When you recycle your plastic bottles or aluminum cans in a Dream Machine kiosk, you can earn points redeemable for local discounts and coupons on entertainment, dining and travel at Greenopolis.com.
The Dream Machine recycling initiative - created by PepsiCo in collaboration with Waste Management, Keep America Beautiful and Greenopolis - is introducing thousands of recycling kiosks and bins at high-traffic, public locations around the country to help increase the U.S. beverage container recycling rate by giving Americans convenient access to recycling receptacles. For more information on the program, visit Facebook.com/DreamMachine. To find Dream Machine locations across North America, visit www.DreamMachineLocator.com.(Pocono Raceway)(6-8-2011)
Destination Pocono offers Transportation Option: Pocono Raceway is partnering once again with Destination Pocono to offer local transportation for residents and tourists to both NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Pocono Raceway in 2011. Destination Pocono will provide 11 pick-up locations for the June 12, Pocono 500 and the August 7, Pennsylvania 500. This service not only alleviates traffic into the race track but also allows people a service of both convenience and safety while reducing carbon emissions.
For only $35.00 per person, race fans will be able to meet a bus at the designated location that is most convenient to them. The bus will enter the track quickly via a bus lane as well as exit after the race in the same bus lane to beat the traffic. Your driver will remain with the bus for easy refills of your cooler and to store any memorabilia you wish to bring home with you. The best part is that the bus actually takes a trip around the track that everyone on board is sure to enjoy.
Destination Pocono is offering the following pick-up locations to choose from: Wilkes-Barre, Montage Mountain, Downtown Scranton, Delaware Water Gap, Mount Pocono, Tannersville, Milford, Greentown/Hawley, White Haven, Hazleton and Easton. Destination Pocono can now book several race ticket packages along with local transportation to consumers.
It's is incredibly easy for you to book your seat as well as your race tickets and upgrades. Visit www.DestinationPocono.com for more information and pricing or call 888-629-8050.(Pocono Raceway)(6-8-2011)
Jason Lee named 5-hour Energy 500 Grand Marshal: Pocono Raceway announced that Jason Lee, star of TNT's Memphis Beat, has been named Grand Marshal for the 5-hour ENERGY 500 at Pocono Raceway on June 12, 2011. Lee, who stars as Memphis police detective Dwight Hendricks, will participate in pre-race activities, which includes giving the command for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers to start their engines. Memphis Beat centers on Hendricks, a detective who considers himself the keeper of Memphis. He inherited a passion for music and an instinct for solving crimes from his father, an officer who was killed in the line of duty when Dwight was a young boy. Dwight sees his hometown of Memphis as a rich, magical place. He is an outstanding detective with a laid-back, easygoing style and an incredible, radar-like intuition about what people are thinking or feeling.(Pocono Racway)(6-7-2011)
Pocono Race becomes the 5-hour Energy 500: Pocono Raceway and 5-hour Energy announce the Sprint Cup Series race, to be held on Sunday, June 12 at "The Tricky Triangle," will be titled the "5-hour Energy 500." Representatives of 5-hour Energy will be stationed throughout the raceway, all weekend long, offering free samples of their 0 sugar, 4 calorie energy shot. Pocono marks the first time 5-hour Energy is sponsoring a race in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series. The Michigan-based brand has a strong presence in NASCAR as the title sponsor for last year's Nationwide Series race in St. Louis and this year's Nationwide Series race in Dover. 5-hour Energy is also in its fourth season as primary sponsor for the Rusty Wallace Racing's #66 entry, driven by Steven Wallace.(Pocono Raceway)(6-5-2011)
Jimmie Johnson Pocono 500 Ticket Package: Pocono Raceway announced the "Jimmie Johnson Pocono Q&A Package," available for purchase, for the 2011 Pocono 500. Race fans can chose from three Grandstand ticket packages, which include: an exclusive question and answer session with five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion, Jimmie Johnson, a Grandstand ticket and a discounted Pre-Race Pit/Paddock Pass. The available packages are priced at $75 for a Concourse-level ticket, $105 for a Terrace-level ticket and $115 for a Terrace Platinum-level ticket. The Pre-Race Pit/Paddock Pass is good at designated times throughout the weekend and has been reduced to cost $30. Additionally, fans purchasing this package will receive access to Johnson's Q&A Session, held inside Victory Lane, on Sunday, June 12th, at 10:15 a.m. prior to the start of the Pocono 500. Fans can purchase this ticket package by mentioning the "Jimmie Johnson Pocono Q&A Package" when calling 1-800-RACEWAY (722-3929) or when ordering online by clicking the Packages link at: www.poconoraceway.com/tickets.(Pocono Raceway)(5-31-2011)
Mother's Day Special at Pocono: Pocono Raceway is celebrating Mother's Day with a ticket sale. Show you mother how much you appreciated her by sending her to a live NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Pocono Raceway has slashed their prices on grandstand tickets for both the Pocono and Pennsylvania 500's during this special offer! Concourse tickets are only $22.50 each and Terrace tickets are only $60 each. Tickets are limited to six (6) per order, per customer. Get yours today by clicking here and entering promo code "MOM11" or you can speak to one of our ticket representative at 1-800-RACEWAY!(Pocono Raceway)(5-6-2011)
Pocono Raceway to receive Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence: Pocono Raceway will be one of the recipients of the 2011 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence, presented each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The award highlights the best in environmental innovation and expertise throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is the highest statewide honor bestowed upon businesses and organizations for environmental performance and innovation.
Pocono Raceway is receiving this award for the development of a three megawatt, ground-mount photovoltaic solar energy system that went online in September 2010. The 25-acre solar installation, with its 39,960 photovoltaic modules drawing energy from the sun, has become the primary electric energy source for the Raceway while adding enough electricity to the local power grid to power 1,000 homes. The Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence will be added to a list of awards already bestowed on Pocono Raceway for its solar facility and other environmental initiatives.
The recipients will be honored at a dinner tonight (April 28) at the Hilton Hotel in Harrisburg, PA. The Honorable Michael Krancer, Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, will serve as the keynote speaker and Richard Allan, Acting Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources will speak. Janelle Stelson, News Anchor for WGAL, Channel 8 television will be the program emcee. Brandon Igdalsky, Raceway President and George Ewald, Raceway Vice-President will accept the award on behalf of Pocono Raceway.(Pocono Raceway)(4-29-2011)
Pocono Raceway Honored: The Pocono Raceway Solar Project has been recognized as the winner of the 2011 Excellence in Renewable Energy Awards, Readers Choice Award. Of the hundreds of nominees, The Pocono Raceway Solar Project was one of four finalists selected by the Renewable Energy World Network of Editors. Pocono Raceway's Solar Project was recognized for its achievements in developing the world's largest solar-powered sports facility. The award was announced at the Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo in Tampa, Florida on March 8, 2011.
The Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo has been a leading event in the renewable industry for eight years. Jim Callihan, President of RenewableEnergyWorld.com, said of the winner, "Pocono Raceway exemplifies the kind of company that will lead our economy to the next generation of energy excellence and make our planet a safer, cleaner place for the future."(Pocono Raceway)(3-11-2011)
Qualifying for Pocono races switch to Saturday: The starting lineup for both NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events at Pocono Raceway in 2011 will be determined on Saturday. "The move to Saturday qualifying, traditionally held on Friday, will allow more race fans to enjoy the competition to determine the pole position and the other starting positions ," stated Raceway President, Brandon Igdalsky."Our fans will enjoy a full day of racing action as Sprint Cup qualifying joins an already exciting Saturday schedule at Pocono Raceway."
Qualifying for the June 12, Pocono 500, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event, will be held on Saturday, June 11. The Pocono 200, ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards event, will follow qualifying.
The August 7, Pennsylvania 500, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event weekend will feature two sets of qualifying and two 125 mile races on Saturday August 6; the Pocono Mountains 125, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event and the Pennsylvania 125, ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards event. Qualifying for the Pocono Mountains 125 and the Pennsylvania 500 are scheduled for Saturday morning. The Pocono Mountains 125 and the Pennsylvania 125 races are scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
There will be no shortage of on track action on Friday of both race weekends. A total of close to five hours of practice for the Pocono 500 and Pocono 200, plus Pocono 200 qualifying will be featured on June 10. More than six hours of practice for the Pennsylvania 500, Pocono Mountains 125 and the Pennsylvania 125 are scheduled for August 5. Qualifying for the Pennsylvania 125 will follow practice on August 5.
Tickets for the Pocono 500 and Pennsylvania 500 weekends are on sale now. To purchase tickets call toll free 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929) or online at www.poconoraceway.com.(Pocono Raceway)(1-17-2011)
Holiday tix sale at Pocono: Pocono Raceway has put 1,500 Grandstand & Club Tickets up for grabs at a discounted price. Whether you're buying for yourself or as a gift, this is the chance to experience all the thrills and excitement of a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race LIVE! Go to poconoraceway.com and use promo code SANTA to redeem your 15% discount. Only 1,500 tickets will be held for this Promotion. And Use promo code SANTA and receive 20% off your entire merchandise order (placed by 12/21 at midnight) at shop-poconoraceway.com.(Pocono Raceway)(12-18-2010)
One Million Kilowatt Hours of Electricity Produced at Pocono: Less than four months since energy production began at Pocono Raceway's solar farm, the total amount of electricity produced by the 25 acre facility reached the 1,000,000 kilowatt hour (kWh) mark. The solar installation consists of 39,960 American made photovoltaic modules that will produce more than 72 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy over the next 20 years. The environmental attributes associated with the system will offset more than 3,100 Metric Tons of carbon dioxide annually and will generate enough power to provide the electricity needs for over 1,000 homes beyond the power needs of Pocono Raceway.(Pocono PR)(12-10-2010)
Pocono Announces Multi-Million Dollar Improvements: On June 4th of this year, Pocono Raceway officials announced, safety improvements were to be in place for the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events at the Pennsylvania Superspeedway. Work on those improvements; the installation of a SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barrier in the infield and a catch fence along the back stretch started in mid October and is expected to be completed by the year end.
The 'new generation' SAFER barrier, designed by Dr. Dean Sicking and his team at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Midwest Roadside Safety Facility and approved by NASCAR, will run on the entire length of the inside of the track from the exit of turn # 1 to the entrance of turn # 3, a total of 5,516 feet. Pocono Raceway already has SAFER barriers in place in each of the three turns that make up the 'Tricky Triangle.'
The new catch fence will run from the end of the front stretch and connect with the existing catch fence in turn # 2, a total of 6,155 feet. A catch fence will now surround the entire 2.5 mile length of the race track. "These improvements are aimed at increased driver safety," stated Brandon Igdalsky, Pocono Raceway President. "We had these projects in the planning stages, before the 2010 Pocono NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events took place."
Ticket information is available online at www.poconoraceway.com or by calling the Raceway Ticket Office at 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929)(Pocono Raceway)(11-30-2010)
Pocono Raceway Drop Off Location for Toys for Tots Program: Pocono Raceway is proud to announce it has joined the U.S. Marine Corps. Reserve Toys for Tots Program as a drop-off location. The mission of the Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. Everyone who drops off a new, unwrapped toy at the Raceway drop-off bin (located in the Raceway Ticket Office lobby) will be entered to win two Terrace Bistro tickets for the June 12, 2011 Pocono 500, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event. The Terrace Bistro includes reserved club seating, Pre-Race Pit/Paddock Pass, cash bar, private restrooms and food concessions available. Each Terrace Bistro is valued at $150.
The objectives of Toys for Tots Program are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation's most valuable resources - our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future. All toys collected at the Pocono Raceway location will be distributed to needy children in Monroe County. Mountains Concessions, the Raceway concessioner, is donating 100 hats, 100 Kids T-shirts and 100 die cast cars to kick-off the Raceway collection drive. The Raceway ticket office is located on Long Pond Rd. and is open weekdays from 9:00AM-4:45PM.
With Christmas around the corner, a Pocono Raceway gift certificate would make a great gift to that someone special in your life. Gift certificates are available in any amount and can be redeemed for race tickets to either the June 12th Pocono 500 or the August 7th Pennsylvania 500, NASCAR event weekends. You can purchase gift certificates on line at www.poconoraceway.com, by phone by calling 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929) or at the Raceway Ticket Office.(11-27-2010)
Pocono Raceway recogized for environmental efforts: In recent weeks, Pocono Raceway was the recipient of three awards for its 25 acre, three megawatt solar installation that was dedicated on July 30, 2010. Pocono Raceway accepted the "Green Power: Make It" award from The Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future (PennFuture) for the development of a three megawatt solar power array, that will cut greenhouse emissions by nearly 3,000 tons a year. The award was presented at the organization's 11th annual awards ceremony in Philadelphia.
The second award, the 2010 Bizzy Award for Best Green Marketing Campaign, was presented to Pocono Raceway by the Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce at its fifth annual awards ceremony in Mount Poco#This award recognized the Raceway's development of the solar farm as well as its implementation of a number of "green initiatives" including recycling and tree planting.
The third award, the Valued Partner Award, was presented to Pocono Raceway by the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau in recognition for its solar power initiative.
The 25-acre solar installation, located adjacent to the 2.5-mile race track, is so large it's visible from outer space. With its 39,960 photovoltaic modules drawing energy from the sun, it has become the primary electric energy source for the race track while adding electricity to the local power grid. The installation will produce more than 72 megawatts of energy over the next 20 years. The environmental attributes associated with the system will offset more than 2,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually and will generate enough power to provide the electricity needs for close to 1,000 homes beyond the power needs of Pocono Raceway.
Pocono Raceway, in its effort to become the world's first, truly "green" sports facility in operation was the first raceway to be part of the PepsiCo Dream Machine program. With this program, Dream Machine bins and kiosks were located throughout the Grandstand and Infield to make it easier for race fans to recycle bottles and cans that, otherwise, might have been thrown away. The Raceway also placed a Dream Machine kiosk near the ticket office entrance, which is located on Long Pond Rd, and is available to the general public 24/7.
Pocono Raceway participated in the "NASCAR's Green Flag Tree Planting Program", which was launched in 2009. The initiative's goal is to plant 10 trees for every green flag that drops at NASCAR Cup races. NASCAR threw 8 green flags during the 2009 Pocono 500 race; therefore 80 trees were planted locally in Monroe County. Pocono Raceway will be "green" in 2011 as all the electricity used during Pocono Raceway's 2011 NASCAR race weekends (June 10-12th Pocono 500 and the August 5-7th Pennsylvania 500) will be provided by the solar farm, recycling will be in full force and additional trees will be planted. For race ticket information or to learn more about Pocono Raceway's green initiatives call 1-800-RACEWAY or visit poconoraceway.com.(Pocono Raceway)(10-15-2010)
Pocono Raceway Offers Dream Machine Recycling to Local Residents: During the recent Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 race weekend, Pocono Raceway kicked off a new recycling program with PepsiCo and Waste Management.
Pocono Raceway, in its effort to become the world's first, truly "green" sports facility, has a three megawatt solar farm in operation, and was the first raceway to be part of the PepsiCo Dream Machine program. With this program, Dream Machine bins and kiosks were located throughout the Grandstand and Infield to make it easier for race fans to recycle bottles and cans that, otherwise, might have been thrown away. Pocono Raceway now invites local residents and guests to participate in the PepsiCo Dream Machine program. The Raceway placed a Dream Machine kiosk near the ticket office entrance, which is located on Long Pond Rd, and is available to the general public 24/7. With each can or bottle recycled in the kiosk, PepsiCo will make a donation to the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) which provides job training and guidance to disabled veterans to help them pursue their dreams of starting their own businesses. In addition, Raceway recyclers can also earn points for each item recycled, redeemable for rewards at Greenopolis.com.
Pocono Raceway plans to continue the PepsiCo Dream Machine program for its two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekends in 2011. The Pocono 500, June 10-12 and the Pennsylvania 500 August 5-7. For more information about the Dream Machine program or for 2011 ticket information call 1-800 RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929) of visit poconoraceway.com.(9-29-2010)
Pocono crowd less then reported? The crowd estimated at Pocono Raceway on Aug. 1 fell far below the 100,000 people announced by NASCAR. How far? Try about half that number, according to an independent count by the Pocono Record. Attendance figures at the track long have been closely guarded by Pocono Raceway - though NASCAR does release its own estimates. But secrecy breeds curiosity, and perhaps even nosiness, so the Pocono Record conducted its own count based on aerial photographs and crowd-counting techniques. The images, captured near the start of the race, revealed half-filled grandstands and an infield with vast stretches of grass where vehicles once clustered during past races. The newspaper estimates that only about 48,000 spectators - a figure that includes a nearly 15% cushion to account for a margin of error - were on hand for the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 that day. It is unclear what source NASCAR used as the basis for the 100,000 visitors it cited in official race results - whether it was from tickets sold or turnstile clicks. The sport's governing body did not respond to requests for comment. When asked about the numbers, Pocono Raceway reiterated its long-standing policy of nondisclosure of attendance, which is a common stance among racing venues. "Pocono Raceway is privately owned and as such, we do not give out attendance figures," raceway Vice President Bob Pleban wrote in an e-mail. Pleban did not dispute the Pocono Record's numbers, reaffirming the raceway's position that it does not release these numbers. But he did seek to explain them.(more at the Pocono Record)(8-22-2010)
Pocono announces 2011 Sched: Race fans will have to wait an extra week to see NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing at Pocono Raceway in 2011. Due to a number of changes in the 2011 Sprint Cup schedule, both Sprint Cup races at Pocono have been moved back one week. The 30th annual Pocono 500 is scheduled for June 12 and the 38th annual Pennsylvania 500 is scheduled for August 7. The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, which made its debut at Pocono Raceway in 2010, will return to Pocono on August 6 for the Pocono Mountains 125. The ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards will also be part of the schedule for both of Pocono Raceway's Cup race weekends. The ARCA Racing Series will run on June 11 and will join the Camping World Truck Series for a racing doubleheader on August 6. All ticket renewals for 2010 ticket holders will be emailed by August 19, 2010. Those ticket holders who do not have an email account will be sent a hard copy via mail. A number of payment plans are available for fans renewing their tickets for 2011. Discounts on Grandstand Tickets and Ticket Insurance are also available. For more information, visit poconoraceway.com or call the Pocono ticket office at 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929)(Pocono Raceway)(8-20-2010)
Pocono may give up race date, in a few years: Pocono Raceway co-owner Dr. Joseph Mattioli told Sirius NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody Thursday that he might be willing to give up one of his track's two race dates, but not in the near future. In recent comments to Yahoo! Sports reporter Brant James, Mattioli implied that two races were now too many for some tracks, including Pocono. However, he said he will retain his two Sprint Cup Series dates until at least 2013, when new NASCAR television contracts take effect. Asked if Pocono will be part of a rumored 2001 schedule shakeup, Mattioli replied, "absolutely not."(Sirius Speedway)(8-1-2010)
Pocono Raceway announces Grand Marshals: This weekend's racing action at Pocono Raceway will consist of the star drivers of three of the nation's top motor sports series; the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards. But before the green flag flies to start the August 1, Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500, stars of a different sort will give the command to fire the engines...10 stars in fact. Four Generals (accounting for 10 stars) from various branches of the military will serve as Co- Grand Marshals for Sunday's Sprint Cup event.
Four star Air Force General, Roger A. Brady; three star Army Lieutenant General, William N. Phillips; two star National Guard Major General, Randall Marchi; and one star Air National Guard Brigadier General, Roy E. Uptegraff III, will give the command "Gentleman Start Your Engines" that will bring to life 43 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race cars. Gates open at 9:00AM Sunday with pre-race activities beginning at 11:00AM all leading upto the 1:00PM start of the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500. Tickets are available by calling the Pocono Raceway Ticket office at 1-800-RACEWAY or visiting www.poconoraceway.com . Online purchasers have a print at home option. Tickets are also available at the gate.(Pocono Raceway)(7-31-2010)
Pocono Raceway Activates World's Largest Solar Powered Sports Facility: As the country begins to aggressively seek alternative energy sources, a significant new solar energy project is ready to flip the switch in what might be considered an unlikely place - a NASCAR racetrack in Long Pond, PA. Yet, considering the major sustainability programs being initiated throughout the NASCAR industry, the 3 megawatt ground-mount photovoltaic solar energy system at Pocono Raceway is completely in step with a sport taking major strides to preserve the environment. The 25-acre solar installation, located adjacent to the 2.5-mile race track, is so large it's visible from outer space. With its 40,000 photovoltaic modules drawing energy from the sun, it will become the primary electric energy source for the race track while adding electricity to the local power grid.
The Pocono Raceway Solar Project, developed by enXco, and owned by Pocono Raceway, host of two annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series summer events, is located along Long Pond Road adjacent to the storied raceway on land that previously served fan parking needs but is no longer used due to a reconfiguration of other parking lots on the property.
The installation consists of nearly 40,000 American made photovoltaic modules that will produce more than 72 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy over the next 20 years. The environmental attributes associated with the system will offset more than 3,104 Metric Tons of carbon dioxide annually and will generate enough power to provide the electricity needs for over 1,000 homes beyond the power needs of Pocono Raceway. Tickets are available for the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 by calling the Pocono Raceway Ticket office at 1-800-RACEWAY or visiting www.poconoraceway.com . Online purchasers have a print at home option. Tickets are also available at the gate.(Pocono Raceway)(7-31-2010)
Pocono Raceway going green with buses: To reduce the environmental impact of the thousands of NASCAR fans traveling into the Poconos for the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 on August 1st , Pocono Raceway is continuing their "green" campaign by encouraging race fans to park their cars and ride in on special charter buses. By participating in this program, fans can reduce the effect of their presence on local roadways and enjoy a safer travel option.
The buses are available to all fans, local residents and visitors alike. Early morning departures from area park-and-ride locations will provide timely arrivals at the racetrack, giving fans plenty of time to enjoy the track's festivities, shop its vendors, and utilize Pit/Paddock Passes. As a special treat for using this service, fans will also enjoy a lap around "The Tricky Triangle" upon arrival.
Pocono Raceway, along with Martz Trailways and Destination Pocono, began this bus program two years ago. Last year's four pick-up locations have exploded to eleven, covering the entire four-county Pocono region and New York City. This year, race fans can park and ride from one of the following locations: Wilkes-Barre, Montage Mountain, Downtown Scranton, Delaware Water Gap, Mount Pocono, Tannersville, Milford, Greentown/Hawley, Hazleton and White Haven. Seats are available at $29.99 per rider locally, and $69.99 from New York City.
Pocono Raceway is encouraging fans to contact Destination Pocono for their complete race planning. Area hotels are also partnering with Destination Pocono to offer complete weekend packages that include accommodations, race tickets, upgrades and bus seats. This means that fans can receive complete, one-stop race planning service when gearing up for the August 1, Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 . For more information, please visit www.DestinationPocono.com or call our toll-free number at 888-629-8050.(Pocono Raceway)(7-28-2010)
Franklin Institute in Philadelphia will host its annual Race Car Day on Wednesday July 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Among those represented will be Pocono Raceway, New Jersey Motorsports Park, the Philadelphia region of the Sports Car Club of America, and Drexel University's Formula SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) team. One lucky child will drop the Green Flag at the Pocono Raceway ARCA race on Saturday, July 31, 2010, plus receive 4 tickets to the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Pocono on Sunday, August 1, The winner will be announced during the event.
Sunoco Sponsors Pocono Race to Raise Money for Red Cross: The American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) Chapter announced the launch of The Pocono Raceway Sunoco Red Cross Ultimate Fan Experience. Now through July 16th, fans can enter to win a wonderful grand prize which includes a trip to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Banquet in Las Vegas and the chance to wave the "Green Flag" at the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 race on August 1st. More info on my Racing Contest page, Proceeds from the race will go to Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter's one-of-a-kind Red Cross House, which provides free of charge, food, clothing, and shelter to victims of disasters, like fires and floods.(Pocono Raceway)(7-19-2010)
Pocono looks to make fixes: Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition, said Pocono Raceway officials are looking at possible safety improvements in light of last weekend's crash by Kasey Kahne, where he nearly climbed over a cement wall that had no catchfence above it.(Roanoke Times)(6-14-2010)
Pocono Raceway Replacing Inner Guard Rails with SAFER Barrier: Following recommendations from NASCAR and the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Pocono Raceway will be replacing the inner guard rail of the facility with a SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barrier. The track's new inner wall will run the length of the "Long Pond Straight" between turns one and two, and will continue the rest of the distance between turns two and three. Construction of the SAFER barrier will be completed for the 2011 NASCAR season.(Pocono Raceway)(6-5-2010)
Pocono Raceway Kid's Day Set for June 5th: Pocono Raceway will be holding its Annual Kid's Day in the Chalet Village on Saturday, June 5th, 2010. It is going to be a day filled with racing and fun for everyone who attends. With activities like face painting, racing simulators, driver appearances and much more, this year's Kid's Day event will be the place to be. Gates will open at 9:00am and the party will last until 1:00pm, just before the start of the ARCA Racing Series' "Messina Wildlife Animal Stopper 200." Activities are free for everyone! For more information, please call Pocono Raceway at 570-646-2300.(PR)(6-4-2010)
Take a Bus to the Pocono Races: Pocono Raceway is teaming up with Destination Pocono to make your trip to the track even easier. As part of the track's "Green Initiative", fans are being encouraged to take advantage of special buses being used this race weekend specifically to transport fans both to and from the raceway. Covering the entire four-county Pocono region and New York City, race fans can park and ride from one of the following locations: Wilkes-Barre, Montage Mountain, Downtown Scranton, Delaware Water Gap, Mount Pocono, Tannersville, Milford, Greentown/Hawley, Hazleton and White Haven. Seats are available at $29.99 per rider locally, and $69.99 from New York City. For more information, please check online at DestinationPocono.com or call their toll-free number at 888-629-8050.(PR)(6-4-2010)
WWE Superstar John Cena to Serve as Co-Grand Marshal at Pocono: Gillette announced that WWE Superstar John Cena will serve as Co-Grand Marshal along with "Gillette Fusion ProGlide Believers" at the Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500 Presented by Target at Pocono Raceway on June 6, 2010. Leading up to the race, Cena and the Gillette Young Guns, including Kyle Busch, Clint Bowyer, Carl Edwards, Denny Hamlin, Kasey Kahne, Joey Logano along with Ryan Newman will invade the campgrounds race weekend in an effort to turn NASCAR fans from "skeptics" to "believers" of Gillette's newest razor - the Gillette Fusion ProGlide. Select "believers" also will have the opportunity to participate with Cena in the pre-race activities, which includes commanding the drivers to start their engines. The Fusion ProGlide shaving system is a significant advancement in shaving performance will be available to consumers in stores on June 6. The Gillette drivers will be incorporated into all planned activations, including at-track, creative and digital, to support the launch of the Gillette Fusion ProGlide. Gillette continues to utilize NASCAR as a vehicle to market its brand. Since its inception in 2003, the Gillette Young Guns program has been at the forefront of all its NASCAR-related activations. For Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500 ticket information visit poconoraceway.com or call toll free 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929). As part of the race entitlement, Pocono Raceway is offering a 15% discount on tickets throughout the race weekend when you enter the promotional code, "PROGLIDE".(Pocono Raceway)(6-3-2010)
enXco starts construction on Pocono 3 MW Solar Project: enXco recently started of construction on the 3 MW photovoltaic array at Pocono Raceway Solar Project. enXco will design and construct the project and then turn it over to Pocono Raceway upon completion. The Pocono Raceway Solar Project will be constructed along Long Pond Road on approximately 25 acres of land. The solar system, expected to generate clean electricity for the raceway later this summer, will consist of nearly 40,000 photovoltaic modules and reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 2,370 tons annually. The new solar energy system will become the primary electric energy source for the race track and will also benefit the local power grid. With the deregulation of Pennsylvania's electric utility laws allowing more flexibility on power purchases, the track found there is no better time to upgrade their facility.(enXco/Pocono Raceway)(6-3-2010)
The Pocono Raceway Festival Is Back In Stroudsburg: On Saturday, June 5th, the Sherman Theater presents the second annual Pocono Raceway Festival on Main Street in downtown Stroudsburg, PA. Taking place the day before the Gillette Pro Glide 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at the Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, PA - just minutes down Interstate 80 - this free, all-day long music and racing celebration and festival will have something for everyone in the family.
By combining spectacular show car displays, delicious food vendors, fun games for all ages, and musical performances on three stages, the staff at the Sherman Theater plan to outdo themselves in trying to top last year's amazing event. Headlining the musical portion of the festival with a rockin' performance on the main stage will be none other than southern rock legends Molly Hatchet.
The Pocono Raceway Festival highlights all of the great retail, food, and craft attractions downtown Stroudsburg has in store as NASCAR race teams make their way to the Pocono Mountains region for the first Sprint Cup race of the year at Pocono Raceway. This year's festival will feature numerous vehicles on display including:
* A GEICO show car display with fun interactive games and prizes
* The FedEx show car and truck along with a FedEx Racing shop
* The Aaron's Rents show car plus a virtual NASCAR driving simulator
* A first ever look at the new NASCAR Camping World Truck series race truck
* The U.S. Army Special Forces Semi packed with fun games
* The newest and hottest Harleys from Schoch Harley-Davidson Buell
Pocono gets race title sponsor: Gillette announced that it will sponsor the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway on June 6, 2010. The event will be titled the Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500 Presented by Target. The date of the race coincides with the official launch of the Gillette Fusion ProGlide shaving system, a significant advancement in shaving performance and comfort. All activities to promote the race will be designed to support the new razor, which will also be available to consumers in stores on June 6, 2010. "We are very excited about our upcoming partnership with Pocono Raceway and Target," said Michelle Potorski, Associate Marketing Director, Gillette North America. "The race sponsorship provides the perfect opportunity to further enhance our efforts to inform consumers of the engineering advancements and breakthrough technology achieved with the Gillette Fusion ProGlide." Gillette continues to utilize NASCAR as a vehicle to market its brand. Since its inception in 2003, the Gillette Young Guns program has been at the forefront of all its NASCAR-related activations. The Gillette Young Guns drivers, which include Clint Bowyer, Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Denny Hamlin, Kasey Kahne and Joey Logano, will also be incorporated into all planned activations, including at-track, creative and digital, to support the launch of the Gillette Fusion ProGlide. "It is an honor and a privilege for Pocono Raceway to partner with both Gillette and Target on the launch of this terrific new Gillette Fusion ProGlide," said Brandon Igdalsky, President, Pocono Raceway. "The staff at Pocono that tried the new Fusion ProGlide has each become 'Believers' of this great new razor! And on June 6, everyone in America will be able to use the new Gillette Fusion ProGlide and become a 'Believer' themselves!" As part of the race entitlement, Pocono Raceway is offering a 15% discount on tickets throughout the race weekend when you enter the promotional code, "PROGLIDE". All the Gillette Young Guns, including Gillette driver Ryan Newman will be giving away tickets to the Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500 presented by Target. Each driver has an allotment of tickets to distribute throughout various outlets including social networking sites, fan clubs, charities, etc. For ticket information visit poconoraceway.com or call toll free 1-800-RACEWAY.(Pocono Raceway)(4-23-2010)
Pocono Raceway & Destination Pocono team up: To help reduce the environmental impact created by the thousands of NASCAR fans that travel in for the Pocono 500 & the Pennsylvania 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races each summer, Pocono Raceway is thinking "green" again this year by encouraging race fans to park their cars and ride in on special buses. By participating in this program, fans can reduce the effect of their presence on local roadways and enjoy a safer travel option. The buses are available to all fans, local residents and visitors alike. A quick arrival at the track is ensured by specially-designated bus lanes and the help of Sheriff's department escorts. As a special treat for using this service, the arrival concludes with a lap around "the Tricky Triangle."(Pocono Raceway)(1-31-2010)
2010 Pocono Raceway Tickets now on sale: The deadline for fans renewing their tickets for 2010 at Pocono Raceway has expired, which means all remaining tickets for Pocono Raceway's June 6 Pocono 500 and August 1 Pennsylvania 500, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races are now on sale. A wide selection of grandstand seats, starting at just $45, are now available to the general public. In addition, all remaining Premium Seats, including the new Terrace Bistro and $100 Club @ Club Pocono are also available. Tickets for all Pocono Raceway events can be purchased online at www.poconoraceway.com or by calling 1-800-RACEWAY.(Pocono Raceway)(12-8-2009)
Pocono Raceway owner honored: WVIA announced Dr. Joseph Mattioli as the 2009 Great Pennsylvanian. To celebrate WVIA-TV will premiere a new biographical film, Dr. Joseph Mattioli: Always Moving Forward, on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. on WVIA-TV. It will also be shown in the Abeloff Theater on the East Stroudsburg University campus that night. Dr. Mattioli is the sixth Great Pennsylvanian in WVIA's original series. The impact of Dr. Joseph Mattioli's Pocono Raceway has gone far beyond the world of auto racing to become an economic and social center of Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains region. Dr. Joseph Mattioli: Always Moving Forward is a one-hour WVIA original documentary film celebrating the life and accomplishments of Dr. Joseph Mattioli, from his humble beginnings in the rural coal regions of Northeastern Pennsylvania to becoming an incredible businessman, all the while living life by two rules: always do what you love and always move forward. The Mattioli family's philanthropic efforts in education and health care continue to improve the lives of everyone they touch. More info and schedule at wvia.org.(10-27-2009)
T-shirt seller arrested at Pocono Raceway on counterfeiting charge: A Michigan man was arrested and charged with selling knock-off NASCAR shirts at Pocono Raceway on Monday instead of officially licensed merchandise. Michael Quatrine, 45, has been arrested for selling fakes before. According to Pocono Mountain Regional Police, Quatrine has been arrested in California, Delaware, Michigan and South Carolina and other states for trademark counterfeiting. "We do counterfeit enforcement at tracks around the country. If not watched it can become pervasive," said Tom Sullivan, NASCAR's manager of business communications. Although NASCAR was not inspecting at Pocono on Monday, track workers were on the lookout for fake merchandise. Pocono Raceway employee Roger Green told police he saw Quatrine selling counterfeit Pocono Raceway T-shirts and detained him until police arrived. While investigating the complaint, a man told police he had purchased two shirts from Quatrine for $5 each and showed police the shirts. They matched the shirts Quatrine had in his possession. According the criminal complaint, Pocono Raceway employee Looie McNally identified the shirts as fakes by comparing labels and also showing the Sprint/NASCAR markings were fraudulent and misbranded. He was charged with trademark counterfeiting, a third-degree felony as a repeat offense, and arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Richard Claypool. Quatrine was being held in Monroe County Correctional Facility in lieu of $5,000 bail. Pocono Raceway spokesperson Bob Pleban said the track had no comment on the arrest. "It's not just about the loss of revenue to drivers and teams," said Joe Mattes, interim president of Motorsports Authentics. As the largest licensee in NASCAR, a vendor for more than 80 drivers, Motorsports Authentics makes more than 90% of the diecast products fans find trackside and on stores shelves in Wal-Mart and Kmart.(Pocono Record)(8-5-2009)
Why Pocono teamed up with the Red Cross and Sunoco: Back in the 1990s, Dr. Joseph Mattioli, the chairman of Pocono Raceway, decided he didn't need title sponsors for the track's two NASCAR races each year. Mattioli branded the June race the Pocono 500 and the summer race the Pennsylvania 500. Last year, the summer event became the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500. Track president Brandon Igdalsky, Mattioli's grandson, said yesterday he didn't have to twist his grandfather's arm to affiliate Sunoco and Red Cross with the Pennsylvania 500. "I knew he had a soft spot with the charitable stuff," Igdalsky said. "His big thing has been to give back. This was an easy one. When we explained the concept, he said, 'Heck, yeah.' " Sunoco and Red Cross are not the traditional title sponsors who pay about $2 million per race to tracks. Tom Foley, CEO of the Red Cross' southeastern Pennsylvania chapter based in Philadelphia, said Sunoco makes a significant contribution to the Mattioli Foundation, which then donates the money to the Red Cross chapter. Sunoco, also Philadelphia based, is the official fuel of NASCAR. Igdalsky and Foley said they are hopeful that the Pocono/Red Cross/Sunoco relationship will continue after this year.(Philadelphia Daily News)(8-4-2009)
Pocono Raceway to install a solar farm: Pocono Raceway is getting ready to "Go Green" by installing a three megawatt solar farm, which will power all the track's energy needs and support the local energy grid. A groundbreaking ceremony, conducted today (July 31), was held before a media corps covering the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 race weekend activities at Pocono Raceway.
Working in conjunction with enXco, an EDF EN Company, and Evolution Energies the new Pocono Raceway Solar Farm will be constructed along Long Pond Road. The project is a 3.0MW photovoltaic array on approximately 25 acres and will consist of nearly 40,000 photovoltaic modules. The Solar Farm is being constructed on land that used to be parking lots that are no longer used due to a reconfiguration of other parking lots on Raceway property. The project is set to be completed by the spring of 2010. The new solar panel system will become the primary electric energy source for the race track and will also benefit the local power grid. With the deregulation of Pennsylvania's electric utility laws allowing more flexibility on power purchases, the track found there is no better time to upgrade their facility. Brandon Igdalsky, Track President said, "This new system will not only satisfy the Raceway's energy needs, it will allow us to help power close to one thousand homes and lower carbon dioxide emissions by 5,100 tons every year." The Pocono Raceway solar installation is unique in that it will be the only sports facility in the world to generate clean renewable energy on site which will more than offset its annual electricity consumption. This will in effect make the track the first truly "green" sports facility in the world.(Pocono Raceway)(8-1-2009)
Bacardi Bistro to debut at Pocono: Infield race fans attending the Pocono Raceway Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500, July 31 to Aug. 2, will find a new addition - the Bacardi Bistro. The Bacardi Bistro, will provide infield fans the opportunity to purchase beverages, snacks and tasty food offerings including Notis The Gyro King - serving the tastiest sandwich in town, a Greek specialty that is nothing like you tasted before. It was voted #1 sandwich in the Wyoming Valley for the past 15 years. The Bacardi Bistro will feature limited mixed adult beverages, Yuengling beer, TV's, indoor seating in an up scale chalet and an outdoor umbrella covered patio. Access to the Chalet will be restricted to fans 21 and older. Locate adjacent to the Tunnel Road, the Bacardi Bistro will be readily accessible to all infield race fans. For Pocono Raceway ticket information, call toll free 1-800-RACEWAY or visit poconoraceway.com and choose the convenient print at home option.(7-31-2009)
Blue Grass Concerts at Pocono: The Yabutz.com Blue Grass Concerts will showcase top blue grass artists including Ricky Skaggs, Steep Canyon Rangers, Charlie Sizemore Band, Dailey & Vincent, Del McCoury Band, Cherryholmes, Blue Highway and SteelDrivers on July 31st and August 1st. The concerts, being presented by Yabutz.com, are free to infield campers attending the race. Additionally grandstand fans can also attend the concerts and visit the Bacardi Bistro by purchasing a one day infield ticket for $25 or a 2 day infield ticket for $40 in addition to their grandstand tickets. These one day infield tickets will allow fans to drive their vehicles into the infield for the day, exiting at the conclusion of the concerts. For more information visit yabutz.com/bluegrass. For Pocono Raceway ticket information, call toll free 1-800-RACEWAY or visit poconoraceway.com and choose the convenient print at home option.(7-31-2009)
Man wins 'Sunoco Red Cross Ultimate Fan Experience: James Ruscigno, of Wappingers Falls, NY, won the Sunoco Red Cross Ultimate Fan Experience. Ruscigno will wave the green flag as the Official Starter of the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500, July 31 - August 2, 2009 at Pocono Raceway. As the grand prize winner, Ruscigno will also experience a Hot Lap with NASCAR Driver #16-Greg Biffle, serve as an honorary member of Biffle's pit crew with three friends during the race, as well as attend the driver's meeting and be on stage during driver introductions before the race. In addition to sponsoring the Sunoco Red Cross Ultimate Fan Experience, Sunoco, Inc. is lending marketing and promotional support to the August race with signage at 1,826 retail locations in the Mid-Atlantic region. Sunoco has also highlighted the event on its website, www.GoSunoco.com, and provided a link to the Pocono Raceway ticket sales site in order to encourage fans to use the promo code, REDCROSS, and help raise money for the American Red Cross. Ten percent of all tickets sold through the promotion benefited American Red Cross local disaster relief. Ruscigno is one of more than 500 entrants into the contest who either made an online donation in support of the American Red Cross or purchased race tickets using the promo code.(Red Cross)(7-30-2009)
Fans top priority at Pocono Raceway: The excitement of the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 on August 2nd at Pocono Raceway is fast approaching. Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and Saturday's ARCA RE/MAX Series race, the Pennsylvania 200, will showcase the greatest race car drivers and race teams in the nation. The atmosphere, drama and excitement of major league stock car racing are unparalleled in sports. NASCAR fans are the most loyal and passionate fans in the world of sports and taking care of our fans is a top priority at Pocono Raceway. Listed below is information that will help our fans while at the Raceway. The weekend schedule of racing activities is also included. Grandstand gates open at 8:00am Friday and Saturday, 9:00am Sunday. Grandstand parking lots open at 5:00am Sunday. If fans need assistance at any time during their visit, simply contact Fan Assistance at (570) 643-7184, firstname.lastname@example.com or text SOS then "your message" to 84444. Remember that Pocono Raceway fans may stay in all camping areas and the grandstand parking lots until noon on Monday at no additional charge. For Pocono Raceway ticket information, call toll free 1-800-RACEWAY or visit poconoraceway.com and choose the convenient print at home option.(7-30-2009)
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