This week the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series travels to one of the most unique tracks on the circuit, Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania. So many aspects of the track make it unique, from its shape and size to its management and ownership. The track has hosted a NASCAR event since 1971, and has since hosted two 500-mile races for well over a decade. Many don't think of Pocono Raceway as a track to celebrate, but so many reasons make it one of the best races of the season.
The track, one of only three on the circuit that measures at least two-and-a-half miles in length, is located in Pocono, Pa. Pocono Raceway is also a triangle, with three straight-aways of varying lengths and three turns of varying degrees of banking. The combination makes for a unique challenge to the teams and drivers to find a setup on the race car that performs ideally through all three corners. The front stretch is also measured as the longest section of any track on the Nextel Cup Series.
Pocono Raceway also finds itself as one of the few tracks left on the circuit that is independently owned. Whereas most tracks are part of the bigger conglomerates known as International Speedway Corporation (ISC) or Speedway Motorsports Incorporated (SMI), Pocono is privately held by the Mattioli family and has been for over 30 years. The Mattioli family has persevered through financial struggles along the way that nearly forced them to sell their beloved track. They even restructured the racing surface from a three-quarter mile short track to the challenging configuration they have today.
This year, the Pocono Raceway will celebrate the opening of the long-awaited Tricky Triangle Club, a fan hospitality initiative that is meant to provide regular fans with the same VIP experience that most corporate clients are used to being able to experience. Fans will enjoy pre-race pit access, full food and beverage catering, games, giveaways and even celebrity guest appearances.
Pocono Raceway Quick Facts
Pocono Lap Record: Kasey Kahne (52.164 seconds and 172.533 mph), June 11, 2004
Pocono Race Record: Rusty Wallace (3 hrs., 27 min., 03 sec/144.892 mph), July 21, 1996
2006 Nextel Cup Winner: Denny Hamlin
Total Purse: $4,939,849
