June 2013 Pole Sitter: qualifying canceled due to rain, set by rules book, #48-Johnson started 1st

August 2012 Pole Sitter: #42-Juan Pablo Montoya, 176.043mph, finished 20th

Track Qualifying Record: Joey Logano, June 2012, 179.598mph

Oldest Pole Winner: David Pearson, 49 years, 5 months, 19 days, 6/10/1984

Youngest Pole Winner: Joey Logano, 21 years, 2 months, 13 days, 8/6/2011

Pole Winners: 36

June 2013 Race Winner: #48-Jimmie Johnson, 144.202mph, started 1st

August 2012 Race Winner: #24-Jeff Gordon, 139.249 [rain shortened 98 laps], started 27th

Oldest Winner: Harry Gant, 50 years, 5 months, 7 days, 6/17/1990

Youngest Winner: Joey Logano, 22 years, 0 months, 7 days, 6/10/2012

1st Race 400 mile Record: Jimmie Johnson, June 2013, 144.202mph

1st Race 500 mile Record: Alan Kulwicki, June 1992, 144.023mph

2nd Race Record: Rusty Wallace, July 1996, 144.892

Slowest Race Record: Jimmie Johnson, June 2004, 112.129mph

Worst Starting Spot to Win: Carl Edwards, June 2005, started 29th

Most Wins: 6 - Jeff Gordon; 5 - Bill Elliott; 4 - Denny Hamlin

Most Poles: 5 - Bill Elliott, Ken Schrader

Most 2nd Place Finishes: 7 - Mark Martin (no wins)

Most Top 5s: 20 - Mark Martin

Most Top 10s: 34 - Mark Martin

Most Lead Changes: 56 - 7/30/1979

Fewest Lead Changes: 10 - 7/26/1998

Most Leaders: 16, Three times, most recently 6/13/2004

Fewest Leaders: 4 - Three times, most recently, 6/9/1985, and 6/9/2013

Most Cautions: 13 - 6/17/1990 and 7/24/2005

Fewest Cautions: 1 - 7/30/1978

Most Caution Laps: 57, 6/13/2004

Few Caution Laps: 3, 7/30/1978

Most Finishers on a lead lap: 36, 6/10/2007 [rain shortened to 106 laps]

Fewest Finishers on a lead lap: 2 - twice, most recently 6/6/1982

Most Running at the Finish: 42, 6/10/2007 [rain shortened]

Fewest Running at the Finish: 18, 7/25/1982

Most Laps Led [400 miles]: 142, Cale Yarborough, 7/4/1968

Most Laps Led [500 miles]: 175, Kurt Busch, 8/5/2007

Fewest Laps Led by a Race Winner: 4, Bobby Labonte, 7/29/2001

Most Wins by Manufacturer: 27 - Chevy

Up front is best at Pocono: In the 71 Sprint Cup races held at Pocono the winner has started in the front row 25 times and the top ten 49 times.

* Darrell Waltrip won the pole in July 1985 and started 1st
Bill Elliott started 2nd and won, 18 days later NASCAR disallowed
the pole due to illegal fuel additive.

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
· CocaCola 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 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)

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)

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)

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)

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)