June 2012 Pole Sitter: #20-Joey Logano, 179.598mph, finished 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 2012 Race Winner: #20-Joey Logano, 131.004mph, 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 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 - Twice, most recently, 6/9/1985

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 [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: 26 - Chevy

Up front is best at Pocono: In the 70 Sprint Cup races held at Pocono the winner has started in the front row 24 times and the top ten 48 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.

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 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 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)