Pocono Raceway solar farm reaches milestone:- Slightly more than 16 months after the dedication of Pocono Raceway’s solar farm, the total amount of electricity produced by the 25 acre facility reached the 5,000,000 kilowatt hour (kWh) mark. The Pocono Raceway solar installation consists of 39,960 American made photovoltaic modules that will produce more than 72 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy over the next 20 years. The environmental attributes associated with the system will offset more than 3,104 Metric Tons of carbon dioxide annually and will generate enough power to provide the electricity needs for over 500 homes beyond the power needs of Pocono Raceway. The 5,000,000kWh produced has already impacted the environment. The total energy generated equals the use of more than 30,000 60Watt light bulbs for one year at eight hours per day and represents a savings of more than 400,000 gallons of gasoline with a carbon dioxide (CO2) offset equaling that of 90,000 trees or 143,000 Propane BBQ Grills. The Raceway has been awarded a number of environmental awards for its sustainable energy efforts including the 2011 Excellence in Renewable Energy Awards, Readers Choice Award presented by RenewableEnergyWorld.com and the 2011 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence, presented each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. These awards highlight the best in environmental innovation and expertise. The Pocono Raceway Solar Farm is located along Long Pond Road adjacent Pocono Raceway’s storied 2.5 mile Super Speedway.(Pocono Raceway)(12-27-2011)

Pocono Raceway Executive Honored By U.S. Air Force: Air Force Recruiting Squadron (314th RCS) recently held its annual training conference at the Resorts Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, NJ. This year’s annual event was jammed packed with innovative training workshops, command key speakers and awards presentations. A special award was presented to Bob Pallo, Pocono Raceway Vice-President, for his efforts in bringing together two great organizations… the U.S Air Force and Pocono Raceway. Lt. Col. Ricardo Trimillos, the 314th RCS Commander, bestowed the title of “Honorary Commander” of the 314th RCS upon Mr. Pallo. Pallo has forged an irreplaceable bond with the members of the 314th RCS Eagles. He has partnered with their booster club and created the opportunity for unit members to volunteer time working various booths throughout the raceway. The booster club retains a portion of the proceeds and those proceeds contribute to 75% of the booster club’s annual operating budget. By indoctrinating Bob Pallo into the Air Force culture, Lt Col Trimillos has capitalized on a lucrative future venture with Pocono Raceway. The combined outputs of these two great organizations are certain to yield winning results for both the U.S. Air Force and Pocono Raceway.(Pocono Raceway)(12-26-2011)

Mattiolis honored: Drs. Rose and Joseph Mattioli, of Pocono Raceway, received the National Motorsports Press Association's Myers Brothers Award last night. The award, presented during season-ending NASCAR festivities in Las Vegas, recognizes individuals and/or groups who have provided outstanding contributions to stock car racing. The Mattiolis have owned Pocono Raceway since it opened in the late 1960s. Finalists for the award included Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and the Wood Brothers. "[The Mattiolis] represent the true heart and spirit of NASCAR," said NMPA president Rea White. "They always recognized that NASCAR was more about people than anything else." Billy and Bobby Myers were former NASCAR competitors.(Philadelphia Daily News)(12-2-2011)

Pocono Raceway's Thanksgiving Ticket Sale: Pocono Raceway announced the "Turkey Ticket Promotion," giving race fans a 15 percent discount on their choice of Concourse Vista (sale cost: $42.50) or Terrace (sale cost: $63.75) tickets to the 2012 Pocono 400 on Sunday, June 10th and the 2012 Pennsylvania 400 on Sunday, August 5th. Additionally, all purchasers of this promotion will receive a Pocono Raceway hunter's cap for free. There is a limited supply of these tickets and this special offer ends on Wednesday, November 30th. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.poconoraceway.com/turkey.html, or call 1-800-RACEWAY (722-3929) and mention the promotional code "TURKEY".(Pocono Raceway)(11-3-2011)

Pocono Raceway to be repaved: per an image on Pocono Raceway's Facebook, look for an announcement today [around 11am/et] that Pocono Raceway will repave the track before the start of the 2012 racing season. Supposedly work has already begun on removing asphalt.
UPDATE: On June 4, 2010 Pocono Raceway announced the Raceway was embarking on an expansive construction project directed to improve driver safety and enhance competition. In the fall of 2010, more 5,500 feet of the new generation SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barrier was installed to the inside of the track from the exit of turn one to the entrance of turn three, and more than 6,100 feet of catch fence added from the front straight to turn two. Today, Raceway President and CEO, Brandon Igdalsky announced the kick-off of phase two of the project that includes: a new outer pit wall, concrete pit stalls and repaving of the 2.5 mile superspeedway, known as “The Tricky Triangle.”
“We received input from a number of drivers, as well as, NASCAR Officials before making our final improvement plans,” stated Igdalsky. “A new outer pit wall will replace the current pit wall and new concrete pit stalls will provide an excellent surface for pit stops and subsequent burn-outs. Our pit stalls are already among the largest on the circuit and our pit road is one of the widest and safest in NASCAR,” Igdalsky added. “Pocono was last repaved in 1995 and all construction work will be completed prior to Pocono Raceway’s June 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event.”
The 2012 Pocono Raceway schedule includes the June 10, Pocono 400 and the August 5, Pennsylvania 400, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events. An ARCA 200-mile race will be run on Saturday, June 9. An ARCA 125-mile race and a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series 125-mile race will be run on Saturday, August 4. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pole Qualifying will also be conducted on the Saturday prior to each Sprint Cup Series event.
Renewal forms for 2012 tickets have been sent out to existing ticket holders. June 2011 ticket holders will receive a 10 percent discount on tickets ordered by October 31. August 2011 ticket holders will receive a 20 percent discount on tickets ordered by November 1 or a 10 percent discount on tickets ordered by December 31. Additionally, if race fans renew their tickets for the 2012 season by October 31, they will be automatically entered into a random drawing for two tickets to 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Banquet in Las Vegas on Friday, December 2 and $500 spending cash. For additional renewal or ticket information call toll free 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3923) or visit: www.poconoraceway.com.(Pocono Raceway)(10-4-2011)

Pocono Raceway Solar Farm hits milestone: Slightly more than one year after the dedication of Pocono Raceway’s solar farm, the total amount of electricity produced by the 25 acre facility reached the 4,000,000 kilowatt hour (kWh) mark. The solar installation consists of 39,960 American made photovoltaic modules that will produce more than 72 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy over the next 20 years. The environmental attributes associated with the system will offset more than 3,104 Metric Tons of carbon dioxide annually and will generate enough power to provide the electricity needs for over 1,000 homes beyond the power needs of Pocono Raceway.
The 4,000,000 (kWh) produced has already impacted the environment. The total energy generated equals the use of 22,830 light bulbs (60W) for one year at eight hours per day and represents a savings of 324,000 gallons of gasoline with a carbon dioxide (CO2) offset equaling that of 72,000 trees. The Raceway has been awarded a number of environmental awards for its sustainable energy efforts including the 2011 Excellence in Renewable Energy Awards, Readers Choice Award presented by RenewableEnergyWorld.com and the 2011 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence, presented each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. These awards highlight the best in environmental innovation and expertise
The Pocono Raceway Solar Farm is located along Long Pond Road adjacent Pocono Raceway’s storied two and one-half mile Super Speedway. Pocono Raceway will host two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekends in 2012. The 31st annual Pocono 400 is scheduled for June 8-10 and the 39th annual Pennsylvania 400 is set for August 3-5.(Pocono Raceway)(9-28-2011)

Drive the track at Ponoco for hurricane relief: Hurricane Irene's widespread destruction was felt up and down the East Coast. Northeastern Pennsylvania had its share of flooding and wind damage that has affected thousands of residents in the Pocono Mountains. Through it all, the American Red Cross was there to assist Hurricane Irene victims with food, clothing, meals and shelter. Hurricane Irene is the latest natural disaster to have taxed the resources of the Red Cross. Pocono Raceway would like to help. The Raceway, which has partnered with the Red Cross in hosting blood drives and various fundraising activities, will be allowing individuals the unique opportunity to drive their personal vehicles on the famed 2.5 mile superspeedway on Thursday September 1. For a donation of $10.00 per car, individuals can take a two-lap drive around "The Tricky Triangle." Pocono Raceway will match the total dollar amount collected. All proceeds from this event will be donated to the American Red Cross of the Poconos, Disaster Relief Fund. Hours of the ride on September 1 will be from 12 noon to 6:30 p.m.(Pocono Raceway)(8-30-2011)

Pocono considering 400 mile races: UPDATE: Pocono Raceway President Brandon Igdalski told Sirius XM NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody that cutting the track's two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races from 500 miles to 400 next season is "being considered". "We're looking at things, but we haven't made that decision quite yet," said Igdalski. "We're looking at it for the future, whether it's this year, next year, or a couple of years down the road. It's a different sport and a different time than it was years ago, and we're always looking at things." Igdalski took the helm of the historic tri-oval when his grandfather, track founder Dr. Joseph Mattioli, announced his retirement Friday. Igdalski said he was unaware of his grandfather's plans, adding, "We got a call about 30 minutes beforehand saying, `Be in the Media Center in half an hour.' I had no idea he was going to retire. My jaw hit the ground."(Sirius Speedway)(8-10-2011)
UPDATE: Pocono Raceway's first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race was in 1974, a second Sprint Cup Series race was added to the Pocono schedule in 1982. Sunday's Good Sam RV Insurance 500 was the 68thSprint Cup Series at Pocono Raceway. Each race was scheduled for 500 miles and each produced its share of drama and excitement. Starting with the June 10, 2012 Pocono Sprint Cup Series race, the scheduled distance for both NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races will be shortened to 400 miles. "The 400 mile distance will make NASCAR racing at Pocono even more exciting," stated Raceway President and CEO , Brandon Igdalsky. "Race strategies will change, fuel mileage calculations will be altered and I firmly believe that our fans will be treated to outstanding racing at the 400 mile distance." "NASCAR supports Pocono Raceway's move to two 400-mile NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in 2012," stated Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR Senior Vice President, Racing Operations . "We believe this will be a good transition for the fans and competitors. It will provide the teams with a new type of strategy and should make for even more exciting competition at a unique facility that has a long-standing history in our sport." Eight weeks after the Pocono 400. It will be the August 5, Pennsylvania 400. Both 400 mile races will have the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards as companion races. The August Pennsylvania 400 weekend will also feature a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on August 4.(Pocono Raceway)(8-10-2011)

Security Guards Stabbed at Pocono Raceway: Two Philadelphia-area men were in the Monroe County jail over the weekend after police said one stabbed two security guards at Pocono Raceway early Sunday. Daniel Kupper, 20, of Melrose Park, is in Monroe County Correctional Facility on $100,000 bail after Pocono Mountain Regional Police said he stabbed two members of the track's security force during a fight around 3:20 am. Police said Louis Kupper, 23, of Elkins Park, didn't stab either of the two unidentified guards, but is in jail on a parole violation. According to police, the Kuppers were passengers in a van that disobeyed traffic directions given by the event staff at the track's staging area. Both got out of the vehicle and began fighting with security and event staffers. Daniel Kupper then stabbed a 50-year-old security staffer in his neck, shoulder and back, police said. He also stabbed a 55-year-old security staffer in the collarbone and back, police said. Both were taken to local hospitals for treatment. The 55-year-old was listed in stable condition at Lehigh Valley Medical Center, but no condition was available for the 50-year-old victim. Both were employees of the Strike Force Protective Services company. Daniel Kupper is being charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct, public drunkenness and underage drinking. After a Sunday preliminary hearing, he is in jail on $100,000 bail. Louis Kupper is charged with simple assault, furnishing alcohol to a minor, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness. He is being held in the jail on a parole violation and is waiting for an arraignment hearing.(Pocono Record)(8-9-2011)

Keselowski wins at Pocono: an injured #2-Brad Keselowski won the Good Sam RV Insurance 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway for his 3rd career win and 2nd win of 2011. On Wednesday, Keselowski broke his left ankle in a practice wreck at Road Atlanta. On lap 124 there was a heavy rain shower at 3:35pm/et that brought a 1 hour, 40 minute delay of the race. The track was dried and the race restarted and finished.
#18-Busch [who spun early in the race] finished 2nd followed by #22-Busch, #48-Johnson, #39-Newman, #24-Gordon, #99-Edwards, #16-Biffle, #88-Earnhardt Jr. and last weeks race winner #27-Menard. The pole sitter, #20-Logano, who would had won the race if the rain delay ended the race, had a tire go down late and had to pit, finishing 26th.
Points leader going in to the race, #99-Edwards, finished 7th and his lead drops to 9 points over #48-Johnson.
There were 23 lead changes among 10 drivers and 5 cautions for 21 yellow flag laps and a 1:40 red flag for rain. The attendance is listed as 85,000, down from 100,000 last year.
Scheduled Race Re-Air:
ESPN2, Monday, August 8 at 12:00 am/et;
SPEED, Wednesday, August 10 at 12:00pm/et
See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski's Pocono Race Results/Awards page.
See drivers championship points standings on Jayski's Drivers Points Standings page.(8-7-2011)

In Memoriam: On Sunday, August 7th, a Pit Wall Plaque will be dedicated to the memory of John A. Venuti, known to many in the racing world as "The Bear". John was a dear friend of Pocono Raceway and NASCAR.(Pocono Raceway)(8-7-2011)

Revised Pocono Schedule for Sunday: Due to the postponement of the Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service 125 (NASCAR Camping World Truck Series) & Pennsylvania 125 (ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards) races, Pocono Raceway will exchange a Saturday General Admission grandstand ticket for a $25.00 credit towards the purchase of any Sunday Grandstand ticket OR a similar Saturday Grandstand ticket in 2012. Pocono Raceway will also exchange a Saturday Terrace Club ticket for a $75.00 credit towards the purchase of any Sunday ticket valued at $75.00 or more. Fans can exchange their tickets by visiting the Gate # 8 ticket booth behind the Grandstands, beginning at 8:00 am. If the Pre-Race Pits are not open due to competition on the track, Pre-Race Pit /Paddock Pass will be honored for Pre-Race Pit/Paddock admission for either NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway in 2012.
Here is Sunday’s revised schedule of events is as follows:
5:00 a.m. – Parking Lots Open
8:00 a.m. – Grandstand Gates Open
9:00 a.m. – Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service 125 (Truck Series) race
TBD – Pennsylvania 125 (ARCA) race to immediately follow conclusion of Truck Series event
12:00 p.m. – Salute to the Armed Forces Pre-Race Festivities Begin
12:30 p.m. – Sprint Cup Series Driver Introductions
1:00 p.m. – Good Sam RV Insurance 500 (Cup Series) race.(Pocono Raceway)
TV Note: SPEED will offer live coverage of Sunday’s rain-postponed NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race from Pocono Raceway Sunday at 9:00 am/et. NASCAR RaceDay follows the Truck Series race live at 10:00 am/et. SPEED also will provide same-day delayed coverage of the ARCA Racing Series race from Pocono Sunday at 10:00pm/et following Wind Tunnel.(8-7-2011)

Pocono Raceway Forms Multi-Year Partnership with FullCircle Ventures: Pocono Raceway has formed a multi-year agreement with FullCircle Ventures, LLC to represent the track in marketing its assets and creating corporate partnerships. Known as the “Tricky Triangle” for its triangular 2.5-mile layout, Pocono Raceway is just 90 miles from New York and Philadelphia. FullCircle will aggressively promote the track’s close proximity to the nation’s No. 1 and No. 4 television markets, focusing on corporate sponsorship, race entitlement, suite sales and trackside marketing, while also identifying and developing new entertainment opportunities for the track that annually hosts two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race and two ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards events. It features the StockCar Racing Experience, offering fan packages that range from a three-lap ride-along program to an 80-lap driving experience. And from its strong social networking presence to the implementation of SAFER Barriers and new catchfencing all around the 2.5-mile triangle, Pocono Raceway has continued to renovate well after building new competitor garages, a media center and infield care center in 1999. In August 2010, Pocono Raceway opened a 25-acre solar farm capable of producing 3-4 million megawatts of electricity per year. The solar farm allows the track to be totally self-sustaining from an energy perspective, while also providing additional electricity to the local grid – a claim no other racing facility in the country can make. In fact, Pocono Raceway is the largest renewable energy project in the state of Pennsylvania.(Pocono Raceway)(8-7-2011)

Pocono Raceway owner resigns and retires MORE: Pocono Raceway owner Joseph Mattioli has resigned and turned over all his duties to his grandchildren. "It has to stay in the family," said Mattioli, in a June interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer. "I put it in trust. They can't touch it. They can't sell it. The (SOBs) are going to run it, or they're going to starve." Track president and grandson Brandon Igdalsky has added the new title of CEO to his list of duties at the track. The 87-year-old Mattioli fought back tears Friday as he talked about his decision to step down. Mattioli was in a wheelchair and held his wife's hand. Mattioli was a former dentist in the Philadelphia area before he moved to the Poconos in the 1960s. He's known around the track as "Doc."(Pocono Record)(8-5-2011)
MORE see the Doc Mattioli retirement statement at the Pocono Raceway site.(8-7-2011)

Hauler knocks down Pocono flagstand: a Truck Series [#66] team hauler accidentally knocked down the Pocono Raceway flagstand at the start-finish line. The track will use a temporary stand for the weekend.

National Anthem for Pocono: Country recording artist, Lauren Briant, will sing the National Anthem prior to the Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service 125, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Pocono Raceway on Saturday August 6. Later that evening (7:00 - 9:30 pm) she will perform a free concert in the Pocono Raceway infield for infield and RV guests. A fireworks display will follow the concert.
Saturday August 6 will be filled with exciting racing starting with NASCAR Camping World Truck Series qualifying at 9:35 am followed by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Weis Markets qualifying at 10:40 am. Pre-race activities for the Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service 125 begin at 12:30 pm with the green flag scheduled for 1:00 pm. The Pennsylvania 125, ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards race will immediately follow the truck series race. The Lauren Briant infield concert and a fireworks display will conclude a day of exciting, action packed events. Pre-race activities for the Good Sam RV Insurance 500, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race begin at 11:00 am on Sunday August 7. Driver introduction is set for 12:30 pm leading up to the scheduled 1:00 pm start of the Good Sam RV Insurance 500. Good tickets remain for both days but are going fast. To order tickets call the Pocono Raceway Ticket Office toll free at 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929) or online at www.poconoraceway.com. A print at home option is available for online purchases.(Pocono Raceway)(8-2-2011)

Good Sam sponsoring August race at Pocono: Good Sam, the world's largest RV owners community, and Pocono International Raceway, announced the sponsorship of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Camping World Series races at Pocono Raceway on August 6-7 , 2011. The Sprint Cup Series event will be titled the Good Sam RV Insurance 500 and the Camping World Truck Series event will be titled the Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service 125. The Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service 125 will air live on SPEED at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday. August 6, 2011. The Good Sam RV Insurance 500 will air live on ESPN at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, August 7, 2011. For ticket information, visit http://www.poconoraceway.com or call toll free 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929)(Pocono Raceway)(7-21-2011)

More Shifting Now Available At Pocono: For practice, qualifying and the race, all competitors must compete with transmission gear ratios as follows: 1st gear optional; 2nd gear 1.70:1 or greater (1.699 or less will not be permitted); 3rd gear 1.14:1 or greater (1.139 or less will not be permitted); 4th gear must remain 1.00:1. Overdrive ratios will not be permitted.
This is an addendum to the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rule Book which states: Transmission gear ratios between 1.00:1 and 1.28:1 will not be permitted for the remaining forward transmission gears except road course Events. Overdrive gears will not be permitted.
Said John Darby, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Director: "There has been some confusion that shifting was not allowed at Pocono, and that isn't true. The real reason shifting stopped at Pocono was because gear ratios weren't compatible for shifting. Over the last few years, teams have done it with limited success but not on a consistent basis. So, what we did was change transmission gear ratios to make it easier on engines and give teams a better opportunity to use third gear and shift. Primarily it's in an effort to allow the drivers to maximize the RPM on each of the three straightaways. When you look at the race track, you instantly see the issue that they're faced with. The frontstretch is more than 3,700 feet [3,740], the backstretch or the Long Pond Straight is 3,000 [3,055] feet and the short straightaway between the Tunnel Turn and Turn 3 is only 1,780 feet. So consequently [there will be] a straightaway that you don't get anywhere near your maximum potential RPM. This is all done in an effort to try to even those three straightaways out in the RPM that the engine will attain."(NASCAR)(6-10-2011)

Pocono Raceway Festival: This Saturday, June 11th at noon, the Sherman Theater will present the third annual Pocono Raceway Festival located on Main Street in downtown Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Taking place the day before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 5-Hour Energy 500 race at the Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, PA – just minutes down Interstate 80 – this free, all-day long music and racing celebration will have something for everyone in the family. The festival was created in part to support Sunday's race at the Pocono Raceway and to give the fans that are visiting the region something fun to do on the day prior to the race. By combining spectacular show car displays, delicious food vendors, fun games for all ages, and musical performances on several stages, the staff at the Sherman Theater is ready to top last year’s awesome event. Headlining the musical portion of the festival with a rockin’ performance on the 5th street stage will be legendary rock icons Blue Oyster Cult. Known for their classic hits like “Don’t Fear The Reaper”, “Burnin’ For You”, “Godzilla”, and others, these hit makers will keep the Main Street crowd moving.
Although admission to The 2011 Pocono Raceway festival is free, VIP tickets are available at ShermanTheater.com right now for just $8 and include a variety of perks for the fan who is looking for that special experience. Benefits of a VIP ticket include:
* A guaranteed spot in the VIP area closest to the stage for the Blue Oyster Cult show.
* An entry into a raffle on the day of the festival where fans can win any number of cool prizes
* A limited edition poster commemorating the Pocono Raceway Festival with Blue Oyster Cult (while supplies last).
* One ticket to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Pocono Raceway on August 6th, 2011 (while supplies last).
In addition to Blue Oyster Cult, other performances representing various musical genres and styles will run throughout the day on several outdoor stages around the downtown area. Fans will be treated to sets from NEPA favorites MiZ, The Mike Montrey Band, Sherman Theater Clash For Cash winners The Hollow, Waiting For Katie, Mouths of Babes, Sinners Saints, The Kevin Brennan Band, The Holy Goats, Dave Goddess Group, Mystery Fyre, and High Strung.
Rich Berkowitz, Sherman Theater President & CEO, explained why the Sherman works to produce this festival year after year. “This festival is a great opportunity for race fans, local residents, and tourists visiting the Poconos to get acquainted with all that downtown Stroudsburg and the Pocono Mountains have to offer.” Berkowitz continued, “And attending the Pocono Raceway Festival is also an exciting way to support a community treasure like the Sherman Theater.”
The Pocono Raceway Festival highlights all of the great retail, food, and craft attractions downtown Stroudsburg has in store during the time when NASCAR race teams make their way to the Pocono Mountains region for the first Sprint Cup race of the year at Pocono Raceway. This year’s festival will feature:
* A GEICO show car display with fun interactive games and prizes
* The FedEx show car and truck along with a FedEx Racing shop
* The Stock Car Experience with a virtual NASCAR driving simulator
* The Coors Lite NASCAR show car
* The Miss Sprint Cup Girls
* Giveaways and samples from Pocono 500 race title sponsor 5-Hour Energy
* Kitt from Knight Rider
Other attractions at the festival include RC Car Races, Pinewood Derby Races, Rock Wall Climbing, Carnival games with prizes, racing simulators, face painting, air brush tattoos, and NASCAR themed vendors. And for the young fans at the festival, the characters of Blue and Magenta from Blue's Clues: Live will be making an appearance and taking pictures!
In addition to all of this, there will be nearly two hundred different vendors and storefronts with sidewalk sales and specials. Not to mention the over twenty different food vendors and restaurants that will showcase food ranging from Caribbean jerk chicken to pulled pork to deep fried Oreos.
The Pocono Raceway Festival is an event to benefit the nonprofit Sherman Theater, including all of the work that the organization accomplishes with local charities like the Rotary Club, Daffodil Express, and others. Festival attendees are encouraged to purchase raffle tickets on Saturday as all proceeds from the raffle will support the Sherman Theater. These raffle tickets will earn fans the chance to score cool prizes like Terrace Club passes for both NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Pocono Raceway, Martin brand acoustic guitars signed by performing artists like Hinder and moe., and much more.
The 2011 Pocono Raceway Festival could not be produced by the Sherman Theater without help from generous festival sponsors including ESSA Bank, Gray Chevrolet, the Rotary Club of the Stroudsburgs, the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, and the Jacob Stroud Corporation. Sherman Theater media partners for this event include 98.5 KRZ, Viamedia, and the Pocono Record. For more information on the 2011 Pocono Raceway Festival or any of the Sherman Theater’s upcoming events, visit the Sherman online at www.shermantheater.com.(Sherman Theater PR)(6-9-2011)

Pocono Raceway Welcomes Back PepsiCo’s Dream Machine Recycling Program: As we cruise into the 2011 season, Pocono Raceway continues to fuel our recycling efforts by welcoming back the PepsiCo Dream Machine recycling program. Last year, we became the first raceway to launch the program, and are excited to provide race fans with this convenient and rewarding recycling option again this season!
When you recycle your plastic bottles and aluminum cans in a Dream Machine, you can:
* Support post-9/11 U.S. veterans with disabilities;
* Help make our planet a little greener; and
* Earn personal reward points, redeemable for local discounts (kiosks only).
Each time you recycle in a Dream Machine you are taking action to help support a disabled U.S. veteran – the more bottles and cans people recycle in a Dream Machine, the more support PepsiCo will provide to the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities, a national program offering post-9/11 disabled U.S. veterans free education and experiential training in entrepreneurship and small business management.
You’re also helping to make our planet greener; many people are shocked to learn that only one-third of the plastic beverage containers in the United States are recycled – that means that two-thirds often wind up as litter. But, if every household in the U.S. recycled just three more plastic bottles a month, we could divert more than 23 million pounds of plastic from our landfills. When you recycle your plastic bottles or aluminum cans in a Dream Machine kiosk, you can earn points redeemable for local discounts and coupons on entertainment, dining and travel at Greenopolis.com.
The Dream Machine recycling initiative – created by PepsiCo in collaboration with Waste Management, Keep America Beautiful and Greenopolis – is introducing thousands of recycling kiosks and bins at high-traffic, public locations around the country to help increase the U.S. beverage container recycling rate by giving Americans convenient access to recycling receptacles. For more information on the program, visit Facebook.com/DreamMachine. To find Dream Machine locations across North America, visit www.DreamMachineLocator.com.(Pocono Raceway)(6-8-2011)

Destination Pocono offers Transportation Option: Pocono Raceway is partnering once again with Destination Pocono to offer local transportation for residents and tourists to both NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Pocono Raceway in 2011. Destination Pocono will provide 11 pick-up locations for the June 12, Pocono 500 and the August 7, Pennsylvania 500. This service not only alleviates traffic into the race track but also allows people a service of both convenience and safety while reducing carbon emissions.
For only $35.00 per person, race fans will be able to meet a bus at the designated location that is most convenient to them. The bus will enter the track quickly via a bus lane as well as exit after the race in the same bus lane to beat the traffic. Your driver will remain with the bus for easy refills of your cooler and to store any memorabilia you wish to bring home with you. The best part is that the bus actually takes a trip around the track that everyone on board is sure to enjoy.
Destination Pocono is offering the following pick-up locations to choose from: Wilkes-Barre, Montage Mountain, Downtown Scranton, Delaware Water Gap, Mount Pocono, Tannersville, Milford, Greentown/Hawley, White Haven, Hazleton and Easton. Destination Pocono can now book several race ticket packages along with local transportation to consumers.
It's is incredibly easy for you to book your seat as well as your race tickets and upgrades. Visit www.DestinationPocono.com for more information and pricing or call 888-629-8050.(Pocono Raceway)(6-8-2011)

Jason Lee named 5-hour Energy 500 Grand Marshal: Pocono Raceway announced that Jason Lee, star of TNT's Memphis Beat, has been named Grand Marshal for the 5-hour ENERGY 500 at Pocono Raceway on June 12, 2011. Lee, who stars as Memphis police detective Dwight Hendricks, will participate in pre-race activities, which includes giving the command for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers to start their engines. Memphis Beat centers on Hendricks, a detective who considers himself the keeper of Memphis. He inherited a passion for music and an instinct for solving crimes from his father, an officer who was killed in the line of duty when Dwight was a young boy. Dwight sees his hometown of Memphis as a rich, magical place. He is an outstanding detective with a laid-back, easygoing style and an incredible, radar-like intuition about what people are thinking or feeling.(Pocono Racway)(6-7-2011)

Pocono Race becomes the 5-hour Energy 500: Pocono Raceway and 5-hour Energy announce the Sprint Cup Series race, to be held on Sunday, June 12 at "The Tricky Triangle," will be titled the "5-hour Energy 500." Representatives of 5-hour Energy will be stationed throughout the raceway, all weekend long, offering free samples of their 0 sugar, 4 calorie energy shot. Pocono marks the first time 5-hour Energy is sponsoring a race in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series. The Michigan-based brand has a strong presence in NASCAR as the title sponsor for last year's Nationwide Series race in St. Louis and this year's Nationwide Series race in Dover. 5-hour Energy is also in its fourth season as primary sponsor for the Rusty Wallace Racing's #66 entry, driven by Steven Wallace.(Pocono Raceway)(6-5-2011)

Jimmie Johnson Pocono 500 Ticket Package: Pocono Raceway announced the “Jimmie Johnson Pocono Q&A Package,” available for purchase, for the 2011 Pocono 500. Race fans can chose from three Grandstand ticket packages, which include: an exclusive question and answer session with five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion, Jimmie Johnson, a Grandstand ticket and a discounted Pre-Race Pit/Paddock Pass. The available packages are priced at $75 for a Concourse-level ticket, $105 for a Terrace-level ticket and $115 for a Terrace Platinum-level ticket. The Pre-Race Pit/Paddock Pass is good at designated times throughout the weekend and has been reduced to cost $30. Additionally, fans purchasing this package will receive access to Johnson’s Q&A Session, held inside Victory Lane, on Sunday, June 12th, at 10:15 a.m. prior to the start of the Pocono 500. Fans can purchase this ticket package by mentioning the “Jimmie Johnson Pocono Q&A Package” when calling 1-800-RACEWAY (722-3929) or when ordering online by clicking the Packages link at: www.poconoraceway.com/tickets.(Pocono Raceway)(5-31-2011)

Mother's Day Special at Pocono: Pocono Raceway is celebrating Mother's Day with a ticket sale. Show you mother how much you appreciated her by sending her to a live NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Pocono Raceway has slashed their prices on grandstand tickets for both the Pocono and Pennsylvania 500's during this special offer! Concourse tickets are only $22.50 each and Terrace tickets are only $60 each. Tickets are limited to six (6) per order, per customer. Get yours today by clicking here and entering promo code "MOM11" or you can speak to one of our ticket representative at 1-800-RACEWAY!(Pocono Raceway)(5-6-2011)

Pocono Raceway to receive Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence: Pocono Raceway will be one of the recipients of the 2011 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence, presented each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The award highlights the best in environmental innovation and expertise throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is the highest statewide honor bestowed upon businesses and organizations for environmental performance and innovation.
Pocono Raceway is receiving this award for the development of a three megawatt, ground-mount photovoltaic solar energy system that went online in September 2010. The 25-acre solar installation, with its 39,960 photovoltaic modules drawing energy from the sun, has become the primary electric energy source for the Raceway while adding enough electricity to the local power grid to power 1,000 homes. The Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence will be added to a list of awards already bestowed on Pocono Raceway for its solar facility and other environmental initiatives.
The recipients will be honored at a dinner tonight (April 28) at the Hilton Hotel in Harrisburg, PA. The Honorable Michael Krancer, Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, will serve as the keynote speaker and Richard Allan, Acting Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources will speak. Janelle Stelson, News Anchor for WGAL, Channel 8 television will be the program emcee. Brandon Igdalsky, Raceway President and George Ewald, Raceway Vice-President will accept the award on behalf of Pocono Raceway.(Pocono Raceway)(4-29-2011)

Pocono Raceway Honored: The Pocono Raceway Solar Project has been recognized as the winner of the 2011 Excellence in Renewable Energy Awards, Readers Choice Award. Of the hundreds of nominees, The Pocono Raceway Solar Project was one of four finalists selected by the Renewable Energy World Network of Editors. Pocono Raceway’s Solar Project was recognized for its achievements in developing the world’s largest solar-powered sports facility. The award was announced at the Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo in Tampa, Florida on March 8, 2011.
The Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo has been a leading event in the renewable industry for eight years. Jim Callihan, President of RenewableEnergyWorld.com, said of the winner, “Pocono Raceway exemplifies the kind of company that will lead our economy to the next generation of energy excellence and make our planet a safer, cleaner place for the future.”(Pocono Raceway)(3-11-2011)

Qualifying for Pocono races switch to Saturday: The starting lineup for both NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events at Pocono Raceway in 2011 will be determined on Saturday. "The move to Saturday qualifying, traditionally held on Friday, will allow more race fans to enjoy the competition to determine the pole position and the other starting positions ," stated Raceway President, Brandon Igdalsky."Our fans will enjoy a full day of racing action as Sprint Cup qualifying joins an already exciting Saturday schedule at Pocono Raceway."
Qualifying for the June 12, Pocono 500, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event, will be held on Saturday, June 11. The Pocono 200, ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards event, will follow qualifying.
The August 7, Pennsylvania 500, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event weekend will feature two sets of qualifying and two 125 mile races on Saturday August 6; the Pocono Mountains 125, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event and the Pennsylvania 125, ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards event. Qualifying for the Pocono Mountains 125 and the Pennsylvania 500 are scheduled for Saturday morning. The Pocono Mountains 125 and the Pennsylvania 125 races are scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
There will be no shortage of on track action on Friday of both race weekends. A total of close to five hours of practice for the Pocono 500 and Pocono 200, plus Pocono 200 qualifying will be featured on June 10. More than six hours of practice for the Pennsylvania 500, Pocono Mountains 125 and the Pennsylvania 125 are scheduled for August 5. Qualifying for the Pennsylvania 125 will follow practice on August 5.
Tickets for the Pocono 500 and Pennsylvania 500 weekends are on sale now. To purchase tickets call toll free 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929) or online at www.poconoraceway.com.(Pocono Raceway)(1-17-2011)

Holiday tix sale at Pocono: Pocono Raceway has put 1,500 Grandstand & Club Tickets up for grabs at a discounted price. Whether you're buying for yourself or as a gift, this is the chance to experience all the thrills and excitement of a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race LIVE! Go to poconoraceway.com and use promo code SANTA to redeem your 15% discount. Only 1,500 tickets will be held for this Promotion. And Use promo code SANTA and receive 20% off your entire merchandise order (placed by 12/21 at midnight) at shop-poconoraceway.com.(Pocono Raceway)(12-18-2010)

One Million Kilowatt Hours of Electricity Produced at Pocono: Less than four months since energy production began at Pocono Raceway's solar farm, the total amount of electricity produced by the 25 acre facility reached the 1,000,000 kilowatt hour (kWh) mark. The solar installation consists of 39,960 American made photovoltaic modules that will produce more than 72 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy over the next 20 years. The environmental attributes associated with the system will offset more than 3,100 Metric Tons of carbon dioxide annually and will generate enough power to provide the electricity needs for over 1,000 homes beyond the power needs of Pocono Raceway.(Pocono PR)(12-10-2010)

Pocono Announces Multi-Million Dollar Improvements: On June 4th of this year, Pocono Raceway officials announced, safety improvements were to be in place for the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events at the Pennsylvania Superspeedway. Work on those improvements; the installation of a SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barrier in the infield and a catch fence along the back stretch started in mid October and is expected to be completed by the year end.
The ‘new generation’ SAFER barrier, designed by Dr. Dean Sicking and his team at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Midwest Roadside Safety Facility and approved by NASCAR, will run on the entire length of the inside of the track from the exit of turn # 1 to the entrance of turn # 3, a total of 5,516 feet. Pocono Raceway already has SAFER barriers in place in each of the three turns that make up the ‘Tricky Triangle.’
The new catch fence will run from the end of the front stretch and connect with the existing catch fence in turn # 2, a total of 6,155 feet. A catch fence will now surround the entire 2.5 mile length of the race track. “These improvements are aimed at increased driver safety,” stated Brandon Igdalsky, Pocono Raceway President. “We had these projects in the planning stages, before the 2010 Pocono NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events took place.”
Ticket information is available online at www.poconoraceway.com or by calling the Raceway Ticket Office at 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929)(Pocono Raceway)(11-30-2010)

Pocono Raceway Drop Off Location for Toys for Tots Program: Pocono Raceway is proud to announce it has joined the U.S. Marine Corps. Reserve Toys for Tots Program as a drop-off location. The mission of the Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. Everyone who drops off a new, unwrapped toy at the Raceway drop-off bin (located in the Raceway Ticket Office lobby) will be entered to win two Terrace Bistro tickets for the June 12, 2011 Pocono 500, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event. The Terrace Bistro includes reserved club seating, Pre-Race Pit/Paddock Pass, cash bar, private restrooms and food concessions available. Each Terrace Bistro is valued at $150.
The objectives of Toys for Tots Program are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future. All toys collected at the Pocono Raceway location will be distributed to needy children in Monroe County. Mountains Concessions, the Raceway concessioner, is donating 100 hats, 100 Kids T-shirts and 100 die cast cars to kick-off the Raceway collection drive. The Raceway ticket office is located on Long Pond Rd. and is open weekdays from 9:00AM-4:45PM.
With Christmas around the corner, a Pocono Raceway gift certificate would make a great gift to that someone special in your life. Gift certificates are available in any amount and can be redeemed for race tickets to either the June 12th Pocono 500 or the August 7th Pennsylvania 500, NASCAR event weekends. You can purchase gift certificates on line at www.poconoraceway.com, by phone by calling 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929) or at the Raceway Ticket Office.(11-27-2010)

Pocono Raceway recogized for environmental efforts: In recent weeks, Pocono Raceway was the recipient of three awards for its 25 acre, three megawatt solar installation that was dedicated on July 30, 2010. Pocono Raceway accepted the “Green Power: Make It” award from The Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) for the development of a three megawatt solar power array, that will cut greenhouse emissions by nearly 3,000 tons a year. The award was presented at the organization’s 11th annual awards ceremony in Philadelphia.
The second award, the 2010 Bizzy Award for Best Green Marketing Campaign, was presented to Pocono Raceway by the Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce at its fifth annual awards ceremony in Mount Poco#This award recognized the Raceway’s development of the solar farm as well as its implementation of a number of “green initiatives” including recycling and tree planting.
The third award, the Valued Partner Award, was presented to Pocono Raceway by the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau in recognition for its solar power initiative.
The 25-acre solar installation, located adjacent to the 2.5-mile race track, is so large it’s visible from outer space. With its 39,960 photovoltaic modules drawing energy from the sun, it has become the primary electric energy source for the race track while adding electricity to the local power grid. The installation will produce more than 72 megawatts of energy over the next 20 years. The environmental attributes associated with the system will offset more than 2,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually and will generate enough power to provide the electricity needs for close to 1,000 homes beyond the power needs of Pocono Raceway.
Pocono Raceway, in its effort to become the world's first, truly "green" sports facility in operation was the first raceway to be part of the PepsiCo Dream Machine program. With this program, Dream Machine bins and kiosks were located throughout the Grandstand and Infield to make it easier for race fans to recycle bottles and cans that, otherwise, might have been thrown away. The Raceway also placed a Dream Machine kiosk near the ticket office entrance, which is located on Long Pond Rd, and is available to the general public 24/7.
Pocono Raceway participated in the “NASCAR’s Green Flag Tree Planting Program”, which was launched in 2009. The initiative’s goal is to plant 10 trees for every green flag that drops at NASCAR Cup races. NASCAR threw 8 green flags during the 2009 Pocono 500 race; therefore 80 trees were planted locally in Monroe County. Pocono Raceway will be “green” in 2011 as all the electricity used during Pocono Raceway’s 2011 NASCAR race weekends (June 10-12th Pocono 500 and the August 5-7th Pennsylvania 500) will be provided by the solar farm, recycling will be in full force and additional trees will be planted. For race ticket information or to learn more about Pocono Raceway’s green initiatives call 1-800-RACEWAY or visit poconoraceway.com.(Pocono Raceway)(10-15-2010)

Pocono Raceway Offers Dream Machine Recycling to Local Residents: During the recent Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 race weekend, Pocono Raceway kicked off a new recycling program with PepsiCo and Waste Management. Pocono Raceway, in its effort to become the world's first, truly "green" sports facility, has a three megawatt solar farm in operation, and was the first raceway to be part of the PepsiCo Dream Machine program. With this program, Dream Machine bins and kiosks were located throughout the Grandstand and Infield to make it easier for race fans to recycle bottles and cans that, otherwise, might have been thrown away. Pocono Raceway now invites local residents and guests to participate in the PepsiCo Dream Machine program. The Raceway placed a Dream Machine kiosk near the ticket office entrance, which is located on Long Pond Rd, and is available to the general public 24/7. With each can or bottle recycled in the kiosk, PepsiCo will make a donation to the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) which provides job training and guidance to disabled veterans to help them pursue their dreams of starting their own businesses. In addition, Raceway recyclers can also earn points for each item recycled, redeemable for rewards at Greenopolis.com.
Pocono Raceway plans to continue the PepsiCo Dream Machine program for its two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekends in 2011. The Pocono 500, June 10-12 and the Pennsylvania 500 August 5-7. For more information about the Dream Machine program or for 2011 ticket information call 1-800 RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929) of visit poconoraceway.com.(9-29-2010)

Pocono crowd less then reported? The crowd estimated at Pocono Raceway on Aug. 1 fell far below the 100,000 people announced by NASCAR. How far? Try about half that number, according to an independent count by the Pocono Record. Attendance figures at the track long have been closely guarded by Pocono Raceway — though NASCAR does release its own estimates. But secrecy breeds curiosity, and perhaps even nosiness, so the Pocono Record conducted its own count based on aerial photographs and crowd-counting techniques. The images, captured near the start of the race, revealed half-filled grandstands and an infield with vast stretches of grass where vehicles once clustered during past races. The newspaper estimates that only about 48,000 spectators — a figure that includes a nearly 15% cushion to account for a margin of error — were on hand for the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 that day. It is unclear what source NASCAR used as the basis for the 100,000 visitors it cited in official race results — whether it was from tickets sold or turnstile clicks. The sport's governing body did not respond to requests for comment. When asked about the numbers, Pocono Raceway reiterated its long-standing policy of nondisclosure of attendance, which is a common stance among racing venues. "Pocono Raceway is privately owned and as such, we do not give out attendance figures," raceway Vice President Bob Pleban wrote in an e-mail. Pleban did not dispute the Pocono Record's numbers, reaffirming the raceway's position that it does not release these numbers. But he did seek to explain them.(more at the Pocono Record)(8-22-2010)

Pocono announces 2011 Sched: Race fans will have to wait an extra week to see NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing at Pocono Raceway in 2011. Due to a number of changes in the 2011 Sprint Cup schedule, both Sprint Cup races at Pocono have been moved back one week. The 30th annual Pocono 500 is scheduled for June 12 and the 38th annual Pennsylvania 500 is scheduled for August 7. The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, which made its debut at Pocono Raceway in 2010, will return to Pocono on August 6 for the Pocono Mountains 125. The ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards will also be part of the schedule for both of Pocono Raceway's Cup race weekends. The ARCA Racing Series will run on June 11 and will join the Camping World Truck Series for a racing doubleheader on August 6. All ticket renewals for 2010 ticket holders will be emailed by August 19, 2010. Those ticket holders who do not have an email account will be sent a hard copy via mail. A number of payment plans are available for fans renewing their tickets for 2011. Discounts on Grandstand Tickets and Ticket Insurance are also available. For more information, visit poconoraceway.com or call the Pocono ticket office at 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929)(Pocono Raceway)(8-20-2010)

Pocono may give up race date, in a few years: Pocono Raceway co-owner Dr. Joseph Mattioli told Sirius NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody Thursday that he might be willing to give up one of his track’s two race dates, but not in the near future. In recent comments to Yahoo! Sports reporter Brant James, Mattioli implied that two races were now too many for some tracks, including Pocono. However, he said he will retain his two Sprint Cup Series dates until at least 2013, when new NASCAR television contracts take effect. Asked if Pocono will be part of a rumored 2001 schedule shakeup, Mattioli replied, “absolutely not.”(Sirius Speedway)(8-1-2010)

Pocono Raceway announces Grand Marshals: This weekend’s racing action at Pocono Raceway will consist of the star drivers of three of the nation’s top motor sports series; the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards. But before the green flag flies to start the August 1, Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500, stars of a different sort will give the command to fire the engines…10 stars in fact. Four Generals (accounting for 10 stars) from various branches of the military will serve as Co- Grand Marshals for Sunday’s Sprint Cup event.
Four star Air Force General, Roger A. Brady; three star Army Lieutenant General, William N. Phillips; two star National Guard Major General, Randall Marchi; and one star Air National Guard Brigadier General, Roy E. Uptegraff III, will give the command “Gentleman Start Your Engines” that will bring to life 43 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race cars. Gates open at 9:00AM Sunday with pre-race activities beginning at 11:00AM all leading upto the 1:00PM start of the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500. Tickets are available by calling the Pocono Raceway Ticket office at 1-800-RACEWAY or visiting www.poconoraceway.com . Online purchasers have a print at home option. Tickets are also available at the gate.(Pocono Raceway)(7-31-2010)

Pocono Raceway Activates World's Largest Solar Powered Sports Facility: As the country begins to aggressively seek alternative energy sources, a significant new solar energy project is ready to flip the switch in what might be considered an unlikely place – a NASCAR racetrack in Long Pond, PA. Yet, considering the major sustainability programs being initiated throughout the NASCAR industry, the 3 megawatt ground-mount photovoltaic solar energy system at Pocono Raceway is completely in step with a sport taking major strides to preserve the environment. The 25-acre solar installation, located adjacent to the 2.5-mile race track, is so large it’s visible from outer space. With its 40,000 photovoltaic modules drawing energy from the sun, it will become the primary electric energy source for the race track while adding electricity to the local power grid.
The Pocono Raceway Solar Project, developed by enXco, and owned by Pocono Raceway, host of two annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series summer events, is located along Long Pond Road adjacent to the storied raceway on land that previously served fan parking needs but is no longer used due to a reconfiguration of other parking lots on the property.
The installation consists of nearly 40,000 American made photovoltaic modules that will produce more than 72 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy over the next 20 years. The environmental attributes associated with the system will offset more than 3,104 Metric Tons of carbon dioxide annually and will generate enough power to provide the electricity needs for over 1,000 homes beyond the power needs of Pocono Raceway. Tickets are available for the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 by calling the Pocono Raceway Ticket office at 1-800-RACEWAY or visiting www.poconoraceway.com . Online purchasers have a print at home option. Tickets are also available at the gate.(Pocono Raceway)(7-31-2010)

Pocono Raceway going green with buses: To reduce the environmental impact of the thousands of NASCAR fans traveling into the Poconos for the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 on August 1st , Pocono Raceway is continuing their “green” campaign by encouraging race fans to park their cars and ride in on special charter buses. By participating in this program, fans can reduce the effect of their presence on local roadways and enjoy a safer travel option.
The buses are available to all fans, local residents and visitors alike. Early morning departures from area park-and-ride locations will provide timely arrivals at the racetrack, giving fans plenty of time to enjoy the track’s festivities, shop its vendors, and utilize Pit/Paddock Passes. As a special treat for using this service, fans will also enjoy a lap around “The Tricky Triangle” upon arrival.
Pocono Raceway, along with Martz Trailways and Destination Pocono, began this bus program two years ago. Last year’s four pick-up locations have exploded to eleven, covering the entire four-county Pocono region and New York City. This year, race fans can park and ride from one of the following locations: Wilkes-Barre, Montage Mountain, Downtown Scranton, Delaware Water Gap, Mount Pocono, Tannersville, Milford, Greentown/Hawley, Hazleton and White Haven. Seats are available at $29.99 per rider locally, and $69.99 from New York City.
Pocono Raceway is encouraging fans to contact Destination Pocono for their complete race planning. Area hotels are also partnering with Destination Pocono to offer complete weekend packages that include accommodations, race tickets, upgrades and bus seats. This means that fans can receive complete, one-stop race planning service when gearing up for the August 1, Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 . For more information, please visit www.DestinationPocono.com or call our toll-free number at 888-629-8050.(Pocono Raceway)(7-28-2010)

Franklin Institute in Philadelphia will host its annual Race Car Day on Wednesday July 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Among those represented will be Pocono Raceway, New Jersey Motorsports Park, the Philadelphia region of the Sports Car Club of America, and Drexel University's Formula SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) team. One lucky child will drop the Green Flag at the Pocono Raceway ARCA race on Saturday, July 31, 2010, plus receive 4 tickets to the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Pocono on Sunday, August 1, The winner will be announced during the event.

Sunoco Sponsors Pocono Race to Raise Money for Red Cross: The American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) Chapter announced the launch of The Pocono Raceway Sunoco Red Cross Ultimate Fan Experience. Now through July 16th, fans can enter to win a wonderful grand prize which includes a trip to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Banquet in Las Vegas and the chance to wave the “Green Flag” at the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 race on August 1st. More info on my Racing Contest page, Proceeds from the race will go to Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter’s one-of-a-kind Red Cross House, which provides free of charge, food, clothing, and shelter to victims of disasters, like fires and floods.(Pocono Raceway)(7-19-2010)

Pocono looks to make fixes: Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition, said Pocono Raceway officials are looking at possible safety improvements in light of last weekend's crash by Kasey Kahne, where he nearly climbed over a cement wall that had no catchfence above it.(Roanoke Times)(6-14-2010)

Pocono Raceway Replacing Inner Guard Rails with SAFER Barrier: Following recommendations from NASCAR and the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Pocono Raceway will be replacing the inner guard rail of the facility with a SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barrier. The track's new inner wall will run the length of the "Long Pond Straight" between turns one and two, and will continue the rest of the distance between turns two and three. Construction of the SAFER barrier will be completed for the 2011 NASCAR season.(Pocono Raceway)(6-5-2010)

Pocono Raceway Kid's Day Set for June 5th: Pocono Raceway will be holding its Annual Kid’s Day in the Chalet Village on Saturday, June 5th, 2010. It is going to be a day filled with racing and fun for everyone who attends. With activities like face painting, racing simulators, driver appearances and much more, this year’s Kid’s Day event will be the place to be. Gates will open at 9:00am and the party will last until 1:00pm, just before the start of the ARCA Racing Series’ “Messina Wildlife Animal Stopper 200.” Activities are free for everyone! For more information, please call Pocono Raceway at 570-646-2300.(PR)(6-4-2010)

Take a Bus to the Pocono Races: Pocono Raceway is teaming up with Destination Pocono to make your trip to the track even easier. As part of the track’s “Green Initiative”, fans are being encouraged to take advantage of special buses being used this race weekend specifically to transport fans both to and from the raceway. Covering the entire four-county Pocono region and New York City, race fans can park and ride from one of the following locations: Wilkes-Barre, Montage Mountain, Downtown Scranton, Delaware Water Gap, Mount Pocono, Tannersville, Milford, Greentown/Hawley, Hazleton and White Haven. Seats are available at $29.99 per rider locally, and $69.99 from New York City. For more information, please check online at DestinationPocono.com or call their toll-free number at 888-629-8050.(PR)(6-4-2010)

WWE Superstar John Cena to Serve as Co-Grand Marshal at Pocono: Gillette announced that WWE Superstar John Cena will serve as Co-Grand Marshal along with “Gillette Fusion ProGlide Believers” at the Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500 Presented by Target at Pocono Raceway on June 6, 2010. Leading up to the race, Cena and the Gillette Young Guns, including Kyle Busch, Clint Bowyer, Carl Edwards, Denny Hamlin, Kasey Kahne, Joey Logano along with Ryan Newman will invade the campgrounds race weekend in an effort to turn NASCAR fans from “skeptics” to “believers” of Gillette’s newest razor – the Gillette Fusion ProGlide. Select “believers” also will have the opportunity to participate with Cena in the pre-race activities, which includes commanding the drivers to start their engines. The Fusion ProGlide shaving system is a significant advancement in shaving performance will be available to consumers in stores on June 6. The Gillette drivers will be incorporated into all planned activations, including at-track, creative and digital, to support the launch of the Gillette Fusion ProGlide. Gillette continues to utilize NASCAR as a vehicle to market its brand. Since its inception in 2003, the Gillette Young Guns program has been at the forefront of all its NASCAR-related activations. For Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500 ticket information visit poconoraceway.com or call toll free 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929). As part of the race entitlement, Pocono Raceway is offering a 15% discount on tickets throughout the race weekend when you enter the promotional code, “PROGLIDE”.(Pocono Raceway)(6-3-2010)

enXco starts construction on Pocono 3 MW Solar Project: enXco recently started of construction on the 3 MW photovoltaic array at Pocono Raceway Solar Project. enXco will design and construct the project and then turn it over to Pocono Raceway upon completion. The Pocono Raceway Solar Project will be constructed along Long Pond Road on approximately 25 acres of land. The solar system, expected to generate clean electricity for the raceway later this summer, will consist of nearly 40,000 photovoltaic modules and reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 2,370 tons annually. The new solar energy system will become the primary electric energy source for the race track and will also benefit the local power grid. With the deregulation of Pennsylvania’s electric utility laws allowing more flexibility on power purchases, the track found there is no better time to upgrade their facility.(enXco/Pocono Raceway)(6-3-2010)

The Pocono Raceway Festival Is Back In Stroudsburg: On Saturday, June 5th, the Sherman Theater presents the second annual Pocono Raceway Festival on Main Street in downtown Stroudsburg, PA. Taking place the day before the Gillette Pro Glide 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at the Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, PA – just minutes down Interstate 80 – this free, all-day long music and racing celebration and festival will have something for everyone in the family.
By combining spectacular show car displays, delicious food vendors, fun games for all ages, and musical performances on three stages, the staff at the Sherman Theater plan to outdo themselves in trying to top last year’s amazing event. Headlining the musical portion of the festival with a rockin’ performance on the main stage will be none other than southern rock legends Molly Hatchet.
The Pocono Raceway Festival highlights all of the great retail, food, and craft attractions downtown Stroudsburg has in store as NASCAR race teams make their way to the Pocono Mountains region for the first Sprint Cup race of the year at Pocono Raceway. This year’s festival will feature numerous vehicles on display including:

* A GEICO show car display with fun interactive games and prizes
* The FedEx show car and truck along with a FedEx Racing shop
* The Aaron’s Rents show car plus a virtual NASCAR driving simulator
* A first ever look at the new NASCAR Camping World Truck series race truck
* The U.S. Army Special Forces Semi packed with fun games
* The newest and hottest Harleys from Schoch Harley-Davidson Buell

Pocono gets race title sponsor: Gillette announced that it will sponsor the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway on June 6, 2010. The event will be titled the Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500 Presented by Target. The date of the race coincides with the official launch of the Gillette Fusion ProGlide shaving system, a significant advancement in shaving performance and comfort. All activities to promote the race will be designed to support the new razor, which will also be available to consumers in stores on June 6, 2010. “We are very excited about our upcoming partnership with Pocono Raceway and Target,” said Michelle Potorski, Associate Marketing Director, Gillette North America. “The race sponsorship provides the perfect opportunity to further enhance our efforts to inform consumers of the engineering advancements and breakthrough technology achieved with the Gillette Fusion ProGlide.” Gillette continues to utilize NASCAR as a vehicle to market its brand. Since its inception in 2003, the Gillette Young Guns program has been at the forefront of all its NASCAR-related activations. The Gillette Young Guns drivers, which include Clint Bowyer, Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Denny Hamlin, Kasey Kahne and Joey Logano, will also be incorporated into all planned activations, including at-track, creative and digital, to support the launch of the Gillette Fusion ProGlide. “It is an honor and a privilege for Pocono Raceway to partner with both Gillette and Target on the launch of this terrific new Gillette Fusion ProGlide,” said Brandon Igdalsky, President, Pocono Raceway. “The staff at Pocono that tried the new Fusion ProGlide has each become ‘Believers’ of this great new razor! And on June 6, everyone in America will be able to use the new Gillette Fusion ProGlide and become a ‘Believer’ themselves!” As part of the race entitlement, Pocono Raceway is offering a 15% discount on tickets throughout the race weekend when you enter the promotional code, “PROGLIDE”. All the Gillette Young Guns, including Gillette driver Ryan Newman will be giving away tickets to the Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500 presented by Target. Each driver has an allotment of tickets to distribute throughout various outlets including social networking sites, fan clubs, charities, etc. For ticket information visit poconoraceway.com or call toll free 1-800-RACEWAY.(Pocono Raceway)(4-23-2010)

Pocono Raceway & Destination Pocono team up: To help reduce the environmental impact created by the thousands of NASCAR fans that travel in for the Pocono 500 & the Pennsylvania 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races each summer, Pocono Raceway is thinking "green" again this year by encouraging race fans to park their cars and ride in on special buses. By participating in this program, fans can reduce the effect of their presence on local roadways and enjoy a safer travel option. The buses are available to all fans, local residents and visitors alike. A quick arrival at the track is ensured by specially-designated bus lanes and the help of Sheriff's department escorts. As a special treat for using this service, the arrival concludes with a lap around "the Tricky Triangle."(Pocono Raceway)(1-31-2010)

2010 Pocono Raceway Tickets now on sale: The deadline for fans renewing their tickets for 2010 at Pocono Raceway has expired, which means all remaining tickets for Pocono Raceway’s June 6 Pocono 500 and August 1 Pennsylvania 500, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races are now on sale. A wide selection of grandstand seats, starting at just $45, are now available to the general public. In addition, all remaining Premium Seats, including the new Terrace Bistro and $100 Club @ Club Pocono are also available. Tickets for all Pocono Raceway events can be purchased online at www.poconoraceway.com or by calling 1-800-RACEWAY.(Pocono Raceway)(12-8-2009)

Pocono Raceway owner honored: WVIA announced Dr. Joseph Mattioli as the 2009 Great Pennsylvanian. To celebrate WVIA-TV will premiere a new biographical film, Dr. Joseph Mattioli: Always Moving Forward, on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. on WVIA-TV. It will also be shown in the Abeloff Theater on the East Stroudsburg University campus that night. Dr. Mattioli is the sixth Great Pennsylvanian in WVIA’s original series. The impact of Dr. Joseph Mattioli’s Pocono Raceway has gone far beyond the world of auto racing to become an economic and social center of Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains region. Dr. Joseph Mattioli: Always Moving Forward is a one-hour WVIA original documentary film celebrating the life and accomplishments of Dr. Joseph Mattioli, from his humble beginnings in the rural coal regions of Northeastern Pennsylvania to becoming an incredible businessman, all the while living life by two rules: always do what you love and always move forward. The Mattioli family’s philanthropic efforts in education and health care continue to improve the lives of everyone they touch. More info and schedule at wvia.org.(10-27-2009)

T-shirt seller arrested at Pocono Raceway on counterfeiting charge: A Michigan man was arrested and charged with selling knock-off NASCAR shirts at Pocono Raceway on Monday instead of officially licensed merchandise. Michael Quatrine, 45, has been arrested for selling fakes before. According to Pocono Mountain Regional Police, Quatrine has been arrested in California, Delaware, Michigan and South Carolina and other states for trademark counterfeiting. "We do counterfeit enforcement at tracks around the country. If not watched it can become pervasive," said Tom Sullivan, NASCAR's manager of business communications. Although NASCAR was not inspecting at Pocono on Monday, track workers were on the lookout for fake merchandise. Pocono Raceway employee Roger Green told police he saw Quatrine selling counterfeit Pocono Raceway T-shirts and detained him until police arrived. While investigating the complaint, a man told police he had purchased two shirts from Quatrine for $5 each and showed police the shirts. They matched the shirts Quatrine had in his possession. According the criminal complaint, Pocono Raceway employee Looie McNally identified the shirts as fakes by comparing labels and also showing the Sprint/NASCAR markings were fraudulent and misbranded. He was charged with trademark counterfeiting, a third-degree felony as a repeat offense, and arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Richard Claypool. Quatrine was being held in Monroe County Correctional Facility in lieu of $5,000 bail. Pocono Raceway spokesperson Bob Pleban said the track had no comment on the arrest. "It's not just about the loss of revenue to drivers and teams," said Joe Mattes, interim president of Motorsports Authentics. As the largest licensee in NASCAR, a vendor for more than 80 drivers, Motorsports Authentics makes more than 90% of the diecast products fans find trackside and on stores shelves in Wal-Mart and Kmart.(Pocono Record)(8-5-2009)

Why Pocono teamed up with the Red Cross and Sunoco: Back in the 1990s, Dr. Joseph Mattioli, the chairman of Pocono Raceway, decided he didn't need title sponsors for the track's two NASCAR races each year. Mattioli branded the June race the Pocono 500 and the summer race the Pennsylvania 500. Last year, the summer event became the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500. Track president Brandon Igdalsky, Mattioli's grandson, said yesterday he didn't have to twist his grandfather's arm to affiliate Sunoco and Red Cross with the Pennsylvania 500. "I knew he had a soft spot with the charitable stuff," Igdalsky said. "His big thing has been to give back. This was an easy one. When we explained the concept, he said, 'Heck, yeah.' " Sunoco and Red Cross are not the traditional title sponsors who pay about $2 million per race to tracks. Tom Foley, CEO of the Red Cross' southeastern Pennsylvania chapter based in Philadelphia, said Sunoco makes a significant contribution to the Mattioli Foundation, which then donates the money to the Red Cross chapter. Sunoco, also Philadelphia based, is the official fuel of NASCAR. Igdalsky and Foley said they are hopeful that the Pocono/Red Cross/Sunoco relationship will continue after this year.(Philadelphia Daily News)(8-4-2009)

Pocono Raceway to install a solar farm: Pocono Raceway is getting ready to “Go Green” by installing a three megawatt solar farm, which will power all the track’s energy needs and support the local energy grid. A groundbreaking ceremony, conducted today (July 31), was held before a media corps covering the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 race weekend activities at Pocono Raceway. Working in conjunction with enXco, an EDF EN Company, and Evolution Energies the new Pocono Raceway Solar Farm will be constructed along Long Pond Road. The project is a 3.0MW photovoltaic array on approximately 25 acres and will consist of nearly 40,000 photovoltaic modules. The Solar Farm is being constructed on land that used to be parking lots that are no longer used due to a reconfiguration of other parking lots on Raceway property. The project is set to be completed by the spring of 2010. The new solar panel system will become the primary electric energy source for the race track and will also benefit the local power grid. With the deregulation of Pennsylvania’s electric utility laws allowing more flexibility on power purchases, the track found there is no better time to upgrade their facility. Brandon Igdalsky, Track President said, “This new system will not only satisfy the Raceway’s energy needs, it will allow us to help power close to one thousand homes and lower carbon dioxide emissions by 5,100 tons every year.” The Pocono Raceway solar installation is unique in that it will be the only sports facility in the world to generate clean renewable energy on site which will more than offset its annual electricity consumption. This will in effect make the track the first truly “green” sports facility in the world.(Pocono Raceway)(8-1-2009)

Bacardi Bistro to debut at Pocono: Infield race fans attending the Pocono Raceway Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500, July 31 to Aug. 2, will find a new addition – the Bacardi Bistro. The Bacardi Bistro, will provide infield fans the opportunity to purchase beverages, snacks and tasty food offerings including Notis The Gyro King - serving the tastiest sandwich in town, a Greek specialty that is nothing like you tasted before. It was voted #1 sandwich in the Wyoming Valley for the past 15 years. The Bacardi Bistro will feature limited mixed adult beverages, Yuengling beer, TV’s, indoor seating in an up scale chalet and an outdoor umbrella covered patio. Access to the Chalet will be restricted to fans 21 and older. Locate adjacent to the Tunnel Road, the Bacardi Bistro will be readily accessible to all infield race fans. For Pocono Raceway ticket information, call toll free 1-800-RACEWAY or visit poconoraceway.com and choose the convenient print at home option.(7-31-2009)

Blue Grass Concerts at Pocono: The Yabutz.com Blue Grass Concerts will showcase top blue grass artists including Ricky Skaggs, Steep Canyon Rangers, Charlie Sizemore Band, Dailey & Vincent, Del McCoury Band, Cherryholmes, Blue Highway and SteelDrivers on July 31st and August 1st. The concerts, being presented by Yabutz.com, are free to infield campers attending the race. Additionally grandstand fans can also attend the concerts and visit the Bacardi Bistro by purchasing a one day infield ticket for $25 or a 2 day infield ticket for $40 in addition to their grandstand tickets. These one day infield tickets will allow fans to drive their vehicles into the infield for the day, exiting at the conclusion of the concerts. For more information visit yabutz.com/bluegrass. For Pocono Raceway ticket information, call toll free 1-800-RACEWAY or visit poconoraceway.com and choose the convenient print at home option.(7-31-2009)

Man wins 'Sunoco Red Cross Ultimate Fan Experience: James Ruscigno, of Wappingers Falls, NY, won the Sunoco Red Cross Ultimate Fan Experience. Ruscigno will wave the green flag as the Official Starter of the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500, July 31 - August 2, 2009 at Pocono Raceway. As the grand prize winner, Ruscigno will also experience a Hot Lap with NASCAR Driver #16-Greg Biffle, serve as an honorary member of Biffle's pit crew with three friends during the race, as well as attend the driver's meeting and be on stage during driver introductions before the race. In addition to sponsoring the Sunoco Red Cross Ultimate Fan Experience, Sunoco, Inc. is lending marketing and promotional support to the August race with signage at 1,826 retail locations in the Mid-Atlantic region. Sunoco has also highlighted the event on its website, www.GoSunoco.com, and provided a link to the Pocono Raceway ticket sales site in order to encourage fans to use the promo code, REDCROSS, and help raise money for the American Red Cross. Ten percent of all tickets sold through the promotion benefited American Red Cross local disaster relief. Ruscigno is one of more than 500 entrants into the contest who either made an online donation in support of the American Red Cross or purchased race tickets using the promo code.(Red Cross)(7-30-2009)

Fans top priority at Pocono Raceway: The excitement of the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 on August 2nd at Pocono Raceway is fast approaching. Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and Saturday's ARCA RE/MAX Series race, the Pennsylvania 200, will showcase the greatest race car drivers and race teams in the nation. The atmosphere, drama and excitement of major league stock car racing are unparalleled in sports. NASCAR fans are the most loyal and passionate fans in the world of sports and taking care of our fans is a top priority at Pocono Raceway. Listed below is information that will help our fans while at the Raceway. The weekend schedule of racing activities is also included. Grandstand gates open at 8:00am Friday and Saturday, 9:00am Sunday. Grandstand parking lots open at 5:00am Sunday. If fans need assistance at any time during their visit, simply contact Fan Assistance at (570) 643-7184, help@poconoraceway.com or text SOS then "your message" to 84444. Remember that Pocono Raceway fans may stay in all camping areas and the grandstand parking lots until noon on Monday at no additional charge. For Pocono Raceway ticket information, call toll free 1-800-RACEWAY or visit poconoraceway.com and choose the convenient print at home option.(7-30-2009)