Pocono Raceway facts for kids
| The Tricky Triangle | |
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Tri-oval (1971–present)
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| Location | 1234 Long Pond Road Blakeslee, Pennsylvania 18334 |
| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (UTC−04:00 DST) |
| Coordinates | 41°03′40″N 75°30′30″W / 41.0611°N 75.5084°W |
| Capacity | Not publicly known; 2021 estimate at 76,812 |
| Owner | Mattco, Inc. |
| Broke ground | July 8, 1965 |
| Opened | May 4, 1969 (initial oval) July 19, 1971 (tri-oval) |
| Construction cost | $6 million USD |
| Former names | Pocono International Raceway |
| Major events | Current: NASCAR Cup Series The Great American Getaway 400 (1971–present) Pocono Organics CBD 325 (1982–2021) NASCAR Xfinity Series Explore the Pocono Mountains 250 (2016–present) NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series MillerTech Battery 200 (2010–present) Former: Various open-wheel sanctioning bodies Pocono 500 (1971–1989, 2013–2019) IMSA GT Championship Grand Prix at Pocono (1981–1985) AMA Superbike Championship (1977–1978, 1980–1986) Trans-Am Series (1975–1976) |
| Tri-oval (1971–present) | |
| Surface | Asphalt |
| Length | 2.500 mi (4.023 km) |
| Turns | 3 |
| Banking | Turn 1: 14° Turn 2: 8° Turn 3: 6° |
| Race lap record | 0:40.9009 ( Ryan Briscoe, Dallara DW12, 2014, IndyCar) |
| Road Course (1985–present) | |
| Surface | Asphalt |
| Length | 2.500 mi (4.023 km) |
| Turns | 7 |
| Banking | Turn 1: 14° Turn 2: 8° |
| Race lap record | 1:15.440 ( Al Holbert, Porsche 962, 1985, IMSA GTP) |
| Road Course (1973–1984) | |
| Surface | Asphalt |
| Length | 2.800 mi (4.506 km) |
| Turns | 8 |
| Banking | Turn 1: 14° Turn 2: 8° |
| Race lap record | 1:20.200 ( Danny Ongais/ Vern Schuppan, Lola T332C/Eagle 755, 1976, F5000) |
| Short Road Course (1969–1984) | |
| Surface | Asphalt |
| Length | 1.800 mi (2.897 km) |
| Turns | 7 |
| Banking | Turn 3: 6° |
| Race lap record | 0:54.344 ( Eppie Wietzes, Lola T330, 1973, F5000) |
| Original Short Oval (1969–1990s) | |
| Surface | Asphalt |
| Length | 0.750 mi (1.207 km) |
| Turns | 4 |
Pocono Raceway is a famous race track in Blakeslee, Pennsylvania. It's often called "The Tricky Triangle" because of its unique shape. This track is 2.5 miles (4.023 km) long. Since it opened in 1969, it has hosted many exciting races. These include NASCAR and IndyCar Series events. Mattco, Inc. owns the track, and Nick Igdalsky is its current CEO.
Pocono Raceway took over ten years to plan and build. It first opened in 1969. Early on, there were disagreements about the track's future. Joseph Mattioli, an investor, took over control. The main tri-oval track opened in 1971. The track faced money problems in the 1970s. However, it became successful in the mid-1980s, thanks to its popular NASCAR races. In the 1990s and 2000s, Pocono Raceway grew a lot. It added more seats and improved its facilities.
Contents
Discovering Pocono Raceway
What Makes the Track Special?
Pocono Raceway's main track is 2.5 miles (4.023 km) long. It's special because it has only three turns, unlike most oval tracks. Each turn is different:
- Turn 1 has a steep 14-degree bank.
- Turn 2 has an 8-degree bank.
- Turn 3 has a gentler 6-degree bank.
These turns were inspired by other famous racetracks. Track designer Rodger Ward based Turn 1 on Trenton Speedway. Turn 2 was inspired by Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Turn 3 was modeled after the Milwaukee Mile. Besides the main tri-oval, Pocono Raceway also has many road course layouts. There are 44 possible ways to set up these courses!
Track Location and Features
Pocono Raceway is located in Blakeslee, Pennsylvania. It's easy to get to from Interstate 80 and Pennsylvania Route 115. The track doesn't share its exact seating numbers. However, in 2021, it was estimated to hold about 76,812 fans.
The History of Pocono Raceway
How the Track Was Built
In 1957, some racing fans in Pennsylvania wanted a new race track. They formed a company called Racing, Inc. After looking at many places, they bought over 1,025 acres (415 ha) of land in Blakeslee in 1962. They planned to build a huge racing facility. It was first called the "Pocono Mountains International Raceway."
The company started selling shares to raise money. They planned for 110,000 grandstand seats. The track layout was revealed to be a 2.5-mile (4.023 km) oval. In January 1963, the first small races were held on a temporary track. These events were a success.
Building Challenges and Delays
Construction began on November 9, 1964. The track design changed to a "top secret" layout. By April 1965, plans grew to include a smaller 0.75-mile (1.207 km) oval. This smaller oval was meant to host the first race.
Two months later, the secret design was revealed as a tri-oval. Plans also included a 3-mile (4.828 km) road course and a dragstrip. Groundbreaking for the now-named Pocono International Raceway (PIR) happened on July 8, 1965. The opening was set for September 5, but constant rain caused delays.
More delays followed into 1966 and 1967 due to bad weather and money problems. A construction company even filed a lawsuit over unpaid bills. These legal battles stopped construction for almost two years. Work finally restarted in July 1968. After more weather delays, the track's opening was pushed to spring 1969.
Early Years of Racing
PIR officially opened on May 4, 1969. The first race was a supermodified event on the 0.75-mile (1.207 km) oval. Sadly, the track saw its first accident during this event. The short road course, 1.8 miles (2.897 km) long, opened about four months later.
In 1970, the United States Auto Club (USAC) agreed to host a 500-mile (805 km) race on the new 2.5-mile (4.023 km) tri-oval. The track didn't make money in its first two years. Joseph Mattioli, who had helped pay for the track, became the new CEO in 1971.
The tri-oval's paving was finished in late 1970. Testing began in November. Seating capacity grew from 10,000 to over 69,000. The entire facility cost $6 million to build.
The tri-oval had its official opening ceremony on June 19, 1971. The first race there was on July 3, won by Mark Donohue. Later that year, Butch Hartman won the first major stock car race. In 1973, parts of the road course were repaved.
After USAC's contract ended in 1973, the track faced serious money problems. Mattioli thought about selling it. But NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. convinced him to keep it. Pocono Raceway then hosted its first NASCAR Cup Series race in 1974, won by Richard Petty.
Overcoming Financial Challenges
In 1979, the track faced more financial difficulties. A new racing league, Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART), had formed. Many drivers boycotted the USAC race at Pocono. This, along with other economic issues, hurt the event. Pocono Raceway even sued CART.
To help the track, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway leased it for a year in 1980. In 1981, Mattioli considered selling the track again. After another CART boycott, Pocono Raceway sued CART once more.
In 1982, Mattioli decided to keep the track open. He added a second annual Cup Series weekend. CART settled their lawsuit and signed a new contract. By 1983, the track was doing much better. Mattioli said that adding the second Cup Series race saved the facility.
Growth and Upgrades in the 1990s
In 1984, the track's frontstretch and pit road were repaved. A new victory lane was built. Two years later, 14 pit road suites were added. The first and second turns of the tri-oval were repaved. By 1987, the track was financially stable again.
However, open-wheel drivers started complaining about the track's bumpy surface. They said it was unsafe. Because of these safety concerns, the Pocono 500 race was removed from the CART schedule after 1989. Mattioli also mentioned that the race was not making enough money.
Pocono Raceway underwent major renovations in the 1990s. In 1990, they improved the track's appearance. They added a concrete wall in turns one and two. They planted 500 trees and many flowers. The sewer system was also upgraded.
In 1991 and 1992, two new grandstands were added, increasing seating capacity. In 1994, Mattioli tried to buy out other owners to get money for more expansion. He hoped to add a hotel, a water park, and 20,000 more seats.
A $5 million improvement project finished in 1995. It updated the garages and added new features. In 1996, the tri-oval was completely repaved for the first time since it opened. Mattioli denied rumors of selling the track. He said it was meant for his grandchildren. More seats were added in 1997 and 1999. The garage area also got a $7 million upgrade. From 1990 to 2000, Mattioli spent about $3 million each year on improvements. During these changes, the original 0.75-mile (1.207 km) oval was removed.
Modern Era and Safety Improvements
In 2004, SAFER barriers were installed around the tri-oval. These special walls help absorb impact during crashes. This was a safety improvement after Dale Earnhardt's death in 2001. That same year, Pocono Raceway considered opening a casino. They planned a $300 million complex. But the idea was dropped because the family wouldn't have control over it.
In 2006, instead of a casino, they announced plans for a $50 million resort. Construction started in 2007, and the first units opened in 2009. Also in 2007, Mattioli's grandson, Brandon Igdalsky, became the track's president. In 2008, the third turn of the tri-oval was repaved due to cracks.
In 2009, work began on a 25-acre (10 ha) solar panel farm. This farm was completed in 2010. It now powers the entire track with clean energy. After a crash in 2010 where a car almost left the track, more SAFER barriers and catchfences were installed.
Changes After the Mattioli Era
On August 5, 2011, Joseph Mattioli retired as CEO. His grandson, Brandon Igdalsky, took over. Two months later, the track announced a full repaving. This was the first complete repave since 1996. It was finished for the 2012 racing season.
In September 2012, major open-wheel racing returned. The IndyCar Series scheduled a race for 2013. The track's infield road course was upgraded in 2013. In 2014, curbing was removed from the tri-oval's second turn.
In 2015, a sad event occurred. IndyCar driver Justin Wilson died after being hit by debris. In the next two years, more SAFER barriers were added. They now completely surround the track. In August 2017, Brandon Igdalsky left his role. His younger brother, Nick, became the new CEO.
In 2019, IndyCar decided to stop racing at Pocono. This was due to ongoing safety concerns. These concerns followed Wilson's death and a crash in 2018 that paralyzed driver Robert Wickens. In 2021, NASCAR also reduced its schedule, dropping one of its two annual races.
Exciting Events at Pocono Raceway
Racing Competitions
NASCAR Races
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Pocono Raceway hosts one big NASCAR weekend each year. The main event is a NASCAR Cup Series race called The Great American Getaway 400.
The weekend also features support races:
- The NASCAR Xfinity Series' Explore the Pocono Mountains 250.
- The NASCAR Truck Series' MillerTech Battery 200.
In 2020, NASCAR held its first "tripleheader" event here. All three races ran on the same day because a Truck Series race was delayed by rain.
Open-Wheel Racing
The first major open-wheel races at Pocono Raceway were in 1971. These 500-mile (805 km) events were run on the tri-oval. They were sanctioned by the United States Auto Club (USAC). In 1982, Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) took over the event.
After many safety complaints, CART stopped racing at Pocono after 1989. Open-wheel racing returned with the IndyCar Series in 2013. However, due to more safety concerns, IndyCar decided to leave the track after the 2019 season. This decision followed the fatal crash of Justin Wilson and the crash that paralyzed Robert Wickens.
Other Exciting Races
- From 1975 to 1976, Pocono Raceway hosted annual Trans-Am Series races.
- From 1981 to 1985, it held annual IMSA GT Championship races.
Fun Beyond Racing
- In 1972, Pocono Raceway hosted Concert 10. This was a two-day rock music festival with about 200,000 people!
- Since 2022, the track has been home to the Elements Music Festival. This is a popular EDM music and arts festival.
Fastest Laps at Pocono Raceway
As of July 2022, here are some of the fastest official race lap records at Pocono Raceway:
| Category | Time | Driver | Vehicle | Event |
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| Tri-oval: 4.023 km (1971–present) | ||||
| IndyCar | 0:40.9009 | Ryan Briscoe | Dallara DW12 | 2014 Pocono IndyCar 500 |
| Indy Lights | 0:47.8590 | Gabby Chaves | Dallara IPS | 2013 Pocono Indy Lights round |
| NASCAR Cup | 0:51.298 | Kyle Busch | Toyota Camry | 2017 Overton's 400 |
| NASCAR Xfinity | 0:53.455 | Christopher Bell | Toyota GR Supra NASCAR | 2019 Pocono Green 250 |
| NASCAR Truck | 0:53.609 | Sheldon Creed | Chevrolet Silverado | 2021 CRC Brakleen 150 |
| Road Course: 4.023 km (1985–present) | ||||
| IMSA GTP | 1:15.440 | Al Holbert | Porsche 962 | 1985 Grand Prix at Pocono |
| IMSA GTO | 1:23.080 | Craig Carter | Chevrolet Camaro | 1985 Grand Prix at Pocono |
| IMSA GTP Lights | 1:24.940 | Kelly Marsh | Argo JM16 | 1985 Grand Prix at Pocono |
| IMSA GTU | 1:30.030 | Bob Earl | Pontiac Fiero | 1985 Grand Prix at Pocono |
| Road Course: 4.506 km (1973–1984) | ||||
| F5000 | 1:20.200 | Danny Ongais Vern Schuppan |
Lola T332C Eagle 755 |
1976 Pocono F5000 round |
| IMSA GTP | 1:23.280 | Sarel van der Merwe | March 84G | 1984 Grand Prix at Pocono |
| IMSA GTX | 1:26.940 | Jim Adams | Lola T600 | 1981 Kenwood Stereo 500 |
| IMSA GTO | 1:30.800 | David Hobbs | BMW 320i Turbo | 1977 Pocono Carquest Twin Grand Prix |
| Trans-Am | 1:34.000 | Al Holbert | Porsche 934 | 1976 Pocono Trans-Am round |
| IMSA GTU | 1:36.280 | Elliott Forbes-Robinson | Porsche 924 Carrera | 1984 Grand Prix at Pocono |
| Short Road Course: 2.897 km (1969–1984) | ||||
| F5000 | 0:54.344 | Eppie Wietzes | Lola T330 | 1973 Pocono F5000 round |
See also
In Spanish: Pocono Raceway para niños
