POCONO RACEWAY
NEWS/RUMORS
Pocono Raceway Business Offices
(570) 646-2300
(570) 646-2010 fax
Pocono Raceway Ticket Office
1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929)
Official Pocono Souvenirs
570-646-3034
Hotel Accommodations
1-800-POCONOS (1-800-762-6667)
Pocono Raceway
PO Box 500
Long Pond, PA. 18334-0500
Track Specs:
Superspeedway: 2.5 mile tri-oval
Banking: turn 1: 14 degrees; turn 2: 8 degrees; turn 3: 6 degrees;
Straights: Front - 3740 feet; Long Pond(between turns 1 and 2) - 3055 feet; North(between turns 2 and 3) - 1780 feet
Grandstand Seating: 100,000
Websites:
Pococo Raceway
ESPN's NASCAR Track Guide: Pocono Raceway
Pocono's Best
- Transportation Options for Pocono Raceway: So you're a NASCAR fan living in New York City or Northern New Jersey and planned on attending a Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway but are concerned about the high cost of gasoline. Or you fight city traffic on a daily basis and don't relish driving the 90 miles from mid town Manhattan to Pocono Raceway on a race weekend. Well, Pocono Raceway has partnered with Pocono Adventure Center and Martz Trailways to offer you an exciting option for your transportation to the June 8, 2008 Pocono 500 or the August 3, 2008 Pennsylvania 500, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. Race fans who already have their race tickets can board the bus for only $79.95 round trip. Fans who do not have their race tickets can order tickets by calling the Pocono Raceway Ticket Office, toll free, at 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929). For more info go to poconoraceway.com.(Pocono Raceway)(5-2-2008)
- Crash damages fan store at Pocono: A Chevy Silverado slammed into the Pocono Raceway Fan Store on Route 115 in Long Pond and burst into flames Tuesday at about 6:15 p.m. A man in his 50s or 60s was driving north on Route 115 in the pickup when for unknown reasons his truck left the road, became airborne and hit the store, taking out a large chunk of wall. The truck ignited, but passing motorists stopped and were able to free the man and get him clear of the flames, according to Tunkhannock Township Fire Chief Ron Wieand. The driver, whose identity and condition are unknown, was flown to a hospital. The accident is under investigation.(Pocono Record)(4-17-2008)
- Mattioli makes ARCA debut: 18 year-old Chase Mattioli, the grandson of Pocono Raceway patriarchs, Dr. Joe and Dr. Rose Mattioli, finished 12th in his very first ARCA RE/MAX event, Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA 200 at Salem Speedway. He was able to dodge a number of wrecks, with the aid of his crew chief, Dave McClure, and spotter Charlie Vest, part of Andy Hillenburg's Fast Track Racing Team. This spring Mattioli, an honor student, will graduate from Scranton Preparatory High School and plans to attend Fordham University this fall. In the meantime he plans to attempt to qualify for 9 other events this season, including 4 more ARCA RE/MAX races. ARCA RE/MAX Series veteran Justin Allgaier fought off Sprint Cup Series veteran Ken Schrader in the final laps Sunday to claim the win.(PR)(4-15-2008)
- Pocono Testing May 27-28...open to public: Pocono Raceway officials announced that ticket holders for Pocono Raceway's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekends in 2008 will be able to attend a special 2-day NASCAR test at Pocono Raceway on May 27 and May 28, 2008 for no charge. This 2-day test will be the first opportunity NASCAR teams will have to test the new Sprint Cup Series race car (formerly known as the COT) at Pocono Raceway. Approximately 50 Sprint Cup Series teams are expected to attend, which shows the importance of this test. 2008 Pocono NASCAR ticket holders will be eligible to receive up to four (4) FREE tickets to the test session. A mail-in coupon for the test and additional information will be sent to all ticket holders who have purchased their NASCAR race tickets prior to May 9, 2008. Fans that are not current ticket holders for either of Pocono Raceway's 2008 Sprint Cup Series or the ARCA Re/Max Series events will be able to purchase test tickets for $5.00 each by calling the Pocono Raceway Ticket Office at 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929), or they can be purchased at Gate 8 on each day of the event. Tickets for the Pocono 500 weekend, June 6-8, 2008 and the Pennsylvania 500 weekend, August 1-3, 2008 are still available but are selling fast. For more information or to order race tickets, call toll-free 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929) or online at www.poconoraceway.com.(Pocono Raceway PR)(3-13-2008)
- Pocono Tickets available Online with Print at Home Option: Tickets for the 2008 Sprint Cup Series events at Pocono Raceway are now available online by visiting Pocono Raceway's website www.poconoraceway.com and clicking on Tickets. By ordering early, fans will be able to order improved seat locations with better ticket availability for Pocono Raceway's 2008 Sprint Cup Series events. For the first time ever, fans ordering tickets online will have the option to print their tickets at home thanks to Pocono Raceway's new ticketing operation. This option will eliminate the need to mail tickets and allow fans to instantaneously print their tickets upon placing their order. New Era Tickets, the full-service ticketing subsidiary of Philadelphia-based sports and entertainment firm Comcast-Spectacor, was recently selected as the exclusive ticketing partner for Pocono Raceway. As the exclusive ticket-insurance partner for New Era Tickets, World Access, a leading national insurance provider, will provide Pocono Raceway ticket-holders with an added benefit – the option to protect their ticket investment with “Event Ticket Protector” insurance. Event Ticket Protector insurance provides full reimbursement for the ticket purchase, plus taxes and shipping, if the ticket holder misses the race due to a covered reason. NASCAR fans will appreciate the Required to Work covered reason which provides cancellation coverage if a Sunday race is rescheduled for Monday (or later), causing the ticket holder to miss the race due to work obligations. For more information, contact the Pocono Raceway ticket office by calling toll free 1-800-RACEWAY.(Pocono Raceway PR)(1-3-2007)
- Pocono new ticket service: The Pocono Raceway has selected New Era Tickets, the full-service ticketing subsidiary of Comcast-Spectacor, as their full-service ticketing system and marketing partner for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the ARCA RE/MAX Series events. Powered by New Era Tickets, ComcastTIX also provides full service ticketing for numerous public assembly facilities and events throughout the Greater Philadelphia Region, including the Wachovia Center and Wachovia Spectrum. In addition, New Era Tickets' marketing services will assist the Pocono Raceway team with dedicated high-level attention to fostering long term customers and generating new fans. New Era Tickets will provide Pocono Raceway with access management technology, including wireless scanners so the Raceway can now begin to track attendance and customer patterns. Pocono Raceway will utilize this new customer data to create new and exciting opportunities for its customers.(Pocono Raceway PR)(10-5-2007)
- France Jr. tabbed 2nd-quarter NMPA/Pocono Spirit Award recipient: William Clifton France, the guiding force behind the phenomenal growth of NASCAR for more than three decades, has been named the second-quarter recipient of the National Motorsports Press Association/Pocono Spirit Award. France, known a bit less formally as Bill Jr. by those in the sport, served as president of NASCAR from 1972-2000. Three years later, he stepped aside from his duties as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the sanctioning body, turning those duties over to his son, Brian Z. France. But despite his seemingly lesser role, and a lengthy battle with cancer in his later years, France Jr. remained an active voice in the sport. His opinions and decision-making ability helped reshape the structure of the current NASCAR Nextel Cup Series schedule as it became more national in scope, he oversaw the creation of the group’s $10 million Research and Development Center, and helped broker deals that brought Nextel in as the premier series’ sponsor as well as the return of network television coverage for the sport. France died June 4 at his home in Daytona Beach, Fla. He was 74. “He blazed so many trails for our sport,” Mike Helton, who replaced France as president, said. “He was determined to follow the vision of his father while also expanding on that vision. Over nearly four decades, he did a masterful job.” France received 45 votes cast by the NMPA membership. Roush Fenway Racing driver Todd Kluever received 6 votes. The NMPA/Pocono Spirit Award, which has been presented annually since 1992, recognizes character and achievement in the face of adversity, as well as sportsmanship and contributions to motorsports. Four quarterly winners are selected, with one overall Spirit award winner chosen by a vote of the NMPA membership at year’s end. The award will be presented during the group’s annual dinner and awards ceremony in January, 2008. France Jr. joins first-quarter winner James Hylton, the award’s first-quarter recipient.(Pocono Raceway)(8-11-2007)
- Man dies after falling from RV at Pocono Raceway: A Toms River, N.J., man died after accidentally falling from the roof of a recreational vehicle during Sunday afternoon's race at Pocono Raceway. Peter DiPierro, 29, was flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA, where he was pronounced dead at 5:32pm/et. Sunday, said Lehigh County Coroner Scott Grim. The cause of death was blunt-force trauma to the head, Grim said.(Pocono Record and more at timesbeacon.com)(8-7-2007)
- Grand Marshal/Starter named for Pennsylvania 500: Chris Tucker, starring in the movie Rush Hour 3 with Jackie Chan, will serve as grand marshal of the Pennsylvania 500 Nextel Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway and will give the "Gentlemen, Start Your Engines" command, while directed Brett Ratner will be the honorary starter where from atop the flagstand at the start/finish line he will wave the green flag to start the 500-mile race.(Pocono Raceway PR)(8-2-2007)
- Several Promoted at Pocono Raceway: Pocono Raceway has announced the promotions of several individuals. Brandon Igdalsky has been named President, Nick Igdalsky has been promoted to Sr. Vice President, Ashley Igdalsky to Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, Joseph Mattioli IV to 2nd Vice President, and Chase Mattioli to 3rd Vice President of both Pocono Raceway and the Mattioli family owned Mattco Inc. Patti Angeloni has been promoted to Vice President/Credentials for Pocono Raceway. Brandon, Nick and Ashley Igdalsky as well as both Joseph IV and Chase Mattioli are the third generation of Mattioli's to be actively involved in the company started by their grandparents, Dr's. Joe and Rose Mattioli. (Pocono Raceway PR)(7-20-2007)
- Two Races at Pocono in 2008: There will continue to be two NASCAR races each summer at Pocono Raceway. For years, rumors suggested otherwise. On Friday, NASCAR Vice President of Racing Operations Steve O'Donnell and President Mike Helton met with Pocono founder, Chief of Operations and CEO Dr. Joe Mattioli to iron out details of what is a continuing resolution. "We signed the deal with Doc on Friday," O'Donnell said. "It was for one year like we do at all the tracks." (Express Times)(6-10-2007)
- Danielle Peck to Sing National Anthem at Pocono 500: Big Machine Records recording artist and NASCAR fan Danielle Peck will perform the National Anthem for the 2007 Pocono 500 Nextel Cup Series Event at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, June 10. The most-played debut female country artist of 2006, Danielle's self-titled first album debuted at #3 on the Billboard Top New Artist Albums chart. In fact, Danielle is one of only a handful of new female country artists, including Carrie Underwood and Gretchen Wilson, in the last three years to have her debut single enter the Top 15. For ticket information call the Pocono Raceway ticket office at 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929) or visit www.poconoraceway.com.(Pocono Raceway PR)(6-6-2007)
- Pre-Race Pit/Paddock Pass available at Pocono Raceway: Pit/Paddock Pass's are available for pre-race festivities for the June 10th Pocono 500 and the August 5th. Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway. And until March 1st the cost of a Three Day Pre Race Pit/Paddock Pass is only $30 per event, with the price increasing to $50 after March 1st. While a Pre-Race Pit/Paddock Pass will get you into Pocono Pit and Paddock areas at designated times, it will not get you in the main gate, a daily Grandstand ticket is required. Grandstand tickets are $10 for Friday, $20 for Saturday and start at $45 for Sunday. Access to the Paddock Area, located between the Pit Area and Garage Area and adjacent to Gasoline Alley, is open to all fans with a Pre-Race Pit/Paddock Pass regardless of age, and allows fans to get within feet of the cars and stars of Nextel Cup Series, with viewing along the Garage Fences as well as along Pocono's famous Autograph Alley. Access to the pit area on Friday and Saturday at designated times is limited to adults 18 or older, but is open to children on Sunday that are accompanied by an adult. A Pit Area dress code mandates that shoulders and legs must be covered, with shorts and open toe shoes prohibited on Friday and Saturday. Access is available up until 1 hour before the start of Saturday and Sunday's races. For additional information, fans can contact Pocono Raceway's Ticket Office toll free at 1-800-RACEWAY or visit Pocono webs site at www.poconoraceway.com.(Pocono Raceway PR)(2-12-2007)
- the "Mattioli Main Street Project" Announced: After a meeting held at Siamsa Irish Pub in downtown Stroudsburg, PA the following organizations: The Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau (PMVB), Inc; the Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce, the Jacob Stroud Corporation and the Monroe County Commissioners announced that Dr. Joseph and Dr. Rose Mattioli, owners of Pocono Raceway, have set up a $1 million trust fund for beautification improvement in downtown Stroudsburg, known as the "Mattioli Main Street Project." Because of Dr. Joseph Mattioli's fond memories of his early childhood experiences in the Stroudsburg downtown district, he decided later to return with Dr. Rose and pursue their dream of bringing auto racing to the New York and Philadelphia markets. Aside from the auto racing industry, the Mattioli family is well-known throughout the Pocono Mountains community for their contributions to both the economy and quality of life here in the region, while keeping in mind one of their goals to attract residents back into their communities.(Pocono Raceway PR)(2-9-2007)
- New for 2007 "The Tricky Triangle Club" at Pocono: For the first time ever, Pocono Raceway is offering the VIP treatment to its Grandstand ticket holders at the "The Tricky Triangle Club". The Tricky Triangle Club provides fans access to a Private Chalet with a Buffet Lunch and Beer coupons. In addition, the Club guest will also receive a Pit Tour Pass, Souvenir Program and Event Pin. All for $99. Grandstand seat ticket required for gate admission. Remember: Kids under twelve are free to Grandstands with paying Adult on Friday and Saturday. The Pocono 500 weekend begins Friday, June 8th, featuring Weis Markets Nextel Cup qualifying. Saturday, June 9th, the rising stars of the ARCA/REMAX Series take a shot at the "Tricky Triangle" for the ARCA Pocono 200, preceded by Nextel Cup Series practice and "Happy Hour". Sunday, June 10th, the greatest drivers in the world take the green flag for the Pocono 500 Nextel Cup Series event. The Nextel Cup Series returns to Pocono Raceway in August for the Pennsylvania 500 August 3rd-5th. The weekend schedule is identical to the June Pocono 500 with practice and Weis Markets Nextel Cup qualifying on Friday, August 3rd. The ARCA Pennsylvania 200 and NASCAR "Happy Hour" highlight Saturday's racing action, all leading up to the Pennsylvania 500 Nextel Cup Series event on Sunday, August 5th. Tickets are currently available at www.poconoraceway.com or by calling Pocono Raceway at 1-800-RACEWAY.(Pocono Raceway PR)(2-5-2007)
- Pocono Raceway Economic Impact Exceeds $363 Million: Pocono Raceway generated a total of more than $363 Million Dollars into the economy of Pennsylvania in 2005, according to the results of a recent Pennsylvania House of Representatives economic impact study. Conducted by the research firm Buchart Horn, Inc./BASCO Associates, the study was based on Pocono Raceway's two Nextel Cup Series Events in 2005 (the June 12th Pocono 500 and the July 24th Pennsylvania 500), along with Pocono Raceway's extensive annual track lease program. The study was based on extensive interviews, Pennsylvania State Police traffic reports, overnight expenditures, day trip expenditures and Department of Revenue sales tax figures from Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike and Wayne Counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania. These tax figures came from food service and drinking establishments, gasoline stations, hotels and motels for June and July, 2005. It concluded that the direct, indirect and induced economic impact of Pocono Raceway in 2005 amounted to $363,055,475. The Pocono Raceway study was part of an overall economic impact of auto racing in Pennsylvania in 2005. The study concluded that auto racing is extremely important to Pennsylvania with a direct, indirect and induced economic impact of over $390,000,000. Pocono Raceway's 2007 Nextel Cup Series Events are the June 10, 2007 Pocono 500 and the August 5, 2007 Pennsylvania 500. For ticket information contact the Pocono Raceway Ticket Office (toll free) 1-800-RACEWAY or visit www.poconoraceway.com.(Pocono Raceway PR)(1-10-2007)
- Pocono Raceway resort project gets permit OK: Tunkhannock Township [PA] supervisors have granted a conditional use permit that will allow the proposed Raceway Village resort project to proceed. Supervisors voted unanimously earlier this week to grant the permit for a "community building" at the proposed resort, which Pocono Raceway owner Dr. Joseph Mattioli plans to build off Long Pond Road, near the race track. The permit for the community building was required even though the Raceway Village project as a whole is an allowed use in a resort overlay district that was recently added to the Tunkhannock zoning ordinance, said Supervisor Chairman Richard Van Noy. Mattioli wants to build an "extended-stay resort" with 250 two-story, modular rental units on a 125-acre parcel he owns across Long Pond Road from the raceway. The gated resort would include single-family, two-family and multi-family rental units, each of them 1,200 square feet. Mattioli earlier this year estimated the cost of the project at about $50 million. He hopes to attract a well-heeled clientele to stay at the resort for a few days or a few weeks at a time. He has said he expects to do a booming business both for the two annual NASCAR races at Pocono Raceway — one in June, one in July — and ski season. Plans for Raceway Village include a clubhouse with an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, theater and lounge, along with outdoor tennis and basketball courts and a bocce court. The project must still go through the municipal and county planning process, culminating in approval of its land development plan from the Tunkhannock supervisors. Mattioli has said he is ready to begin building Raceway Village as soon as he gets that approval.(Pocono Record)(12-9-2006)
- Pocono 2007 race dates in June and August: per the Pocono Raceway website, there will be two Nextel Cup races at Pocono in 2007, the first weekend being June 8-10, 2007 and the second one being August 3-5, 2007.(8-7-2006)
- Is Pocono in the future for Truck Series? I am hearing that the Truck Series had teams on track testing at Pocono Raceway on Tuesday. Among the teams rumored to be there were the #9 and #17 Toyota trucks, along with a couple of other teams. Is there a Truck Series race in the future? (7-26-2006)
- Pocono to get two races in 2007..after that? While talk of moving a race from Pocono occurs almost yearly, it is likely the track will keep both the Pocono 500 and the Pennsylvania 500 for at least the 2007 season. “A dialog with Pocono is already ongoing,” said Herb Branham, NASCAR senior manager of communications. “We fully expect we’ll be back here next year.” Pocono Raceway has hosted two NASCAR races each year since 1982. Racetracks are always in jeopardy of losing Nextel Cup Series races because NASCAR makes no long-term deals with the venues, according to Branham. “It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about Pocono or Daytona International Speedway or Lowes Motor Speedway or anywhere, we talk about it on a year-to-year basis,” Branham said.
The Nextel Cup Series schedule changed very little from last season, as no tracks were eliminated or had races taken away this year.
The last major track change was booting the North Carolina Speedway from the series. “Speculation about the schedule changing has been rampant over the last number of years. But then when you look back at the last six or seven years, you’ve had some changes, but it’s not been any wholesale changes,” Branham said. “There have been relatively few real changes in the schedule.” Although it looks like the two Nextel Cup races at Pocono will remain next year, alternatives to staging two 500-lap races at Pocono Speedway include shortening the length of one or both of the races, or moving one of the races to another track. Branham said the Nextel Cup Series schedule is usually released in August or September, and it’s too early to tell if the races will be as close in time as they were this year.(Times Tribune)(7-22-2006)
- Mattiolis honored: On Thursday afternoon in Wilkes-Barre, Pocono Raceway CEO Dr. Joseph Mattioli and his wife Rose were honored by the city. A NASCAR Day was held in conjunction with the weekly Farmer’s Market on Public Square, during which the Mattiolis received a key to the city from Mayor Tom Leighton. Also, July 20 was declared “Joseph and Rose Mattioli Day” in Wilkes-Barre. “In addition to the huge direct economic benefits the race delivers to the region, the raceway provides valuable recognition and millions of dollars of exposure to the area,” Leighton said.(Scranton Times Tribune)(7-21-2006)
- Budweiser Clydesdales at Pocono this weekend, tix still available for race: The world famous Budweiser Clydesdales, the symbol of quality and tradition for Anheuser-Busch since 1933, temporarily make their home at Pocono Raceway as part of Pennsylvania 500 race weekend activities. The "Gentle Giants," as they are often called, will participate in the official Pennsylvania 500 festivities starting on Friday, July 21st by taking a walk down the main straight prior to the WEIS Markets Bud Pole Qualifying. They will also be part of Sunday’s Pennsylvania 500 pre-race celebrations. The Clydesdales will be stabled at the track and the public is welcome to stop by for a visit Friday and Saturday. Admission is free to stable area. Friday Grandstand tickets are only $10, kids 12 & under are free, Saturday tickets start at $25 and kids 12 & under are free to the Concourse Grandstands. For tickets or more information, call the Raceway ticket office toll-free at 1-800-RACEWAY (722-3929), or visit poconoraceway.com.(Pocono Raceway)(7-21-2006)
- American Idol Finalist to Sing at Pocono Raceway: Scott Savol, who finished in the top 5 of American Idol Season 4, will be part of pre-race activities for the Pennsylvania 500, Nextel Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, July 23, 2006. Savol, an Ohio native, will sing "God Bless America" prior to the start of the race as well as greeting all 43 NASCAR drivers during driver introductions. Pennsylvania 500 pre-race activities begin at 12:00pm/et with the command to "Start Engines" given at 2:05pm/et. Good tickets are still available for the Pennsylvania 500 by calling 1-800-Raceway (1-800-722-3929) or visiting www.poconoraceway.com.(Pocono Raceway PR)(7-12-2006)
- Mario Batali Honorary Starter of Pocono 500: Renowned master chef, restaurateur, and media personality Mario Batali will once again be waving the green flag on June 11th at Pocono Raceway to start the Pocono 500. Mario will also be promoting his recently released officially licensed NASCAR cookbook, MARIO TAILGATES NASCAR STYLE: The Essential Cookbook for NASCAR Fans by Chef Mario Batali.(Pocono Raceway PR/Site)(6-6-2006)
- Resort planned at Pocono Raceway: The owner of Pocono Raceway plans to build a $50 million resort next to the track at Long Pond, replacing the proposal for a $300 million slots casino that he dropped in December. Joseph Mattioli said the 250-unit Raceway Village would be a gated community with two- and four-bedroom houses and one- and two-bedroom apartments. It would include a clubhouse with an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, theater and lounge, along with outdoor tennis and basketball courts and a bocce court. Mattioli said other Pocono amenities would benefit. He said the resort would not have a restaurant, so people would use area restaurants.(Allentown Morning Call)(5-12-2006)
- Pocono not selling track or race dates: Dr. Joseph Mattioli, owner of Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Tunkhannock Township, PA, on Friday dismissed published reports that he is considering selling the NASCAR track or the rights to either or both of the two Nextel Cup races it hosts each year. A column published this week on the Internet in Yahoo Sports [NOTE: in the column the writer mentioned "While the following is just hypothesizing, there are some interesting potential scenarios:" then mentioned the possible 'sale'] noted that Bruton Smith, owner of Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Nevada, might try to buy Pocono Raceway from Mattioli. The reasoning runs that owning two racetracks would give Smith more options to schedule races and other events. Las Vegas Motor Speedway hosts just one Nextel Cup race per year. Mattioli said no one has approached him recently and in any case he's not interested in selling the raceway. "No, I've never heard of that and no one has discussed it with me," Mattioli said Friday. "Why would I do that?" he added, chuckling. "It makes no sense." Speculation that Smith or other rival track owners might try to buy Pocono Raceway has persisted for years. Published reports from 1999 describe almost the same scenario that was mentioned in the online column this week. Renewed speculation on the future of the raceway ran rampant among the Poconos' political and business communities after the Yahoo column appeared this week.(Pocono Record)(2-4-2006)
