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Pocono Raceway
Pocono Raceway, also known as The Tricky Triangle, is a superspeedway located in the Pocono Mountains in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. The first NASCAR Cup race held at Pocono Raceway was in 1974.This unique cup race track which is used for Indycar Races was designed by Rodger Ward, the winner of the 1959 and 1962 Indianapolis 500, and features three turns modeled after different tracks. The first turn is modeled after Trenton Speedway, the second turn (also known as the “Tunnel Turn”) is modeled after the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the third turn is modeled after the Milwaukee Mile.
The design of the circuit at Pocono Raceway is often referred to as a tri-oval, but it stands apart from typical tri-ovals such as Daytona and other intermediate speedways in its much more severe turns. Each of the three turns at Pocono Raceway is unique and modeled after a different track, and the three straights are not identical in length. This creates considerably lower banking in each turn compared to other long superspeedways.
The sharp nature of the turns and the low banking at Pocono Raceway result in lower average speeds for NASCAR racecars compared to other tracks of similar lengths. This unique design, which combines the characteristics of an oval track and a road course, has earned Pocono Raceway the nickname “The Tricky Triangle.” The circuit’s reputation as a challenging track is further strengthened by its classification as a roval or a modified road course.
Drivers face a significant test when competing at Pocono Raceway, with the sharp turns and low banking requiring precise handling and strong car setup. The unique design of the circuit makes the crew’s ability to make chassis adjustments even more crucial than at many other tracks, often determining the difference between a winning performance and a poor performance. This makes Pocono Raceway a true proving ground for drivers and teams, and provides an exciting and unpredictable racing experience for fans.
The design of Pocono Raceway is a key factor in determining the outcome of a race. The track’s unique layout and its three sharp turns modeled after different tracks make the setup of the car and the crew’s ability to make chassis adjustments crucial. This, in turn, often determines the difference between a winning performance and a poor performance.
Not only is Pocono Raceway a popular venue for major race events, but it is also utilized throughout the year by various organizations for training and racing purposes. This includes the Stock Car Experience, Bertil Roos Driving School, Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), and many other clubs and organizations.
The versatility of the track is further emphasized by its three separate infield sections of racetrack – the north course, east course, and south course – and the ability to run each in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction. This allows for a total of 44 different road course configurations, ranging from .5 miles to 3.65 miles in length, providing a challenging and diverse experience for drivers and fans alike.
The versatility and challenging design of Pocono Raceway make it a unique and valuable resource for both motorsports enthusiasts and professional drivers. Whether you are a seasoned racing fan or just starting out, Pocono Raceway is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a thrilling and memorable racing experience.
Pocono Raceway History
Pocono Raceway, also known as The Tricky Triangle, is a historic superspeedway located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. The circuit was designed by Rodger Ward, the winner of the 1959 and 1962 Indianapolis 500, and opened its doors to the motorsports world in 1971.
The circuit at Pocono Raceway is unique in many ways, with three turns modeled after different tracks and a design that makes car setup and crew adjustments crucial. The first turn is modeled after Trenton Speedway, the second turn (also known as the “Tunnel Turn”) is modeled after the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the third turn is modeled after the Milwaukee Mile. The three turns are much more severe than those at typical tri-ovals such as Daytona and other intermediate speedways, and the three straights are not identical in length, which makes the banking of each turn considerably less than on many other long superspeedways.
Since its opening, Pocono Raceway has been a staple of the motorsports world, hosting numerous races and events over the years. In 1971, the circuit hosted its first USAC Indy Car race, which was part of the IndyCar 500-mile Triple Crown. The race was held annually until 1989, when it was removed from the schedule due to disputes between the management and the sanctioning body. In 2013, the Indy Car Series returned to Pocono Raceway, and the race was held annually until 2019.
In addition to Indy Car racing, Pocono Raceway is also known for its NASCAR races. Pocono Raceway has a long history of hosting NASCAR Cup Series races, with the first one taking place in 1974. Today, the track is still an important venue for NASCAR racing, serving as the site of three NASCAR national series races and an ARCA Menards Series event in July. This includes a NASCAR Cup Series race, along with supporting events by the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
From 1982 to 2021, Pocono Raceway was also known for hosting two NASCAR Cup Series races per year. However, in 2022, the traditional first date was removed. Despite this change, Pocono Raceway remains a major player in the world of NASCAR racing and continues to provide exciting and memorable experiences for drivers and fans alike.
When there are no major race events taking place, Pocono Raceway remains a bustling hub of activity, used by a variety of organizations for training and racing purposes. This includes the Stock Car Experience, Bertil Roos Driving School, Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), and many other clubs and organizations. The versatility and unique design of the track make it an ideal location for a wide range of motorsports activities and experiences. With three separate infield sections of racetrack – the north course, east course, and south course – and the ability to run each in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction, Pocono Raceway offers a total of 44 different road course configurations ranging from .5 miles to 3.65 miles in length.
Pocono Raceway has a rich history in the world of motorsports and continues to provide exciting racing action year after year. From its unique design and sharp turns modeled after different tracks to its low banking and challenging layout, Pocono Raceway is a true gem in the world of motorsports and a must-visit for any racing fan.
Pocono Raceway is a vibrant and active motorsports venue, playing host to a number of major races throughout the year. In July, the track is the site of three NASCAR national series races, including a NASCAR Cup Series race, along with supporting events from the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Additionally, Pocono Raceway has a rich history of hosting Indy Car races, having played host to this type of event from 1971 to 1989, and then again from 2013 to 2019. These races are currently sanctioned by the IndyCar Series.
Finally, from 1982 to 2021, Pocono Raceway was also known for hosting two NASCAR Cup Series races per year. However, in 2022, the traditional first date was removed from the schedule. Despite this change, Pocono Raceway remains an important and dynamic venue for motorsports events of all types.
Pocono Raceway, also known as The Tricky Triangle, is a unique and historic superspeedway located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. While many NASCAR tracks are owned by either NASCAR or Speedway Motorsports, Pocono Raceway stands out as one of the few tracks that is not part of either of these dominant track owners in NASCAR.
The track is instead owned by Mattco Inc, a family-owned company that was started by Joseph II and Rose Mattioli. The current CEO of Mattco Inc and Pocono Raceway is Nick Igdalsky, while the president is Ben May. In addition to owning Pocono Raceway, Mattco Inc also owns South Boston Speedway in South Boston, Virginia.
With its unique design and rich history, Pocono Raceway has been a staple of the motorsports world for over 50 years and continues to provide exciting racing action year after year. From its sharp turns modeled after different tracks to its low banking and challenging layout, Pocono Raceway is a true gem in the world of motorsports and a must-visit for any racing fan.
Being owned by a family-owned company like Mattco Inc gives Pocono Raceway a personal touch that sets it apart from many other tracks in the NASCAR world. The dedicated leadership of CEO Nick Igdalsky and president Ben May, along with the rest of the Mattco Inc team, helps to ensure that Pocono Raceway continues to provide an exciting and memorable racing experience for drivers and fans alike.
The roots of Indy Car racing at Pocono Raceway can be traced back to 1971, when the USAC held a 500-mile race as part of the IndyCar 500-mile Triple Crown. In 1989, Emerson Fittipaldi set a qualifying track record of 211.715 mph, but despite this impressive feat, the track faced criticism due to its roughness, lack of catch fencing, and inadequate runoff areas. These issues eventually led to disputes between the management and the sanctioning body, and as a result, the race was eventually removed from the IndyCar schedule.
Pocono Raceway is a unique superspeedway located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania that offers a challenging and exciting racing experience for drivers and fans alike. With its unusual design, the track is used by multiple clubs and organizations throughout the year and is the site of several NASCAR and Indy Car races, including a NASCAR Cup Series race with support events. Whether you are a fan of stock car racing, Indy Car racing, or road courses, Pocono Raceway is a must-visit for any motorsports enthusiast. From the sharp turns modeled after different tracks to the low banking and the unique design that makes car setup and crew adjustments crucial, Pocono Raceway offers a unique and thrilling racing experience.
Pocono Raceway has been a staple of the motorsports world for over 50 years and continues to provide exciting racing action year after year. Whether you are a fan of NASCAR, Indy Car, or road courses, there is something for everyone at The Tricky Triangle. With its unique design and numerous road course configurations, Pocono Raceway provides a challenging and exciting racing experience for drivers and fans alike.
In addition to the on-track action, Pocono Raceway also offers a variety of activities and events for fans to enjoy. From fan zones to driver meet and greets, there is always something happening at the track. The facility also offers numerous camping options, so fans can fully immerse themselves in the racing experience and enjoy the weekend to the fullest.
So, whether you are a seasoned racing fan or a newcomer to the sport, be sure to check out Pocono Raceway and experience the excitement of the Tricky Triangle for yourself. With its unique design and thrilling racing action, Pocono Raceway is a must-visit for any motorsports enthusiast.
Pocono Raceway is a unique and exciting motorsports venue that offers a challenging and thrilling racing experience for drivers and fans alike. From its sharp turns modeled after different tracks to its low banking and unique design, Pocono Raceway is a true gem in the world of motorsports. So, be sure to check out The Tricky Triangle and experience the excitement for yourself.
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