As the NASCAR Cup Series transitions from the excitement of Mexico City to the historic “Tricky Triangle” of Pocono Raceway, fans and competitors alike are anticipating another thrilling weekend of racing. Pocono’s unique layout and unpredictable weather have made it a favorite among drivers and spectators. Over the past five seasons, a mix of dominant performances and dramatic finishes has been observed. Here’s a detailed look at the last five winners of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway, spanning from 2020 to 2024.
2020: Kevin Harvick – Pocono Organics 325
The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season was unlike any other, with a packed schedule and doubleheader weekends at select tracks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pocono Raceway hosted two Cup races in a single weekend for the first time, with the Saturday event being the Pocono Organics 325.
Kevin Harvick, driving the No. 4 Ford for Stewart-Haas Racing, emerged victorious in the first race. Starting from the ninth position, Harvick demonstrated his mastery of the “Tricky Triangle,” leading only 17 laps but making them count when it mattered most. The race was marked by a late-race caution that set up a dramatic restart, but Harvick held off Denny Hamlin to claim his second win of the season.
The victory was Harvick’s first at Pocono and showcased his ability to adapt to changing track conditions and capitalize on opportunities. The win also solidified his status as a championship contender, as he went on to have one of the best seasons of his career.
2020: Denny Hamlin – Pocono 350
The very next day, Pocono hosted the Pocono 350, the second race of the doubleheader weekend. Denny Hamlin, who had finished second to Harvick the previous day, was determined to redeem himself. Hamlin, driving the No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, started 20th but quickly worked his way through the field.
Hamlin’s experience at Pocono was evident as he led 49 laps and managed his tires and fuel to perfection. He survived multiple restarts and held off a hard-charging Kevin Harvick in the closing laps to secure his sixth career win at Pocono. This victory tied him with Jeff Gordon for the most wins at the track, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest drivers in Pocono history.
The back-to-back wins for Harvick and Hamlin highlighted the competitiveness of the Cup Series and set the stage for future battles at the “Tricky Triangle.”
2021: Kyle Busch – Explore the Pocono Mountains 350
In 2021, Pocono returned to its traditional single-race format, and the event was filled with drama and unpredictability. Kyle Busch, driving the No. 18 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, started the race with transmission issues that plagued him throughout the day. Despite being stuck in fourth gear for most of the race, Busch managed to stay in contention.
The race came down to fuel mileage, with several leaders running out of gas in the closing laps. William Byron and Denny Hamlin both ran out of fuel while leading, handing the lead to Busch, who had pitted a lap later than his rivals. Busch managed his fuel perfectly and crossed the finish line seven seconds ahead of Kyle Larson to claim his fourth career win at Pocono.
Busch’s victory was a testament to his resilience and ability to overcome adversity. It also marked his 59th career Cup Series win, making him the winningest active driver at the time.
2023: Denny Hamlin – HighPoint.com 400
After a one-year hiatus in 2022 due to scheduling changes, the Cup Series returned to Pocono in 2023 with the HighPoint.com 400. Denny Hamlin, who had already established himself as the most successful active driver at Pocono, was the favorite heading into the race.
Hamlin, driving the No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, started 15th but quickly moved to the front. He led 59 laps and held off a late charge from Ty Gibbs and Martin Truex Jr. to secure his seventh career win at Pocono, breaking the tie with Jeff Gordon and becoming the all-time winningest driver at the track.
The victory was a milestone for Hamlin, who has consistently performed well at Pocono throughout his career. His ability to adapt to the track’s unique challenges and capitalize on opportunities has made him a legend at the “Tricky Triangle.”
2024: Ryan Blaney – The Great American Getaway 400
The most recent winner at Pocono Raceway is Ryan Blaney, who triumphed in the 2024 edition of The Great American Getaway 400. Blaney, driving the No. 12 Ford for Team Penske, started the race mid-pack but quickly worked his way to the front.
Blaney’s victory was a statement to the competition, as he held off Denny Hamlin, the track’s all-time winningest driver, by 1.312 seconds. The win was Blaney’s second of the season and the 12th of his career. It also marked his second win at Pocono, as he had previously won there in 2017 for his first career Cup Series victory.
The race was marked by eight lead changes among eight drivers and multiple cautions, but Blaney’s team executed a flawless strategy, and he pulled away in the closing laps to secure the win. The victory moved Blaney up to fifth in the championship standings and solidified his status as a championship contender.
The Evolution of Pocono Winners: Trends and Highlights
Over the past five years, Pocono Raceway has seen a mix of veteran champions and rising stars take the checkered flag. The doubleheader weekend in 2020 was a unique chapter in the track’s history, with Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin both adding to their legacies. Hamlin’s continued dominance at Pocono has made him the standard-bearer for success at the “Tricky Triangle,” while Kyle Busch’s 2021 victory showcased his ability to overcome adversity.
Ryan Blaney’s 2024 win was a reminder of his talent and the strength of Team Penske. His ability to hold off Hamlin in the closing laps was a testament to his skill and determination. The race also highlighted the depth of competition in the Cup Series, with multiple drivers leading laps and challenging for the win.
News in Brief: Last 5 NASCAR Winners at Pocono
As the Cup Series returns to Pocono in 2025, fans can expect more drama, more surprises, and perhaps another chapter in the track’s storied history. The “Tricky Triangle” continues to be one of the most challenging and rewarding venues on the NASCAR schedule, and the last five winners have proven that anything can happen at Pocono Raceway. Pocono’s unique layout and unpredictable weather have made it a true test of driver skill and team strategy. The track’s three distinct turns and long straightaways require a delicate balance of speed and handling, and the past five winners have all demonstrated their ability to master these challenges.
