Pocono Raceway did not begin as a famous NASCAR track. It started with a small group and a big dream in Pennsylvania. Over the years, the track grew into something very different. Each of its three turns tells a story. Some turns are fast. Others are not. Drivers talk about how hard it is to master. But it is not just the shape that makes it different. Something else happened—something that changed how racing works on this strange triangle.
Origins and Development
Pocono Raceway’s story begins with Racing, Inc., a group of Pennsylvania racing enthusiasts frustrated by the lack of quality racing venues in the state. In April 1962, under the leadership of David Montgomery, the group began purchasing over 1,025 acres in Blakeslee, Pennsylvania, with the vision of creating a world-class multi-million dollar racing facility, initially named the Pocono Mountains International Raceway. The track layout was revealed as a 2.5-mile (4.0 km) oval, and by January 1963, improvised races were already being held on sections of the developing circuit.
Construction officially began in 1965, with the initial facility featuring a three-quarter mile oval and a drag strip, which later served as part of the main straight for the full-sized tri-oval. The full 2.5-mile track was completed by the early 1970s, with the first major races taking place in the early part of that decade. The raceway’s development was marked by persistence and vision, overcoming financial and logistical hurdles to become a staple of American motorsports.
Unique Track Characteristics
Pocono Raceway’s most defining feature is its unconventional triangular shape, earning it the nickname “The Tricky Triangle.” Unlike traditional ovals or tri-ovals, Pocono’s three turns are each modeled after a different famous track, making for a layout that is both unique and challenging.
- Turn 1 (14° banking): Inspired by the now-defunct Trenton Speedway, this turn is the most heavily banked of the three, requiring drivers to manage higher speeds and significant lateral forces.
- Turn 2 (8° banking, “Tunnel Turn”): Modeled after Indianapolis Motor Speedway, this turn is notoriously difficult. Drivers must carry high speed into the corner while navigating a relatively flat banking, making precise timing and steering input crucial.
- Turn 3 (6° banking): Modeled after the Milwaukee Mile, this is the flattest and slowest of the three, demanding patience and control as drivers set up for the long frontstretch.
The track’s three straights are also of unequal length, adding to the complexity:
- Frontstretch: 3,740 feet (about 1,140 meters), just 60 feet shorter than Daytona’s main straight.
- Backstretch: 3,055 feet (about 931 meters).
- Shortstretch: 1,780 feet (about 543 meters).
In total, the straights make up 64.9% of each lap, far more than at most other ovals, which typically have a much higher percentage of turns. This abundance of straightaway means that Pocono is often described as a “roval”—an oval that behaves more like a road course, especially given the need for drivers to shift gears and adapt their driving style to the varying demands of each corner.
Surface and Safety
Pocono’s surface has evolved over the years, with a major repaving completed in 2012 in time for the Pocono 400. The track’s relatively low banking, especially in Turns 2 and 3, means that drivers must rely more on mechanical grip and chassis setup than at other superspeedways, where high banking allows for higher cornering speeds.
Safety has been a recurring theme in Pocono’s history. Following incidents such as the death of Justin Wilson in 2015 and the serious crash of Robert Wickens in 2018, the track underwent significant upgrades, including the installation of SAFER barriers around the entire perimeter. These changes, while improving safety, have not diminished the track’s reputation as a driver’s circuit.
Famous Races and Memorable Moments
Pocono Raceway has hosted some of the most memorable races in American motorsports history. The first NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono was held in 1974, with Richard Petty taking the victory in a rain-shortened event. Petty led 152 of the 192 laps, cementing his status as “The King” and setting the stage for Pocono’s future as a NASCAR staple.
In the early 1980s, Bobby Allison made history by winning three consecutive Cup Series races at Pocono, a feat that underscored the track’s unique challenges and the skill required to master it. The track’s reputation for unpredictability was further cemented over the years, with dramatic finishes, weather-affected races, and surprise winners becoming part of its lore.
IndyCar also has a significant history at Pocono, with the USAC Championship Cars (predecessor to modern IndyCar) hosting 500-mile races from the early 1970s through the 1980s. The 1972 IndyCar race, won by Joe Leonard, was a landmark event, as was the 1974 USAC Stock Car race won by Ron Keselowski—uncle to future NASCAR star Brad Keselowski. The return of IndyCar in 2013 brought renewed excitement and challenges, though safety concerns led to the series dropping Pocono from its schedule after 2019.
Why Pocono Challenges Drivers Differently
Pocono’s unique layout and configuration present a set of challenges that are unmatched on the NASCAR or IndyCar calendars. The three distinct turns, each with different banking and modeled after different tracks, force drivers and teams to make compromises in car setup. As current NASCAR driver Noah Gragson has noted, “you can only set up the car to run optimally in two of the three corners. Running the whole track perfectly is a massive challenge because of the different banking angles”.
The long straights and relatively flat banking in Turns 2 and 3 mean that drivers must manage speed and momentum carefully. The Tunnel Turn, in particular, is a make-or-break corner, where even a small mistake can cost valuable time or lead to a spin. The need to shift gears and adapt to the changing demands of each corner further distinguishes Pocono from other ovals, making it a true test of driver skill and adaptability.
The track’s length and the high percentage of straightaway also place a premium on engine power and aerodynamics. Teams must balance speed on the straights with handling in the corners, a challenge that is magnified by the track’s unique layout. This combination of factors makes Pocono one of the most demanding and unpredictable tracks on the schedule, where strategy, setup, and driver ability all play critical roles.
News in Brief: Pocono Raceway History
Pocono Raceway’s legacy is defined by its ability to challenge and surprise. From its early days as a dream of local racing fans to its current status as a cornerstone of American motorsports, the track has remained true to its roots as a venue that rewards innovation and adaptability. The Mattioli family, who took over the track in the 1970s and guided it through decades of growth and change, have left an indelible mark on its history.
Over the years, Pocono has evolved to meet the changing demands of motorsports, from the addition of road courses and safety upgrades to the hosting of doubleheader NASCAR weekends. Its ability to adapt while maintaining its unique character is a testament to the vision and dedication of those who have shaped its history.
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