Chase Elliott returns for a rare start. Justin Allgaier is fast and experienced. And Connor Zilisch has a big name calling his shots. The field is set for the 2025 Explore the Pocono Mountains 250, but the triangle-shaped track does not play favorites. With a mix of rookies, champions, and proven winners, one driver may rise above them all. As pressure builds in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, the battle for victory could take an unexpected turn.
Pocono Raceway: A Legacy of Speed and Innovation
Pocono Raceway, located in Blakeslee, Pennsylvania, is a legendary venue in American motorsports, renowned for its unique tri-oval design. Since opening in 1969, the track has hosted a variety of major racing series, including NASCAR, IndyCar, and IMSA GT Championship events. The facility, initially conceived by a group of racing enthusiasts frustrated by the lack of premier tracks in Pennsylvania, was planned and developed after significant delays and financial challenges. Over 1,025 acres were acquired in the early 1960s, and the first improvised races were held in 1963, setting the stage for the eventual construction of the 2.5-mile oval.
The track’s design is distinctive, featuring three unique turns—each modeled after famous corners from other tracks—and a layout that demands both technical skill and strategic thinking from drivers. Pocono’s long straights and tight turns make it one of the most challenging circuits on the NASCAR calendar, earning it the nickname “The Tricky Triangle.” Throughout the 1970s, the track faced financial difficulties but rebounded in the mid-1980s thanks to the success of NASCAR events. Major upgrades in the 1990s and 2000s, including expanded seating and improved amenities, cemented Pocono’s status as a fan favorite and a staple of the NASCAR season.
Today, Pocono Raceway is operated by Mattco, Inc., under the leadership of CEO Nick Igdalsky. It continues to draw large crowds and remains a highlight of the summer racing schedule, offering not only thrilling competition but also a range of fan experiences, from camping to driver appearances. The track’s legacy is built on innovation, resilience, and a commitment to delivering top-tier motorsport entertainment year after year.
History of the Explore the Pocono Mountains 250
The Explore the Pocono Mountains 250 is a NASCAR Xfinity Series event that has quickly become a staple at Pocono Raceway since its introduction in 2016. This race marks NASCAR’s second-tier series’ return to Pennsylvania after the closure of Nazareth Speedway in 2004, filling a significant gap for local fans and competitors. The inaugural event was scheduled for 100 laps (250 miles), but persistent rain forced a shortened race of just 53 laps, highlighting the unpredictable nature of racing at Pocono.
Over the years, the event has evolved in both format and distance. In 2017, it became the first NASCAR-sanctioned race at Pocono to adopt the stage format, splitting the race into three segments to increase excitement and strategic complexity. The distance was reduced to 225 miles (90 laps) in 2020 to accommodate a doubleheader weekend with the NASCAR Cup Series, but for 2025, the race returns to its original 250-mile, 100-lap distance, with “Explore the Pocono Mountains” continuing as the title sponsor.
The race has seen a variety of winners and memorable moments, with Ford historically dominating the early years, claiming five of the first nine victories. However, in recent seasons, other manufacturers have closed the gap, and the competition has intensified. The 2025 edition marks the 10th running of the event at Pocono, with Austin Hill standing as the only past Xfinity Series Pocono winner in the current field. JR Motorsports has also left its mark, winning seven races in the 2025 season with five different drivers, a testament to the team’s depth and versatility.
Possible Winner: Spotlight on Current Racing Drivers
As the 2025 Explore the Pocono Mountains 250 approaches, several drivers stand out as potential winners based on recent performance, team strength, and track history. With 38 drivers entered and no cars missing the race, the field is deep and competitive, but a few names rise above the rest.
Chase Elliott is one of the most intriguing entries. Although he is a Cup Series champion and a part-time Xfinity Series competitor, his experience and talent make him a formidable contender. Elliott is piloting the No. 17 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, a car that has already seen success this season with multiple wins. Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing have dominated Pocono in recent years, combining to win eight of the last 10 races, so Elliott’s association with Hendrick gives him a significant advantage.
Justin Allgaier is another driver to watch. Driving the No. 7 for JR Motorsports, Allgaier has been one of the fastest and most consistent performers in the 2025 Xfinity Series, with three wins already to his name. Despite a recent setback in Mexico City, Allgaier’s track record at Pocono and his team’s success this season make him a strong candidate for victory.
Connor Zilisch, in the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet, is a rising star. Dale Earnhardt Jr. will serve as his crew chief for the first time, adding an extra layer of intrigue. Zilisch has finished second, second, and fifth in his last three races, demonstrating both speed and consistency. With Earnhardt’s guidance and a fast car, Zilisch could be a dark horse for the win.
Brandon Jones of Joe Gibbs Racing (No. 20) brings experience and previous success at Pocono, having won a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at the track. While his recent Xfinity results have been mixed, Jones has shown strong pace earlier in the season and could be a factor if he avoids bad luck.
Austin Hill is the only past Xfinity Series Pocono winner in the current field. His experience and proven ability to navigate the tricky triangle give him an edge, especially if the race comes down to strategy and late-race restarts.
Five Favorable Drivers for the 2025 Explore the Pocono Mountains 250
Based on current form, team strength, and track history, here are the five drivers most likely to contend for victory at Pocono Raceway this weekend:
Chase Elliott (No. 17, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet)
Why to watch: Cup Series champion with extensive experience and a top-tier team behind him. The No. 17 car has been fast all season, and Elliott’s skill set is well-suited to Pocono’s unique challenges.
Justin Allgaier (No. 7, JR Motorsports Chevrolet)
Why to watch: Three wins in 2025, consistently fast, and a proven performer at Pocono. Allgaier’s ability to adapt to changing race conditions makes him a perennial threat.
Connor Zilisch (No. 88, JR Motorsports Chevrolet)
Why to watch: Rising talent with recent strong finishes. Dale Earnhardt Jr. as crew chief adds an extra layer of strategy and motivation.
Brandon Jones (No. 20, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota)
Why to watch: Previous success at Pocono in the Truck Series. If he can avoid bad luck, Jones has the speed to compete for the win.
Austin Hill (No. 21, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet)
Why to watch: The only past Xfinity Series Pocono winner in the field. Hill’s experience and consistency make him a solid pick for a top finish.
Additional Insights and Race Outlook
The 2025 Explore the Pocono Mountains 250 promises to be a thrilling event, with a deep field and several compelling storylines. The return to the original 250-mile distance adds an extra layer of strategy, as teams will need to balance speed, tire wear, and fuel consumption over the longer race.
Pocono’s unique layout—the only tri-oval on the NASCAR schedule—demands precision and adaptability from drivers. The three distinct turns, each modeled after famous corners from other tracks, require different approaches and setups, making setup and in-race adjustments crucial to success. Teams will pay close attention to long-run balance, especially through Turn 1’s hard entry and the winding exit of Turn 3, where many races are won or lost.
JR Motorsports enters the weekend with significant momentum, having won seven races this season with five different drivers. This depth gives the team multiple paths to victory, whether through Allgaier’s consistency, Zilisch’s rising star power, or the experience of other team members. Hendrick Motorsports, with Chase Elliott in the No. 17, brings championship pedigree and a proven track record at Pocono, making them a favorite for the win.
Joe Gibbs Racing, while not as dominant in recent Xfinity Series events at Pocono, remains a powerhouse organization. Brandon Jones, in particular, has shown flashes of speed and could surprise if everything comes together on race day.
News in Brief: 2025 Pocono Xfinity Race Predictions
The 2025 Explore the Pocono Mountains 250 promises a thrilling showdown on NASCAR’s only tri-oval. Chase Elliott returns in Hendrick’s No. 17, bringing Cup-level experience, while Justin Allgaier seeks redemption after a strong season. Rising star Connor Zilisch has Dale Earnhardt Jr. atop the pit box, and Brandon Jones, Austin Hill, and JR Motorsports add depth to the field. With 38 cars set and playoff points on the line, strategy and precision will define the race outcome on Saturday.
ALSO READ: Pocono Weather Watch: Will Storms Spoil NASCAR’s Return to the Tricky Triangle?
