Denny Hamlin is back in a familiar spot, and the pressure is on. The 2025 race at Pocono Raceway brings fast cars, sharp turns, and a full field of hungry drivers. Some have the speed. Others have momentum. But only one will leave with the win. A new name could rise, or the favorite might strike again. The numbers, the starting order, and past results offer clues—but the “Tricky Triangle” has a way of changing everything.
The History and Legacy of Pocono Raceway
Pocono Raceway, often referred to as “The Tricky Triangle,” is a legendary motorsports facility located in Blakeslee, Pennsylvania, near the community of Long Pond. Opened in 1969 after over a decade of planning and construction delays, the track quickly established itself as a unique venue in American motorsport. Its 2.5-mile tri-oval layout, with three distinct corners modeled after those of other famous tracks—Trenton Speedway, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the Milwaukee Mile—makes Pocono one of NASCAR’s most distinctive circuits. The venue’s early years were marked by financial struggles, but by the mid-1980s, the success of NASCAR events helped stabilize its fortunes.
Ownership shifted soon after opening, with Joseph Mattioli taking over from founder David Montgomery and guiding the track through its formative years. Under the Mattioli family, Pocono Raceway expanded and modernized, adding seating and amenities in the 1990s and 2000s, transforming it from a regional attraction to a nationally recognized destination for fans of stock car and open-wheel racing. Today, the facility is owned by Mattco, Inc., with Nick Igdalsky serving as CEO. The track’s unique configuration, scenic setting in the Pocono Mountains, and commitment to fan experience have cemented its reputation as a fan favorite.
Pocono has hosted a wide variety of racing series, including NASCAR, IndyCar, and IMSA, but it is perhaps best known for its NASCAR Cup Series events, which have been held annually since the early 1970s. The track’s challenging layout, with its long straightaways and three distinct turns, tests drivers’ versatility and car setup, making every race a spectacle of speed and strategy. Over the years, Pocono Raceway has evolved from a community track into a cornerstone of American motorsport, beloved by drivers and fans alike for its history, beauty, and the unique challenges it presents.
The Story of The Great American Getaway 400
The Great American Getaway 400 is a relatively new addition to the NASCAR Cup Series calendar at Pocono Raceway, but it quickly established itself as a marquee event. The race was first introduced as part of NASCAR’s evolving schedule, which saw Pocono transition from hosting two race weekends to a single event in recent years. The 400-mile race, contested over 160 laps on the 2.5-mile oval, is known for its high speeds, dramatic finishes, and the unique challenges posed by the “Tricky Triangle.”
In its inaugural edition, The Great American Getaway 400 attracted top-tier talent and intense competition, with Ryan Blaney securing victory in 2024. The race is presented in partnership with VISITPA, highlighting Pennsylvania’s tourism and the region’s appeal to motorsports fans. The event’s timing in mid-summer makes it a perfect destination for families and racing enthusiasts looking to combine a vacation in the Pocono Mountains with world-class motorsport action.
The history of the race, though brief, is already marked by memorable moments. The 2024 edition saw Blaney hold off Denny Hamlin and Alex Bowman for the win, with William Byron and Joey Logano rounding out the top five. The race’s competitive field, unpredictable weather, and the track’s demanding layout ensure that The Great American Getaway 400 is a highlight of the NASCAR season. As the event grows in stature, it continues to attract large crowds and significant media attention, solidifying its place as a must-see race for fans and a key stop for drivers aiming to make their mark on the season.
Beyond the on-track action, The Great American Getaway 400 is celebrated for its fan-friendly atmosphere. The Pocono region’s natural beauty, combined with the track’s commitment to hospitality, creates a festival-like environment. From camping and tailgating to interactive fan zones and driver meet-and-greets, the event offers something for everyone. As the race enters its second year, anticipation is high for another thrilling chapter in its history.
Possible Winners and Drivers to Watch in The Great American Getaway 400
Predicting the winner of a NASCAR Cup Series race is always a challenge, especially at a track as unique as Pocono Raceway. The “Tricky Triangle” demands a blend of speed, handling, and strategy, rewarding drivers who can adapt to its three distinct corners and long straightaways. With the 2025 edition of The Great American Getaway 400 set to feature a full field of the sport’s top talent, several drivers stand out as favorites based on recent performance, track history, and qualifying results.
Denny Hamlin is the pole winner for the 2025 race, having set the fastest qualifying time at 52.144 seconds. Hamlin is the most successful active driver at Pocono, with seven Cup Series victories at the track, and he is seeking his eighth win and fourth of the 2025 season. His familiarity with the circuit, combined with his current form, makes him the clear favorite. Hamlin’s ability to navigate the track’s challenges and his team’s strong setup give him a significant advantage. As the pole sitter, he will start at the front of the field, a position that often translates to victory at Pocono, especially for a driver of his caliber.
Other notable drivers to watch include Chase Briscoe, Ty Gibbs, Tyler Reddick, Christopher Bell, and Daniel Suarez, all of whom qualified in the top ten and have shown the potential to win at challenging tracks. Briscoe and Reddick, in particular, have been consistent performers in 2025, while Gibbs and Bell are rising stars with the talent to pull off an upset.
5 Favorable Drivers and Race Dynamics
To provide a more comprehensive preview of The Great American Getaway 400, let’s take a closer look at the five most favorable drivers and the broader race dynamics.
1. Denny Hamlin
- Track Record: Hamlin is the winningest active driver at Pocono, with seven victories. His ability to adapt to the track’s unique demands is unmatched among current competitors.
- 2025 Form: Returning after missing a race due to the birth of his child, Hamlin is motivated and has already won three races this season.
- Qualifying: Pole position gives him clean air and track position, a significant advantage at Pocono.
- Prediction: Hamlin is the clear favorite to win, barring any unforeseen issues.
- Track Record: Buescher has steadily improved at Pocono, with top-ten finishes in recent years.
- 2025 Form: Consistently fast and reliable, Buescher has been a dark horse in several races.
- Qualifying: Second place puts him in a strong position to challenge Hamlin.
- Prediction: If Hamlin falters, Buescher is the most likely to capitalize.
- Track Record: As a young driver, Hocevar is still building his resume at Pocono, but his adaptability is impressive.
- 2025 Form: Has shown flashes of brilliance, especially on intermediate tracks.
- Qualifying: Third place is a career-best at Pocono for Hocevar.
- Prediction: A podium finish is within reach; a win would be a breakthrough.
- Track Record: Nemechek is still gaining experience at Pocono but has shown speed in qualifying.
- 2025 Form: Has been competitive in select races and is eager to prove himself.
- Qualifying: Fourth place is a strong starting spot.
- Prediction: A top-five finish is possible if he can maintain his pace.
5. Cole Custer
- Track Record: Custer has experience at Pocono and has been consistent in recent races.
- 2025 Form: Has shown improvement and is hungry for a win.
- Qualifying: Fifth place is a solid position to launch from.
- Prediction: Could challenge for a top-five finish if the race unfolds in his favor.
Other Contenders
While the top five qualifiers are the most likely winners, several other drivers could factor into the outcome. Chase Briscoe, Ty Gibbs, Tyler Reddick, Christopher Bell, and Daniel Suarez all qualified in the top ten and have the speed and experience to challenge for the win if circumstances align.
News In Brief: 2025 Great American Getaway 400 Predictions
The 2025 Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway is shaping up to be a classic NASCAR event. With a rich history, a challenging track, and a field of talented drivers, the race promises excitement and drama from start to finish. Denny Hamlin, as the pole winner and most successful active driver at Pocono, is the favorite, but Chris Buescher, Carson Hocevar, John Hunter Nemechek, and Cole Custer are all strong contenders. Fans can expect a thrilling battle for victory under the summer skies of the Pocono Mountains.
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