Pocono Raceway

Pocono Raceway, located in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, is a distinctive and historic motorsports venue known for its unique triangular layout and diverse racing challenges. Nicknamed “The Tricky Triangle,” the raceway stands out for its three uniquely banked turns inspired by other famous tracks, making it one of the most technically demanding circuits in NASCAR and IndyCar racing schedules.

History

The idea for Pocono Raceway originated in the late 1950s when Racing, Inc., led by David Montgomery and other investors, sought to build a premier racing facility in Pennsylvania. After searching for suitable land, they purchased over 1,000 acres in the Pocono Mountains area in the early 1960s. Groundbreaking for the facility began on July 8, 1965, with an initially planned opening in 1966 delayed by weather, financial hurdles, and construction challenges.

Pocono Raceway officially opened in 1968, initially featuring a three-quarter mile oval and drag strip, with the full 2.5-mile triangular superspeedway completed by 1971. The track’s triangular design was inspired by three different tracks for each corner: Turn One (14 degrees banking) reminiscent of Trenton Speedway; Turn Two, known as the Tunnel Turn (9 degrees), inspired by Indianapolis Motor Speedway; and Turn Three (6 degrees), modeled after the flat Milwaukee Mile.

The first major event at Pocono was a 500-mile USAC Indy car race held on July 3, 1971, won by Mark Donohue. The NASCAR Cup Series made its debut at Pocono Raceway in 1974, with NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. personally supporting the track during financially difficult years. Pocono was awarded two NASCAR Cup races per year starting in 1982, establishing itself as a staple on the national stock car racing calendar.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the track faced challenges including a bumpy surface that eventually led to IndyCar leaving the venue. Continuous improvements have been made to maintain competitiveness and safety, with the Mattioli and Igdalsky families managing the track over decades.

Most Famous Races Held

Pocono hosts two annual NASCAR Cup Series races: the Pocono 400 (held early summer) and the Explore the Pocono Mountains 350 (typically later in the season). These races are known for their high speeds, strategic complexity due to the unique tri-oval shape, and the challenge of setting up cars for three very different corners. The track also held notable IndyCar events until the early 2010s and frequently hosts NASCAR Xfinity and Camping World Truck Series races.

Legendary drivers such as Richard Petty, who won the inaugural NASCAR race at Pocono in 1974, have contributed to the track’s storied legacy. The technical nature of the circuit often produces unpredictable and exciting outcomes, earning Pocono a special place in American motorsport.

Track Information

Pocono Raceway is a 2.5-mile (4.0 km) tri-oval superspeedway featuring three distinct turns and long straightaways. Each turn has its own radius and banking, distinguishing it from conventional ovals: Turn One carries a 14-degree banking, Turn Two (Tunnel Turn) 9 degrees, and Turn Three 6 degrees. The asymmetrical design demands unique car setups, forcing teams to compromise between handling in different corners and straight-line speed.

The track includes multiple racing configurations, including several road course variants within the infield, though the tri-oval is the centerpiece for major NASCAR and former IndyCar events. Seating capacity is around 76,000, with ample fan facilities. Pocono’s surface and layout require exceptional driver precision and strategy, impacting tire wear and fuel management distinctly compared to other NASCAR tracks.