Editorial credit: Grindstone Media Group / Shutterstock.com
In 2022 Pocono has been reduced to a one race track in the NASCAR Season. This may be welcome news to some drivers as the Tricky triangle has a knack of causing upsets. However since 1971 it has been a mainstay of all three NASCAR National Series.
So love it or hate it is clearly here to stay.
Below we have as many facts as you should ever need about the Pocono Raceway Whether you are going or watching on TV there should be something you don’t know, or that you never knew you needed to know about Pocono Raceway
If you are looking for other track facts we have them listed in the table below, they all follow a similar format and we are working through to get them all up before the end of the season ( 2022) so stay tuned!
NASCAR Track Facts links
Pocono Raceway Facts.
Below you will find, hopefully, everything you need to know about this Iconic speedway. Feel free to update or let us know anything we may have missed.
Where is Pocono Raceway?
The track is located about 100 km North of Philadelphia, about 70 km West of the big apple New York City. Its one of the furthest North of the tracks used by NASCAR.
How Long Is Pocono Raceway?
Pocono Raceway is a long Triangle / Oval Racetrack. It is a 2.5 miles and is actually one of the longer tracks of the year even including the road races. . It has low banking of 8 to 6 degrees in turns 2 and 3 and about double that in turn 1 with a banking of 14 degrees. this makes it a difficult track for drivers with different entry and exit speeds into and out of all the corners.
Who owns Pocono Raceway?
The speedway is owned and operated by mattco Inc Company. They also own and operate South Boston Speedway in Virginia as well.
What is The Configuration of Pocono Raceway?
This is not one of the more popular tracks with drivers due to the changing configuration fo the corners. However it is more challenging a drive and we cant just have 1.5 mile Ovals week in week out!
Each turn at the Pocono Raceway is modeled on a turn at a different racetrack. these are as follows.
Turn Number | Track Modelled After | Banking |
Turn 1 | Trenton Speedway | 14 Degrees |
Turn 2 | Indianapolis Motor Speedway | 8 Degrees |
Turn 3 | Milwaukee Mile | 6 Degrees |
What is the nickname of the Pocono Raceway?
The Pocono Raceway is known as the Tricky Triangle, and it deserves its name. As we mention and highlight in the table above each turn is different and modelled on a turn at another race track. This means drivers have to continually know where they are on the track at all times.
What is the trophy for the Winner at the Pocono Raceway?
The winner, after 250 laps of the Tricky triangle will have to get to grips an awesome eagle Trophy. one of the better looking ones of the season it has to be said. You can check it out on poconos twitter page here.
What are The Lap Records at Pocono Raceway?
For those who say the cars are going backwards the lap records are all with the last 6 years, so something must be getting faster!
we will update as more results become available. Most of these, unsurprisingly, were completed in qualifying laps.
Series | Driver | Time | Year |
NASCAR Cup | Kyle Busch | 51,298 | 2017 |
Truck Series | Sheldon Creed | 53.609 | 2021 |
Xfinity | Austin Cindric | 54.270 | 2020 |
What Kind of Weather Conditions Does Pocono Raceway have?
Pocono Raceway usually experiences fine weather for NASCAR racing in the mid to late Summer. Temperatures can range from 25 to 31 and although rain can occur you are likely to get sunburnt than soaked so bring sunscreen and some good sunglasses. the occasional rain shower or storm can blow through.
How Much do NASCAR tickets cost at the Pocono Raceway?
The ticket price range for Pocono Raceway usually start at $80 -$150 for general admission for adults depending where the seat is located and free for kids on race day that is.
There are also public suites, access to driver introductions and parties. these can be had for a add on fee. Public suites can be up to 750 dollars for the Sunday and 550 for the saturday. Other tickets with shade or in the terraces can go up to the 150 and pit access or other perks up to 250.
We checked these the day before the race so there will be early bird deals and discounts if you book earlier in future.
You can check availability here.
Camping and RV parking and hosting will also add to these prices.
When Was Pocono Raceway Constructed?
Pocono Raceway was opened in 1971. It hosts the three national NASCAR races and between 1971 to 1989 and 2013 to 2019 it also help Indycar Races.
How Many NASCAR Cup Races are held at Pocono Raceway
The speedway is currently home to one NASCAR Cup races. The Race is called the M and Ms Fan Appreciation 400 and is held in the middle of July (in 2022) on the 24th. it is a 250 lap – 400 mile race around the 2.5 mile triangle oval.
Previously it held 2 races in a year.
Is Pocono Raceway a NASCAR long Track?
NASCAR Defines a long track as a track as over 2 miles in length, Pocono Raceway at 2.5 miles is certainly a long track and up ther ewith Daytona and Talladega as the longest tracks ( ovals) of the season.
Who won the First NASCAR Cup race at Pocono Raceway
The first Pocono race was held Pocono Raceway in July 1971 and was won by Mark Donoahue. The First NASCAR Pocono 500 was won by Richard Petty in 1974.
What other Motor Sports have been run at Pocono Raceway
Pocono Raceway is a busy track and as well as the Cup Series Races it holds each year it has race weekend and events, or has held for many different sports. Including the following:
- IndyCar ( in two spells)
- Truck series
- NASCAR Cup Series
- Xfinity
- Road racing
- ARCA Racing
- Racing experiences
and many Many more.
What is the Seating Capacity of Pocono Raceway?
The track has a capacity of 76,812 depending on the event being held there.
Does Pocono Raceway Have Lighting for Night Racing?
Pocono Raceway does not have lights for night racing the nascar cup is run during the day. There are only a few NASCAR tracks that do not have lights, including New Hampshire, Talladega, Michigan and Dover.
How Many Laps are in a Race at Pocono Raceway
The M and Ms Fan Appreciation NASCAR at Pocono Raceway is actually a 250 lap, 400 mile race this is the cup series race
How Long is a Race at Pocono Raceway
The NASCAR Cup Series race is 400 miles at Pocono Raceway which is 250 laps of the 2.5 mile asphalt track.
- The record time for the NASCAR Cup Series is held by Jeff burton at 2 hours 42 minutes and 235 seconds at the race in 1997.
- The record for the Xfinity racing is help by Kyle Busch at 1hrs 53 mins and 26 seconds in 2013
- The Record for Truck Series is also held by Kyle Busch at 1 hour 33 minutes and 35 seconds, in 2011
Pocono NASCAR Records
With a racetrack over 50 years old there are a few impressive records here. Denny Hamlin will be looking to claim the most wins on his own in the next few years.
Pocono Nascar record | Number | Drivers |
Most wins | 6 | Jeff Gordon Denny Hamlin |
Top 5s | 20 | Mark Martin Jeff Gordon |
Top 10s | 34 | Mark Martin |
Most Poles | 5 | Ken Schrader Bill Elliot |
What is the Banking on Pocono Raceway
Pocono Raceway is a 2.5 mile Oval Track, and its banking is varied as each corner is modelled on corners from other race tracks.
- In turn 1 the banking is 14 degrees and is based on Trenton Speedway
- In turn 2 the banking is 8 Degrees and is based on Indianapolis Motor speedway
- in turn 3 the banking is 6 degrees and is based on Milwaukee Speedway.
How can I get tickets to the Pocono Raceway
Tickets for the Cup series NASCAR Races and other NASCAR races can be purchased online at the speedway’s website or by calling the ticket office.
What is the Address of Pocono Raceway
The address of Pocono Raceway is 1234 Long Pond Rd, Long Pond, PA 18334, United States
Can you Camp or bring an RV to the Pocono Raceway
Yes, you can camp or bring an RV to the Pocono Raceway Camping and RV spots can be reserved through the Speedways Website, there are also spots for RVs but they need self contained waste systems.
What are the Rules for Bringing a Pet to the Pocono Raceway
Pets are not allowed in the grandstands, but they are allowed in the camping areas. as long as not infield. All pets must be on a leash at all times and waste must be cleaned up. Service animals are permitted although the racetrack request you let them know you are bringing one.
What is the Phone Number for the Pocono Raceway
The phone number for the speedway is 1-800-RACEWAY
What Food and Drink Concessions Do They have at Pocono Raceway
Pocono Raceway has a wide variety of food and drink concessions. ( called Mountain Concessions) Some of the options include hot dogs, hamburgers, pit boss grills, pizza, tacos, chicken, sandwiches, salads, soft drinks, beer, and wine. You can bring your own food, beer and drinks too. Just make sure your cooler is 12x12x12 and soft sided, see below.
Can you bring Coolers to Pocono Raceway
Coolers are allowed to be taken into Pocono Raceway if they are soft sided (we have an article on the details here).you can bring food and drinks inside the speedway. You are allowed to bring your own beer also, . No loose ice though so use cooling blocks. You can bring backpacks and rucksacks coolers are 12x12x12 bags are 18x18x14
Do you need Seat Cushions At Pocono Raceway
No, seat cushions are not required at Pocono Raceway However, they are allowed and we have details on the best ones here. Be aware they don’t allow seat cushions that are over 20 inches wide and with arms.
Is There an Age Limit For Entering the Pocono Raceway
There is no age limit for entering the Pocono Raceway. However, children under the age of 12 the cup series races may cost just 10 dollars or even free ( call in advance though) and children under 12 can go to NASCAR Xfinity / Truck races as well for free! To buy alcohol if you look under 40 ( yes 40!) you will need to have ID and be over 21.
We and the speedway suggest ear protection for little ears though.
What is the Policy For Wheelchair users at Pocono Raceway
Pocono Raceway is wheelchair accessible and the parking comes with a wheelchair reserved seat. There are trams and shuttles also You can find out more on their site here.
What Should I Bring To The Pocono Raceway
Some items that you may want to bring to the Pocono Raceway races include sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, binoculars, and comfortable shoes, you can check their website for things you should not bring though most of it is fairly common sense.
You can also bring a cooler ( special size see here) with your own food and drinks.
What Time Should I Arrive At The Pocono Raceway
Pocono Raceway has events throughout the race days , if you would like to see them then arrive before this time.
Arriving early also helps you avoid the queues if you are planning on getting food and drinks prior to the Green flag as well as enjoy the meet the drier and music experiences. Some of these may cost extra to be aware.
Conclusion
We hope the information we have researched on Pocono Raceway has been of use and that you have an awesome day out, which ever racetrack you are attending.
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