I've Always Liked Pocono

Sometimes I feel like an ad for the Marine Corps when the subject turns to Pocono Raceway - one of the few and the proud. Over the years I have heard many suggest that NASCAR drop this venue and I couldn't disagree more. I have always liked Pocono since my first visit in 1981. I've probably made about 25 or so trips there and there was no place on the entire Cup circuit I enjoyed more. The countryside is beautiful and the food in the area is the absolute best I ever ate on the Cup circuit. The various degrees of radius in the 3 turns make it so interesting. One driver is leading going into the tunnel turn and another as they hit turn 1, etc., etc. I wouldn't trade one Pocono for ten boring Kansas, Chicago or Fontana type venues. For one thing, the Mattioli family always went over, above, and beyond to make us all feel welcome. They are just really nice people. It's the first place I remember that had really nice, clean restrooms in the garage. And let me say upfront - I do share the safety concerns regading abuttments and safety barriers.

It was so nice at night to feel the cool mountain breezes... and it's not every day you find deer wandering on a racetrack! I've stayed near the track in White Haven and at Jack Frost Mountain (no air conditioning needed) and even in Wilkes-Barre. There were great restaurants everywhere. Until it closed, Dale Earnhardt's favorite eating place on the NASCAR circuit was on Highway 115 outside of Blakeslee - a place called Iorios that also had an onsite bakery. Robert Christian's down the road from Blakeslee is also superb (best turkey sandwiches on the circuit - they roastturkeys every day). The food at the track was also varied and good. I enjoyed visiting the old timey neighborhood corner bars in Wilkes-Barre at night and had the best seafood I ever ate in Scranton (note - Daytona is NOT known for good seafood). There were even great pancake places around.

The entire staff at Pocono was always helpful and nice. Not just thethe Mattioli family, but Bob Pallo, Bob Pleban and Patti Angeloni couldn't be beat. Just nice people. Family people - not like dealing with the Frances or Bruton Smiths of the world.

In my humble opinion, the people who didn't enjoy Pocono were the money grubbers, briefcaseand alligator shoe set. They probably didn't like pierogis, either. I'd sure like to get back some time.

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"Any Day is Good for Stock Car Racing"
updated by @dave-fulton: 12/05/16 04:02:07PM

Pocono is indeed my favorite track. Thank you Dave and Patty for the in and outs of this great area.

The track is a visual for me. When watching this race on TV the camera shots on the back side are tremendous with the trees in view and these cars running 180 mph. This is truly a drivers track and they have to be on their toes always.

This facility was designed with three USAC tracks in mind. The first turn was patterned after Trenton's speedway. The Tunnel turn copies Indy's hard left handers and the flat thrd turn mimicks the Milwauke Mile. Besides needing to keep your nose clean through the tunnel it is the third turn that wins this race. If your car can get off of it good then a nice finish or a win is in sight.

This track was where I watched my first NASCAR Winston Cup race. It was back in 1991. Darrell Waltrip won it. It was the Champion Spark Plug 400. It was rain delayed but will never forget the duel between Earnhardt and Waltrip towards the end that sent people on their feet. I could not even see because I was so short at the time. The track is a very interesting configuration. Races like a Superspeedway but the drivers race like it like its a fairgrounds oval, road course and intermediate track. That straight away is something. Very long. I think I could see J.D. McDuffie enjoying a cigar riding around the front stretch when I went.

I enjoy watching the Pocono races on tv. I went there once, 1974 or '75, when I was working for the radio station. That was before those Pennsylvania folks learned some southern manners. Southern Motorsport Journal writers vowed NEVER to go back. We were treated worse than Kyle Busch by RCR. But I'm sure they have improved and I do love to watch the races there.

Tim

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What a change! It's been awhile since I've checked in and I'm quite surprised. It may take me awhile to figure it our but first look it's really great.

Saw the rants and screams on Facebook asking does Pocono deserve 2 dates. Most replies stated it shouldn't be on the circuit, some fans hate it. Back in the early 80's I kindda felt the same way, but I feelings were based on the fact that the TV coverage was Pay for View one year and that turned me off to this track. As I've gotten older I actually look forward to Pocono. The challenge of the different turns and the changing track seem to allow me to overlook much of the repetitive boring laps that do occur at most races and find enjoyment. It's not my favorite but I do look forward to it. I'm not sure if the track deserves2 dates each year but it is a good track with good racing and I think the drivers enjoy the challenge.

NASCAR needs POCONO for if anything to break up the cookie cutter syndrome. It is unrealistic to expect real close racing here with the track's configuration but it definetly challenges the drivers and crews.

I am curious if the new shifting rules lessened to competition even more.