NASCAR is a sport steeped in traditions, especially given its 75-year history. In the modern day, a race usually starts with the pre-race ceremonies before the drivers hit the track. This includes the prayer, the national anthem, the call to start the engines and the occasional air show. In the case of the Pocono Raceway, the air show is one of the biggest highlights.

This is because the ones performing are the US Navy Blue Angels squad. This flight squadron is regarded as one of the oldest aerobatic demonstration teams in the world, and they are very well renowned. Their garrison is stationed in Florida, but they have been known to fly and perform stunts anywhere in the United States.

The squad consists of 6 members piloting F/A-18 Hornets, all flying in a diamond formation. Meanwhile, the routine consists of formation loops, rolls, and transitions into different formations. Admittedly, there are some solo performances, but they highlight more advanced moves. This includes high-speed passes, slow passes, fast rolls, slow rolls, and tight turns.

However, there’s bad news!

For fans who are coming to watch the 2024 HighPoint.com 400, it turns out that the Blue Angels will not make an appearance this year at the Pocono Raceway for a show. To make matters worse, the official Pocono Raceway shared that their absence will be felt for the 2024 or even 2025 edition of the NASCAR Cup Series race at the Tricky Triangle.

Instead, the Blue Angels are tied up at the Pensacola Beach Air Show from July 10th to July 13th. Of course, this means that there is no time for the six-man squadron to go all the way to Pennsylvania. Now, whether the Pocono Raceway authorities will schedule a different air show or scrap it altogether is their decision.

Ultimately, this may not affect the NASCAR Cup race itself. However, it does compromise the pre-race festivities briefly. There may be some fans who will be disappointed, but things cannot be helped at all. The Blue Angels have their commitments and a fairly packed schedule, so there is no place to squeeze in a NASCAR event.

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What can you expect from the NASCAR Cup race at the Pocono Raceway?

The track is reportedly the toughest for the drivers. Its triangular layout is unusual and could throw up interesting challenges for the Cup Series drivers. Two drivers who could be the favorites to win are Alex Bowman and Denny Hamlin. The former recently triumphed at the Chicago Street Course, so the momentum could be with the #48 Hendrick Motorsports star.

On the other end of the scale, Denny Hamlin is a 5-time winner at the Pocono Raceway. Joe Gibbs Racing alone boasts 11 Cup wins at the track, so they will be right up there among the favorites. Of course, that doesn’t mean that other drivers and teams cannot spring a surprise at the last moment.

If there is one thing that NASCAR is known for, it is its unpredictable nature. Since this track is known as the Tricky Triangle, its nature could catch an unsuspecting driver. All it takes is for a driver to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, in the event of a wreck. In other words, Denny Hamlin’s name need not be etched on the trophy prematurely.