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“The Prettiest Tunnel” – NASCAR Insider Reveals Wild Fact About Pocono’s Ownership

Published 07/25/2023, 9:29 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

Following the exciting HighPoint.com 400 at Pocono Raceway, with Denny Hamlin nailing his momentous 50th career victory and seventh at Pocono, everyone believed the buzz would be all about the incredible race and Hamlin’s achievement. After all, the track only hosts races once a year, making it a rarity on the NASCAR circuit. In a recent revelation from a NASCAR insider, the track has been thrust into the spotlight, revealing a hidden gem that many were unaware of.

Enter the Door Bumper Clear podcast, the haven for NASCAR enthusiasts craving controversy, juicy details about drivers, epic crashes, and behind-the-scenes insights. Once again, they’ve hit the jackpot, uncovering fascinating information that sets the Pocono Race Track apart from the rest.

Brett calls The Tricky Triangle, “The prettiest tunnel of all”

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Nestled amidst the breathtaking mountainscape of Long Pond, Pa., the 2.5-mile track proudly touts its motto, “Back to the Good Old Days,” a testament to its rich history and unique ambiance.

There’s no denying it: the East Pennsylvania Speedway stands apart from all other tracks on the NASCAR circuit. With three distinct corners that evoke mixed feelings in drivers, it’s earned its share of critics, including the latest Pocono Raceway winner, Denny Hamlin, who finds it a tad dull. 

But beyond its impressive features, there’s a hidden aspect to this race track, recently unveiled by none other than Brett Griffin on his DBC podcast. Brett revealed, “There’s only really two racetracks left that isn’t owned by NASCAR SMI that we race at, and obviously, Pocono is one of them, so to be co-independent. And at some point, they are probably going to ball it up and consolidate it into other portfolios, but for NASCAR to keep going there and for those guys to pull off what they did this weekend, congrats to them. It has the prettiest tunnel, without a doubt, that we see in a sport.”

For over half a century, the track has been held dear by its original owners, the Mattiolli family, who also own the South Boston Speedway in Virginia. In a realm dominated by Speedway Motorsports and International Speedway Corporation, Pocono’s independence is a rare gem, cherished by fans and drivers alike.

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Once about to shut down, Pocono Raceway bragged its largest NASCAR crowd

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When financial troubles threatened to close the Pocono Raceway’s doors, NASCAR’s Bill France Sr. stepped into the rescue. On the back of his business card, he left a powerful message: “On the Plains of Hesitation Lie the Bleached Bones of Millions—who, when within the Grasp of Victory, SAT and waited. And Waiting Died.”

Pocono stands as one of only two Sprint Cup Series ovals, alongside Indy, that doesn’t host either a Nationwide or Craftsman Truck Series support race. But that’s not all that sets this sports venue apart! It’s quite welcoming for drivers and fans alike.

Unlike others, Pocono warmly welcomes outside drinks, allowing fans to pack a 12″x12″x12″ cooler of their choice (minus glass containers) into the grandstands, ensuring they stay happy and hydrated throughout the event.

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When the sun sets, the Infield Block Party ignites excitement! This epic bash, exclusive to camping guests from Thursday through Saturday, features live music, kids’ activities, scrumptious food and drinks, and endless fun for the whole family. Even in 2023, the track owners continued to host a Saturday night concert that draws thousands of people. As Brett Griffin described it, “they had an amazing concert on Saturday night, looked like freaking 5000 people were there.”

And let’s not forget Pocono’s illustrious past. Once hosting IndyCar races in addition to NASCAR events, it used to boast a 3/4-mile track, where the Modified Race of Champions roared from 1980 to 1992. On top of that, Pocono is proudly part of Pepsi’s Dream Machine recycling program, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability.

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With all these fascinating facts, it’s no wonder people are always eager to catch the action every summer! If you’ve had the pleasure of visiting the raceway, do let us know in the comments below all about your thrilling raceway experiences!

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Written by:

Neha Dwivedi

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Neha Dwivedi is a NASCAR Writer for EssentiallySports. Her ability to capture the spirit of the exhilarating races and relay the enthusiasm to her readers distinguishes her as a sports journalist. Neha's articles strike a nice balance between technical accuracy and story-telling.
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Edited by:

Shivali Nathta