History of Pocono Raceway in Timeline

Pocono Raceway, located in Blakeslee, Pennsylvania, is a 2.5-mile tri-oval racetrack that opened in 1969. Owned by Mattco, Inc. and managed by CEO Nick Igdalsky, it has hosted various racing events, including NASCAR, IndyCar Series, and IMSA GT Championship races. Its unique tri-oval design presents a distinct challenge for drivers.

1957: Racing, Inc. Formed

In 1957, Racing, Inc. was formed by disgruntled fans in Pennsylvania who criticized the lack of racing amenities in the state.

April 6, 1962: Land Purchased for Raceway

On April 6, 1962, the Pocono Record reported that Racing, Inc., led by David Montgomery, began purchasing tracts of land in Blakeslee, Pennsylvania, totaling over 1,025 acres at a price "in excess of $114,000" with the intent to build the Pocono Mountains International Raceway.

January 1963: First Events on Improvised Circuit

In January 1963, the first events were held on an improvised circuit of the track. Organizers deemed the event a success and planned to host future improvised races.

November 9, 1964: Land Clearing Begins

On November 9, 1964, developers of the track began clearing land. Montgomery stated that the track layout had changed to a new "top secret" design.

April 1965: Plans Expand for Multi-Layout Complex

In April 1965, plans expanded for the multi-layout complex to include a 3⁄4-mile oval, which was slated to host the complex's first race.

July 8, 1965: Groundbreaking of Pocono International Raceway

Groundbreaking on Pocono International Raceway took place on July 8, 1965, with plans to open the facility on September 5. However, the opening was delayed until the spring of 1966 due to constant rain.

May 1966: Inaugural Indy-Car Race Announced, Then Postponed

In May 1966, a 300 mi (480 km) USAC Indy-car race was announced to inaugurate the facility on August 28 of that year; however, after further rain and a self-described "tight money situation" according to Montgomery, the race and the track's opening was postponed, with the latter being delayed until the spring of 1967.

December 1966: Construction Lien Filed

In December 1966, a $176,219 lien was filed by construction contractor Schartz and Baker due to alleged unpaid dues, placing doubts on the project's financial stability.

1966: Opening Delayed Due to Rain

In 1966, the opening of Pocono International Raceway was delayed until the spring due to constant rain.

August 23, 1967: Lien Dismissed

On August 23, 1967, the lien filed by construction contractor Schartz and Baker in December 1966 was dismissed, a victory for Racing, Inc.

May 25, 1968: Lawsuit Settled

On May 25, 1968, the lawsuit between Racing, Inc. and Schartz and Baker was settled, a victory for Racing, Inc. This legal battle had halted construction for nearly two years.

May 4, 1969: PIR Officially Opens

On May 4, 1969, PIR officially opened for a supermodified program won by Jim Shampine on the venue's 3⁄4-mile oval. During the program, the venue experienced its first fatality after Troy Ruttman Jr. crashed during the feature event.

1969: Pocono Raceway Opens

In 1969, Pocono Raceway officially opened after over a decade of planning and construction delays. David Montgomery initially controlled the speedway, but Joseph Mattioli took over after a disagreement. The main tri-oval opened two years later. The raceway faced financial challenges in the 1970s but recovered in the mid-1980s due to the success of NASCAR races.

1969: Track Opening Delayed Again

In 1969, after three postponements due to weather, the track's opening was delayed until the spring.

February 1970: USAC Agrees to Host 500-Mile Race

In February 1970, USAC agreed to host their second attempt at an event at the speedway, this time with a 500-mile race on the venue's 2.5-mile tri-oval. The deal also included a 500-mile race with "late model stock[s]".

June 1971: Facility Cost

According to a June 1971 interview given by Mattoli, the entire facility cost $6 million.

June 19, 1971: Tri-Oval Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

On June 19, 1971, an official ribbon cutting ceremony for the tri-oval was held.

1971: First major open-wheel races

In 1971, the first major open-wheel races at Pocono Raceway were run on the tri-oval, sanctioned by the United States Auto Club (USAC).

1973: Road Course Repaved and First Race Held

In 1973, parts of the 1.8 mi road course layout were repaved by April, including the second and third turns of the main speedway. Two months later, the venue's 2.8-mile road course held its first race.

1978: Tri-Oval's Second Turn Repaved Twice

In 1978, the tri-oval's second turn was repaved twice in the same year after complaints were raised by drivers about the bumpiness of the track surface.

1979: Financial Blows and Lawsuit Against CART

In 1979, Pocono Raceway faced numerous financial challenges, including Schaefer Beer ending their title sponsorship and a boycott by CART-affiliated drivers. The inaugural major drag races were cancelled due to a dispute with the IHRA. In August, PIR sued CART in an antitrust suit for $6.3 million.

1979: Venue's Financial Hit

In 1979, the venue suffered a financial hit after numerous car owners in USAC split to create their own racing league named Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART).

February 1981: Mattioli Considers Selling the Track

In February 1981, The Morning Call reported that Mattioli was considering selling the track, admitting he was negotiating with three separate groups interested in purchasing the venue.

1982: CART takes control of the event

In 1982, control of the event was handed over to Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART).

1982: Recapitalization Efforts and Second Cup Series Weekend

In 1982, despite still being up for sale, Mattioli admitted in April that they were "looking for recapitalization possibilities" in efforts to retain racing and added a second annual Cup Series weekend.

1984: Frontstretch and Pit Road Repaved

In 1984, the tri-oval's frontstretch and pit road were repaved, and a new victory lane was constructed.

1987: Financial State Recovering

By 1987, the venue's financial state was recovering, with increased attendance and sponsor deals.

1989: Safety Complaints

In 1989, after further safety complaints the Pocono 500 was removed from the CART schedule starting in 1990.

1990: Beautification Project Underway

In 1990, Pocono Raceway underwent a beautification project, including adding a concrete wall, planting trees and flowers, and improving the sewer system.

1990: CART drops the event

In 1990, after numerous safety complaints, CART dropped the event.

1990: Pocono 500 Removed From Schedule

In 1990, the Pocono 500 was removed from the CART schedule. The event's departure was due to safety complaints and its lack of profitability.

1991: New Grandstand Added

In 1991, a new 5,000-seat grandstand was added to the track.

1992: Another Grandstand Added

In 1992, another new grandstand with 5,100 seats was added to the track.

1994: Mattioli Seeks Funds for Expansion

In 1994, Mattioli began efforts to buy out minority shareholders to amass funds for further expansion, hoping to add a hotel, convention center, water park, and 20,000 seats.

1995: Addition of Second Cup Series Saved the Facility

In 1995, Mattioli stated in an interview that the addition of a second Cup Series event saved the facility, giving credit to Bill France Sr. and Bill France Jr.

1996: Tri-Oval Fully Repaved

In 1996, the tri-oval was fully repaved for the first time since its opening. Mattioli also denied rumors of selling the facility to Bruton Smith.

1997: Seating Additions

In 1997, 15,000 seats were added to Pocono Raceway.

1999: Further Seating Additions and Garage Renovation

In 1999, 17,000 seats were added to Pocono Raceway, along with a $7 million garage area renovation.

2000: Ongoing Expansion

According to Mattioli, from 1990 to 2000, he spent an average of $3 million annually expanding the venue's amenities.

2004: SAFER barriers installed

In 2004, SAFER barriers were installed around the outside perimeter of the tri-oval at Pocono Raceway.

January 2005: Casino design plans unveiled

In January 2005, Pocono Raceway officials unveiled design plans for a $300 million, 200,000 sq ft complex, expressing interest in opening a casino.

2006: Resort plans announced

In 2006, officials announced plans to build a $50 million, 250-unit "gated community" resort in lieu of a casino.

2007: Resort construction and new president appointment

In 2007, construction on the resort started after initial delays, and Mattioli's grandson, Brandon Igdalsky, was appointed as Pocono Raceway's president.

2008: Turn repaved

In 2008, the third turn of the tri-oval was repaved after cracks began to appear in the turn.

September 2009: Resort opening

In September 2009, the first 56 units of a 250-unit "gated community" resort opened after construction started in 2007.

2010: SAFER barriers installed following safety concerns

In 2010, after a crash at the Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500, more than 5,500 ft of SAFER barriers and 6,100 ft of catchfence was installed from turn one to turn three.

August 5, 2011: Mattioli retires as CEO

On August 5, 2011, Mattioli announced his retirement as CEO of Pocono Raceway, with Brandon replacing him.

September 2012: IndyCar Series returns

In September 2012, track officials announced the return of major open-wheel racing with the IndyCar Series scheduling a race for their 2013 season.

2013: IndyCar Series returns

In 2013, after a 22-year absence, open-wheel racing returned with the IndyCar Series.

2013: Infield road course upgrades

In 2013, upgrades to the track's infield road course were made.

2014: Curbing removed

In 2014, the removal of curbing on the tri-oval's second turn was made.

2015: Justin Wilson fatality

In 2015, IndyCar driver Justin Wilson was killed after being hit in the head by a flying nose cone.

August 2017: Brandon resigns as CEO

In August 2017, Brandon resigned from his position to take a job in NASCAR, with his younger brother, Nick, named as CEO of the track.

2019: IndyCar Series stops racing

In 2019, after further safety complaints, the IndyCar Series stopped racing at the facility.

2019: IndyCar drops Pocono from its schedule

In 2019, following safety concerns, IndyCar dropped Pocono from its schedule starting in 2020.

2020: First multi-series tripleheader

In 2020, NASCAR ran its first multi-series tripleheader, with all three races running on the same day due to a Truck Series race being delayed by rain.

2021: Estimated Seating Capacity

In 2021, Frontstretch estimated Pocono Raceway's seating capacity at 76,812. The venue is located in Blakeslee, Pennsylvania, and is served by Interstate 80 and Pennsylvania Route 115. The venue does not release official seating capacity figures due to its private ownership.