Uniqueness is a word not spoken that often when talking about NASCAR in the sense of track configuration. Yes, you have short tracks, intermediate tracks and superspeedways, but the only real difference is the size. Each has four turns. I realize their are two road courses, but those are road courses – not the first thing someone thinks of when you talk about the different tracks in NASCAR.
That is one of a few reasons why the race at Pocono Raceway this weekend is unique. Pocono Raceway, located in Long Pond Pennsylvania, first opened in 1971 and holds 76,812 people in the stands. The track is 2.5 miles long, which first thing that probably comes to mind is this track is a superspeedway because of the size. Yes, it is a fast track, but the difference is Pocono Raceway has three, not four, turns, which is why it is known as NASCAR’s “Tricky Triangle”.
Plus, all three turns having different banking. Turn 1 has 14 degrees of banking, turn 2 has 9 degrees of banking and is known as the “Tunnel Turn” modeled after Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s turn, and turn 3 has 6 degrees of banking.
But also, Pocono Raceway is family-owned by Mattco Inc. and run by the siblings Brandon, Nicholas and Ashley Igdalsky and cousins Chase and Joseph IV Mattioli, all third-generation family members. This is unique due to the fact the track is not owned by dominant NASCAR track owners International Speedway Corporation and Speedway Motorsports, Inc.
What else is special about Pocono Raceway? Well, for almost every race, the family siblings are able to land a well recognized sponsor. For this race, it is Windows 10 and the race will be known as the “Windows 10 400″. The announcement of this sponsorship is a major win for the track, being the name recognition that comes with “Windows” and how integral Microsoft is to the technology world today. Brandon Igdalsky made sure to stress how Pocono will promote the launch of the new Windows platform and is proud to be a part of the launch
“Microsoft has been on the cutting edge of technology and innovation since its founding in 1975. The launch of their Windows 10 platform is something Pocono Raceway is extremely proud to promote during our final NASCAR race weekend of 2015. We look forward to celebrating with everyone from Microsoft, NASCAR and, most importantly, the race fans on Sunday, August 2nd.”
In addition, NASCAR’s most famous driver will be carrying the Microsoft colors on his No. 88 Chevrolet SS this weekend at Pocono Raceway.
So now you can see how unique Pocono Raceway is – the configuration, family-owned, a very recognizable sponsor and the most popular driver in the sport carrying the sponsor’s colors. Seems to me this is an event you either need to be at, or watch.
