About the Venue
Pocono Raceway opened in 1971 and its unique triangular shape is one of the most challenging tracks on the NASCAR schedule. Fans are treated to side-by-side, sometimes seven-wide, racing down the long front straight off turn 3 with several lead changes along the way. With three corners, and extremely long straightaways, Pocono has unique challenges for drivers they don’t find on any other track.
Over the past several years Pocono has upgrade the facility for both drivers and fans. New crash walls, completely new paving, removed all the old garages and the .75-mile track and built new garage area. For the fans, Pocono added a 150-site RV park, 124 of which have water, sewer and electricity. But maybe the best new feature is the biggest and most fan-friendly Paddock Area; fans are only 56 feet away from the cars.
Pocono’s location is also unique. It is in a “Magic Triangle;” New York, Philadelphia and Pocono Raceway are all about 90 miles away from each other which makes accessibility to Pocono very easy for race fans. In addition, it make accessibility from Pocono to the nearly of 60 million people that live within 200 miles extremely easy as well.
Venue Pictures
City Guide
The Pocono Mountains
The Pocono Mountains are located in northeastern Pennsylvania and offer 2,400 square miles of peaks and valleys with several lakes, rushing rivers, and some great waterfalls. The Pocono Mountains region encompasses four separate counties: Carbon, Monroe; which contains the Pocono International Raceway, Pike and Wayne.
The Pocono’s have a little bit of everything for everyone; from unique shopping to historical sites. For the watersports lover; its 150 lakes, 18 waterfalls, 170 river miles and 5,600 acre Lake Wallenpaupack make for great fishing, boating and rafting.
For the outdoorsman, the Pocono’s contain 7 state parks, 72,000 acres of state forests, gamelands and the Delaware Gap National Recreation Area, open to hiking and biking.
In June, the Pocono Mountains bloom with the color and fragrance of the beautiful Mountain Laurel that cascades down the hillsides frames the rushing creeks and outlines the clear mountain lakes in faint pink blossoms.
Autumn is a spectacular season in the Pocono Mountains, when the air is crisp and the scenery is breathtaking. With over 100 varieties of trees here, fall creates a blaze of red, orange, and gold. And enjoying the magnificent fall foliage of the Pocono Mountains can be as easy as taking a leisurely afternoon drive along rustic roads.
Monroe County
Tourism is the largest industry in Monroe County due to its many year-round attractions. Considered the eastern 'gateway to the Poconos' through the Delaware Water Gap, Monroe County is the most populated of the four Pocono Mountains counties.
Pocono International Raceway is located just outside of the small town of Blakeslee. It offers close proximity to such attractions as Hickory Run State Park, Lehigh Gorge State Park, and the Lehigh River.
A visit to Monroe County isn't complete without a stop in Stroudsburg, an old fashioned Main Street community. Stroudsburg's quaint streets are lined with art galleries, restaurants, churches and shops, invite visitors to sit a while and feel right at home. Be sure to visit the Stroud Mansion, the Monroe County Historical Association Museum.
Getting to Pocono
Driving to Pocono
Pocono International Raceway is conveniently located a short drive away from many major cities in the northeast. Below are some approximate driving distances from some regional cities:
Albany, 200 miles
Allentown, 45 miles
Boston, 300 miles
Denver, CO, 1,700 miles
Harrisburg, 125 miles
New York City, 90 miles
Philadelphia, 85 miles
Scranton, 40 miles
Syracuse, 165 miles
Washington D.C., 200 miles
Pocono Area Airports
Fans flying to the race will land in one of the several surrounding major airports; the closest airports to Pocono Raceway are:
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) (www.flyavp.com) offers over 40 daily arrivals and departures to seven major hubs, with one-stop service to over 450 destinations worldwide. Air service is provided by the following airlines: Continental Connection; Delta Connection; Northwest Airlines; United Express; and US Airways Express. AVP is serviced by all major car rental agencies. Call 1-877-2FLYAVP (235-9287) for more informaton. Located 35 miles from Pocono Raceway.
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) (www.lvia.org) has air service provided by : Air Canada; Allegiant Air; Continental Express; Delta; NorthWest Air; United Express; and US Airways. ABE is serviced by all major car rental agencies. Call 1-800-FLY-LVIA for more information. Located 45 miles from Pocono Raceway.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) (www.phl.org) is a major airport serving one of the largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. Serviced by all major airlines and car rental agencies. Call (215) 937-6937 for more information. Located 100 miles from Pocono Raceway.
Daytrips
Pocono Mountains & Pennsylvania State Parks
Nearly 25 miles of the Appalachian Trail are located in the Pocono Mountains. Six Pennsylvania state parks also offer scenic hiking trails. Hickory Run State Park is home to Boulder Field, which was formed during the Ice Age by a glacier. This landmark is literally a field of boulders as far as the eye can see.
There are a number of stables in the Pocono Mountains with horses for riders of all levels of experience. Mountain biking rentals and day trips are available throughout the area as well.
What to Do
The Columns Museum
Home to many significant American heritage treasures, the Columns Museum has numerous exhibits on American Indian heritage, the French Indian War, the Revolutionary War and Civil War. It's most prized possession is the "Lincoln Flag" The blood-stained American Flag that President Lincoln's head rested on just after the mortal gunshot was fired at Ford's Theatre. Wed, Sat and Sun; 1-4pm. The museum is located at The Columns, 608 Broad Street in Milford, PA 18337; 570-296-8126.
Wayne County Historical Society Museum
A full scale replica of the America’s first locomotive was built in 1933 and is on display and makes its home at the Wayne County Historical Society & Museum in Honesdale, PA 18431; 570-253-3240.
Houdini Tour & Magic Show
This is the only museum in the world totally devoted to the magic, life and escapes of the famous Harry Houdini. The museum offers a magic show to visitors during the summer and the exhibit is updated on a regular basis. Located at 1433 N. Main Ave, Scranton PA 18447; 570-342-5555.
Zane Grey Museum (www.nps.gov/archive/upde/zgmuseum.htm), Narrowsburg, NY, 12764; 570-685-4871.
Dorflinger Glass Museum (www.dorflinger.org)
The Dorflinger Glass Museum is a tribute to the life and accomplishments of Christian Dorflinger, known throughout the world as the creator of fine crystal and exquisite cut glass. Located at Long Ridge Road, PO Box 356, White Mills, PA 18473; 570-253-1185. Open from mid-May through November. Mon-Tues; Closed. Wed-Sat; 10-4pm. Sun; 1-4pm ($3.00; $2.50 for senior citizens (over 55) and $1.50 for students aged 6 through 18).
Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm (www.quietvalley.org)
There are many facets to Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm including “Farm Animal Frolic” in May, summertime tours of the farm provide a slice of 19th century life and a number of programs designed just for school visits. Workshops are presented throughout the year. Located at 1000 Turkey Hill Road, Stroudsburg, PA 18360; 570-992-6161.
The Pocono Snake and Animal Farm
Over 100 animals including a Siberian Tiger, a giant Anaconda, Alligators, Emus, Mountain Lions, and a whole host of other animals. Children can feed many of our animals including our Deer, Bear, Alligators, and Monkeys. For more information, call 570-223-8653.
Shopping
Holley Ross Pottery (www.holleyross.com)
The Holley Ross Pottery showroom is open to the public Mon-Sat; 9:30-5:30pm and Sun 1-5:30pm. Located on Route 191 between Cresco and Newfoundland in the village of LaAnna; 570 676-3248.
Pocono Candle (www.poconocandle.com)
Pocono Candle carries all sizes, shapes, scents and colors of candles imaginable. Over 30 years in business gives them the experience and inventory to serve you best. Located in East Stroudsburg, PA, Business Route 209; 570-421-1832.
Antiques
Timely Treasures (www.timelytreasures.com)
Six rooms beautifully decorated antique furniture and new decorative treasures such as; full dining room sets, bookcases, oak and pine tables, hand painted mirrors and both stain glass and silk shaded lamps. Route 6, Hawley, PA 18428; 570-226-2838. Sun-Sat 10-5pm.
Helms Antique Autos, 408 West Harford Street, Milford, PA 18337; 570-296-6331.
Olde Engine Works, 62 North Third Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360; 570-421-4340
Uncle Sam's Collectibles, Crystal Street, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301; 570-476-9334
