Sure, you probably knew Pocono Raceway is famous for its 2.5-mile, triangular-shaped superspeedway where legends have competed and achieved greatness. But how about their biggest summer event—a NASCAR and racing fan’s dream? You get five races in three days—a double doubleheader (two races on Saturday/two races on Sunday) and two NASCAR Cup Series races on back-to-back days from June 25-27.
Did you also know Pocono Raceway rests amid the beautiful Pocono Mountains, is an enormous family-owned-and-operated venue, and has been entertaining motorsports fans, families, entertainment seekers and others for over 50 years? Or that competitors have had so much difficulty getting around the track, they dubbed it The Tricky Triangle?
Want to learn more? We’ve broken down the Top 10 things you need to know about Pocono into “three turns,” which also made the Raceway famous.
Turn 1: NASCAR Doubleheader Week (June 25-27)
- Kids Attend Free. You read that 100% correctly—kids, ages 12 and under can attend all of Pocono Raceway’s 2021 NASCAR event days for free. This includes the 100 and 200 Level of the Grandstand on Saturday and Sunday, all Grandstand locations on Friday, and kids always camp for free at Pocono. The fun for kids does not stop there. Pocono Raceway has the Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital Kids Zone, Tricky’s Kit Kamp (a soft play area for children), Kids Club, and the 14th annual Kids Day on June 25. Learn more at poconoraceway.com/kidsfree.
- Sensory Kits and Rooms. Pocono Raceway has partnered with Kulture City to become one the world’s first inclusive motorsports facilities. Those with sensory challenges can visit with a bit more ease. Sensory Kits with noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads are available on property. Additionally, Sensory Rooms on site offer a quiet and safe environment. For additional details, visit poconoraceway.com/inclusive.
- Tailgating? Yes, Please! The race itself is incredible, but have you ever tailgated at a NASCAR race? Guests can arrive early for the two biggest event days—Saturday and Sunday—to enjoy tailgating before the gates open. Pocono Raceway even offers a select number of VIP and Premium VIP Tailgating options. Included in these great ticket add-ons is a big, reserved tailgating spot close to the entry gates, private portable restrooms, and a secure area for you and your tailgating friends. For more, visit poconoraceway.com/tailgate.
- Safe and Easy Camping. Kids camp for free, and guests can camp for five days and four nights in our camping areas that can include 50-amp power hook-up and daily water services, sites just outside the track and up against the racing surface, tent camping, and more. Each camping experience includes access to a variety of amenities and perks. Spots are selling out fast, so call the Ticket Office at 800-722-3929 to buy and learn more now.
- Pocono Mountains Activities and Welcome Center. Located in the heart of the Pocono Raceway infield, this building is accessible to all race weekend camping guests. The Center offers daily activities for all ages, including health and wellness programs, yoga, arts and crafts, photography classes, paint-and-sips, and more. A full schedule of events and additional information will be provided to camping guests upon arrival (COVID-19 restrictions may apply).
Turn 2: More Than NASCAR
- #PoconoMtns Inclusive Playground. Located inside the infield, this playground is a place for kids of all abilities to learn, grow, and play together. The 5,000-square-foot playground is open on race weekends for camping guests and seasonal campground guests. If the Raceway’s infield is open for nonprivate events, the playground is also available to outside visitors. To learn more about the #PoconoMtns Inclusive Playground, visit poconoraceway.com/playground.
- Bark Park Dog Park. Pocono Raceway is recognized as one of the first, if not the first, motorsports venues to open a dog park inside their facility. Dogs are welcome at NASCAR race weekends and to seasonal campground guests, as well as the outside public. Stop by when visiting the track. Your four-legged pal will have a blast and can meet new friends.
- Solar Power and Organic Living. Pocono Raceway was the world’s first, privately-owned sporting venue to be fully powered by the sun. Their 25-acre solar farm generates electricity for the Raceway’s needs and powers up to 300 local homes and businesses daily. The solar farm just celebrated 10 years of producing renewable energy and has offset the equivalent of over 3 million gallons of gasoline to date. In keeping with doing right for the environment, you need to also check out Pocono Organics. This state-of-the-art facility features one of the largest regenerative organic farms in North America, a market filled with fresh organic produce, and a café with food prepared by a “Chopped”-winning executive chef. Visit Pocono Organics by visiting poconoorganics.com and tell them their neighbor at Pocono Raceway sent you.
- Other Entertaining Events and Activities. The Raceway hosts over 200 additional events each year outside of their annual NASCAR race weekend. Some events include private track rental, but there are also ones open to the public. These include racing schools, like the StockCar Racing Experience and Bertil Roos Racing School, SCCA’s Track Night races, Ready Set Drift events, Night Lights lantern festival, outdoor adventure runs, and more. Pocono Outdoor Adventure Tours is now located on Pocono Raceway property and offers guided UTV tours—a fun and safe outdoor activity. Plus, since the Raceway is centrally located, you would only be a short drive from Sunset Hill Shooting Range, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, and tons of other great Pocono Mountains businesses. Have a question about any of these, reach out to Pocono Raceway via social media on Facebook at facebook.com/poconoraceway or @PoconoRaceway on Twitter and Instagram.
Turn 3: Seasonal Campground Now Available
- Seasonal Campground. Pocono Raceway offers two options for seasonal camping enthusiasts. The Infield RV Park campsite inside the Raceway’s infield is where some of NASCAR’s biggest names have stayed. The other site sits a stone’s throw from the Raceway at the Long Pond Campground. Both are great spots for you, your family, and your friends to enjoy the great outdoors at a reasonable price. Plus anyone coming as a Seasonal Campground guest can enjoy all the amenities—#PoconoMtns Inclusive Playground, Bark (Dog) Park, outdoor swimming pool, guest lounge with pool table, WiFi, renovated restrooms, shows, and more. Book your 2021 camping adventure today and learn more at poconoraceway.com/campground.