Photo Credit: Gary Buchanan
On August 11 it was announced Pocono Raceway would be on the IndyCar Schedule through 2018.
The 2.5 mile triangular oval track which has donned the nickname “The Tricky Triangle” is set to host the ABC Supply 500 weekend August 20-21. The races dates for both 2017 and 2018 will be released later on in time.
“We are thrilled to share this great news that we will host the Verizon IndyCar Series through 2018,” Igdalsky said. “Our track was originally designed for open-wheel cars and our fans really enjoy the action on the track. When you see these cars going six and seven wide, it is incredible. We also received positive feedback from teams and drivers and worked together with INDYCAR to make sure Pocono Raceway stays on the schedule.”
When IndyCar drivers and teams take to the track it will be 23rd race held at the track and apart of the tracks history as previous events were held from 1971-89. They started racing there again in 2013 and have been there ever since then. Some of the famous winners at Pocono are hometown hero Mario Andretti, Rick Mears, Bobby Rahal, Johnny Rutherford, Danny Sullivan and Al Unser.
“We’re thrilled to announce today’s two-year extension with Pocono Raceway, an iconic oval track with a long history of hosting great open-wheel racing events,” Jay Frye, INDYCAR president of competition and operations stated. “It’s very clear that Pocono is one of the favorites amongst the drivers, teams and fans of the Verizon IndyCar Series and we look forward to competing there for the foreseeable future. We’d also like to thank Brandon Igdalsky and his entire team for all their efforts to make this event a success and we look forward to our race there on Aug. 21.”
Current IndyCar driver Ryan Hunter-Reay, who is the defending Pocono race winner, is also excited to hear news of the extension.
“The on-track show, the product we put on here last year was phenomenal,” said Hunter-Reay, driver of the No. 28 DHL Honda for Andretti Autosport. “Lead changes throughout the race, six wide throughout the straights, passing throughout the field. You couldn’t ask for a better product and hopefully we can do it again for the fans.”
Mario’s grandson, and hometown hero Marco Andretti is also happy with the news.
“This is my home track so selfishly this is great news,” Andretti said. “There is a great, long history of racing here at Pocono Raceway and I am excited we will continue to come back. I think our cars were made for this track.”
Scott Dixonm who won the first IndyCar race back at the track in 2013, is also ecstatic that the track is back as well. His win in 2013 helped him win his third championship at the end of the season that year.
“Pocono Raceway needs to be a place we visit each year,” Dixon said, “and to build on the product we need to come here for a while. We need some longevity here.”
Tickets for the ABC Supply 500 can be purchased online at Poconoraceway.com or by calling (800) RACEWAY. The tickets start at around $25 for adults and $12.50 for kids under the age of 12.
