ABC Supply* 500
Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, PA
August 17-18, 2019
Round #14
GENERAL INFO – Pocono Raceway is known as “The Tricky Triangle.” There are only 3 corners to this track, and it provides a unique viewing experience. Located in Long Pond, PA, the facility is blessed with a lot of land, including camping and 25 acres on property used for solar panels that produce all electrical needs for the facility plus 300 homes! During the summer months, 50 sheep are used to keep the grass trimmed within the confines of the solar project! All parking is free! The IndyCar race is on Sunday afternoon, Vintage IndyCars will also be at the track all weekend. Check the track schedule for times.
The track was finished in 1971 and featured IndyCar (USAC sanction) on July 4th for a 500-mile race. Pennsylvania resident Mark Donohue won the race. It became the second jewel on the Triple Crown of 500-mile races. (Indianapolis on Memorial Day, Pocono on July 4th and Ontario Motor Speedway on Labor Day)
Nineteen consecutive races were held at Pocono for IndyCar, ending in 1989. After a 23-year absence, IndyCar returned in 2013. In 1990 major renovations were begun and much of the original track was reinvented with a new garage area, repaving of the track and construction of the “Long John at Long Pond,” a 1,000-stall toilet facility to avoid lines!
Kids are FREE in Sections 100 and 200 of the grandstands all weekend! Call the ticket office at 1-800-722-3929 to secure a kid seat and availability!! All children 12 and under are encouraged to wear a track ID wristband. These are complimentary and available at all guest information booths.
No smoking in the grandstand seats or under the grandstands. Expect security to search bags and vehicles entering the track. Golf cart shuttles are provided to move around. Visit a guest information booth for shuttle pickup locations. If you use a stroller, bring a chain and padlock to secure it, they are not allowed in grandstand areas. Pets are not allowed, but service animals must remain on a leash.
Not as much walking at Pocono opposed to other tracks on the schedule. However, comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended. The temperatures can be all over the chart, very hot or quite chilly in the mountains along with rain possibilities. Bring a hat, sunscreen and rain gear. There is a pedestrian tunnel under the France grandstand, follow the signs by the start/finish line. It is accessible IF you have a credential or a paddock pass with a grandstand ticket. The stairs are very steep on both ends. From the grandstand side thru the tunnel, you will come out in the infield behind the Victory Circle Club/Victory Lane. Look for the vintage cars, as they are usually in the garage area. When returning thru the tunnel to the grandstand area, you will need a grandstand ticket, general admission ticket or credential to enter. Make sure to walk thru the “Fan Fare” which contains souvenir vendors and displays behind the grandstand.
Close hotels can be an issue. This is a resort and hunting area, but updated hotels can require a search. Make sure to have a reservation before leaving home. An infield restaurant has been remodeled and is a great place to grab a snack, cold drink, and escape the elements. The restaurant serves breakfast and lunch items.
*ABC Supply Company is the nation’s largest wholesale distributor of roofing products. They also are one of the nation’s largest distributors of siding, windows and other select exterior building products. They employ 13,000 associates and have $9 billion annually in sales. They also sponsor cars #14 (Tony Kanaan) and #4 (Matheus Leist) in the IndyCar Series for A. J. Foyt Racing.
SPECIFIC LOCATION – 1234 Long Pond Road, Long Pond, PA 18334. The track is a few miles from Interstate 80, but is located in the country. Close to other small towns, Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg and Pocono Pines.
TRACK WEBSITE – PoconoRaceway.com
TRACK CONFIGURATION – 2.5 miles, 3 turns, triangle shaped. Known as the “Tricky Triangle.” Finished in 1971, the turns were designed from 3 well known racing tracks of the era. Turn 1 – banked 14 degrees, patterned after Trenton, NJ one-mile track. Turn 2 – banked 9 degrees, patterned after Indianapolis Motor Speedway 2.5 mile-track. Turn 3 – banked 6 degrees, patterned after the Milwaukee, WI one-mile track. Sadly, only IMS still remains on the schedule.
PREFERRED AIRPORTS – No major airports are close. It is a fly and drive. Closest three major airports: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL); Newark (New Jersey) Liberty International Airport (EWR); Leigh Valley International Airport in Allentown, PA (ABE).
PARKING – Parking is free! ADA parking is behind the main grandstand enter at Gate 11. A government issued sticker, placard or license plate is required.
CREDENTIALS – Credential pickup is in a small building on Long Pond Road. Follow signage. No smoking, alcoholic beverages or coolers allowed in the paddock or pit road.
ENTRY POINTS – Many gates are available. Handicap patrons use Gate 11 for entry, closest to the ADA parking grandstand area. Expect security to search all bags. Coolers limited to 12”x12”, no glass containers.
PROHIBITED ITEMS – No glass, super soakers, water balloons, umbrellas, skateboards, roller blades, beach balls or inflatable toys. No carts, wagons, folding chairs, metal stadium seats or bicycles. Only service animals always on a leash. No weapons, fireworks, bullhorns or noise makers. Leave home golf carts, live bands, loudspeakers or live DJs. No donation solicitations, no resale or purchase of tickets, or sale of unauthorized merchandise or services. No distribution of flyers or pamphlets. No illegal drugs and disorderly conduct will not be permitted. No animals in parking lots, the Fan Fair, Midway or grandstand areas. Any items denied entry at the gate(s) will not be held but discarded.
TICKET INFO – Three levels of grandstand tickets are available, Levels 100, 200 and 300. Lowest level of seating and least expensive is Level 100. The 300 Level is the most expensive seating, but it provides the best views and partial shade. Consult the website for seating chart. Kids are free all weekend with a ticketed adult. Contact the ticket office 1-800-722-3929 for ticketing for kids.
The “Worry-Free Weather Guarantee” is a unique perk Pocono offers. It ensures fans that have purchased Sunday race tickets directly from the Pocono Raceway will be reimbursed the face value of the ticket if the weather postpones the race at no charge! All tickets will be honored on a rescheduled race day. Will Call is at Gate 8.
If you wish to physically leave the gated track area, make sure to get your ticket scanned at exit. If you have a cooler, check it at any ADA tent at Gate 8, Gate 11, or infield paddock. A claim check ticket will be given to you. Get ticket rescanned for entry.
CAMPING – Camping at Pocono is divided into three categories; infield, family grandstand and trackside camping. Camping areas have been updated to include electricity, water, including complimentary daily ice and sewage services. Recommended to purchase in advance. ALL campers, even with an advance reservation, must stop at the RV and Camping Registration Office located at Long Pond Road and Route 115. Questions and pricing should be directed to the ticket number, 1-800-722-3929. Dogs are allowed in camping areas but must always remain on a leash.
QUESTIONS? – PoconoRaceway.comor 1-800-722-3929
Judith Bickel, IndyCar Nation member