Axalta “We Paint Winners” 400 Weekend – June 3 – 5
Pennsylvania 400 Race Weekend – July 29 – 31
LONG POND, PA (September 29, 2015) – Pocono Raceway will host two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekends in 2016. The Axalta “We Paint Winners” 400 race weekend from June 3-5, will feature the Axalta “We Paint Winners” 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the inaugural 250-mile NASCAR XFINITY Series race and the Pocono 200 ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menards (ARCA) race. The Pennsylvania 400 race weekend from July 29 – 31, will feature the Pennsylvania 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the Pocono Mountains 150 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, the Modspace 125 ARCA race.
The newest addition to Pocono Raceway’s 2016 NASCAR schedule is the NASCAR XFINITY Series race scheduled for Saturday, June 4. This race will be the first NASCAR XFINITY Series race held at the 2.5-mile, triangular-shaped track and the first time NASCAR’s second-tier series has raced in Pennsylvania since 2004 (Nazareth Speedway).
“We are thrilled to bring the NASCAR XFINITY Series to Pocono Raceway,” said Brandon Igdalsky, Pocono Raceway President/CEO. “The fans have been asking for this to happen for several years and we are excited to share the good news with them today. Additionally, we look forward to working with everyone at Comcast, who are headquartered 90 miles south of us in Philadelphia, for next summer’s inaugural race.”
“From day one we’ve been focused on enhancing the way fans experience NASCAR and highlighting the competition and youth in the Xfinity Series,” said Matt Lederer, director of Sports Brand Marketing for Comcast. “The addition of an event at Pocono Raceway in our home state of Pennsylvania will help carry the momentum built in the first year of our partnership into 2016.”
Several NASCAR XFINITY Series drivers also commented on today’s announcement.
Ty Dillon – No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
“One of the things I like most about Pocono Raceway is the family atmosphere and the level of difficulty. It’s one of the most challenging race tracks on the circuit. I’ve had the opportunity to visit Victory Lane in the ARCA Racing Series a few years ago, race there in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Sprint Cup Series. Adding the XFINITY Series to the lineup of races is a great idea and I’m positive the fans will enjoy.”
Brendan Gaughan – No. 62 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
“It’s really neat to have the NASCAR XFINITY Series at Pocono Raceway. It’s a fast track, and I’ve always liked racing there. If you watch the current NASCAR Sprint Cup or NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races and see them go six-wide into Turn One, it definitely makes for an exciting races for both the fans and the drivers. I can’t wait to race there in the XFINITY Series.”
Elliott Sadler – No. 1 Roush Fenway Racing Ford
“It’s great to see our XFINITY schedule add Pocono Raceway. I’ve been there many times and can’t say enough about the fans and the staff at Pocono. They want the fans to have a great experience and the racing is very unique for us drivers. It’ll be a fun weekend and it’s a race I’ll circle on the schedule for next season as a place I look forward to racing.”
Bubba Wallace – No. 6 Roush Fenway Racing Ford
“It’s cool to see Pocono host the three premiere Series of NASCAR. I’m excited to go back to a track that I have some experience at in the Truck Series, since this will be a new challenge for a lot of the XFINITY teams.”
Chris Buescher – No. 60 Roush Fenway Racing Ford
“Pocono is a very unique track. I’m excited that we are adding a new track to the XFINITY schedule. I’ve raced there a considerable amount in the ARCA Series, and have always enjoyed it. It will be a good challenge for the XFINITY teams.”
Daniel Suarez – No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
“It’s really great to hear the NASCAR XFINITY Series will race at Pocono Raceway next year. It’s a track with a lot of history and it’s very unique layout will mean a lot of interesting racing next year. I haven’t had the opportunity to race there yet so it’ll be a race I really look forward to next season.”
Erik Jones – No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
“I like Pocono Raceway, so I am happy that we will get to go there in the XFINITY Series. It will be different than the trucks for sure, but it will be interesting to see how it plays out and see what is different from the trucks or the Cup cars to the XFINITY Series cars at Pocono. I am sure it will put on a good show and should be exciting for sure. It’s always cool to go to a new race track for a new series and see how things play out.”
Tickets for all 2016 Pocono Raceway NASCAR race weekend dates, including new Saturday ticket options, are now on sale. Additionally, renewals for 2015 Pocono Raceway NASCAR ticket holders is being sent via email and/or regular mail. Exact race weekend schedule will be announced at a later date. For tickets and more information, visit www.poconoraceway.com or call 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929).
