Pocono

Pocono's unique 2.5-mile tri-oval has challenged NASCAR's best since the first Cup Series race was held there in 1974.

The Mattioli family, owners of the track, have been through some ups and downs while battling to make the triangular racetrack a success.

Soon after the first IndyCar race at Pocono, the Schaefer 500 in 1971, Hurricane Agnes hit the area. The ensuing economic crunch and energy crisis threatened Pocono Raceway's very existence and many other tracks didn't survive. Pocono Raceway owners Joe and Rose Mattioli considered selling out.

"We were almost bankrupt two or three times but were too dumb to realize it," Joe Mattioli said. "We were on the verge of selling the track when we received a telephone call from Bill France Sr., who asked us to meet with him in New York.

"At the meeting he tried to convince me not to sell the track, to stick it out and stay the course. He gave us moral support and a lot of good advice.

"He and his wife, Annie B., came to the race the next two years to show their support for Pocono Raceway. Shortly thereafter he and his son, Bill Jr., gave us our second NASCAR race and as they say, the rest is history.

"Had it not been for Bill France Sr., Annie B. and Bill Jr., Pocono Raceway would not be here today."

Since getting that second Cup date in 1982, the track has continued to grow. The Mattiolis welcome nearly 100,000 ticket holders to their home in the Poconos twice each year.

On the track, Bill Elliott, Rusty Wallace, the late Tim Richmond and Darrell Waltrip are among the track's standouts.