Pocono Raceway To Apply Traction Compound For NASCAR. Will it hurt IndyCar?

How much will the traction compound help or hurt the IndyCar race 3 weeks later

Pocono Raceway announced today they will add traction compound in all three corners of ‘The Tricky Triangle’ for the upcoming Gander RV 400 race weekend. The traction compound, also known as PJ1, will be applied to the third lane in Turn 1, the second lane in Turn 2 and the third lane in Turn 3.

Pocono Raceway has been collaboratively working with NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports, Inc., to enhance the on-track action for their upcoming Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS,) NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series (NGOTS) and ARCA Menards Series (AMS) event weekend.

Nick Igdalsky, Pocono Raceway CEO: “Pocono Raceway will always do everything we can to put our fans first. The addition of the traction compound in all three Turns should allow for more side-by-side racing in the corners with more lane choice for drivers. In the end, we want fans attending and watching on NBCSN to see a competitive and enjoyable race."

Scott Miller, NASCAR Senior Vice President of Competition: “We are constantly looking at ways to improve racing across all tracks and series. Nick Igdalsky at Pocono Raceway shares the same goal – to give our fans the best experience and racing possible. After conversations with our drivers, teams, and Goodyear, we felt that the application of PJ1 in all three corners at Pocono would help put on the best race for our fans."

Joey Logano, driver of the No. 22 Shell Pennzoil Ford for Team Penske: “Pocono Raceway has consistently gone out of their way to make race weekends exceptional experiences for the fans. Working with NASCAR, Goodyear and with input from the teams, they’re going to take that dedication to the track with the application of PJ1. As a driver, I certainly applaud their efforts to enhance the racing. I’m looking forward to getting back up to ‘The Tricky Triangle’ and seeing how the compound impacts the racing."

Denny Hamlin, driver of the No. 11 FedEx Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing: "I've been an advocate for using traction compound at Pocono for a while now. It gives us more lane options as drivers, and that's what this current aero package needs. I think this will help put on a better show for the fans."

The Gander RV 400 race weekend will feature three days on on-track action at Pocono Raceway from July 26-28. Friday’s event will include AMS practices and the qualifying, NGOTS practice and qualifying and the FORTS USA 150 AMS race. Saturday’s events will include MENCS practices, the Gander RV 150 NGOTS race and MENCS qualifying. Sunday’s Gander RV 400 MENCS race is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. ET.

For tickets and more information, visit www.poconoraceway.com or call 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929).