Windows 10 Backs Pocono Cup Event

Pocono Raceway and Microsoft announced Tuesday the renaming of the annual August NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) race held at Pocono Raceway as the Windows 10 400.

Windows 10 400 race weekend will take place from July 31 to Aug. 2, just two days after the launch of Windows 10. For the first time ever, Microsoft’s popular operating system will be offered as a free upgrade to customers with qualified Windows 7 and Windows 8 devices.

“Today is an exciting day for us," said Brandon Igdalsky, Pocono Raceway president/CEO. “Microsoft has been on the cutting edge of technology and innovation since its founding in 1975. The launch of their Windows 10 platform is something Pocono Raceway is extremely proud to promote during our final NASCAR race weekend of 2015. We look forward to celebrating with everyone from Microsoft, NASCAR and, most importantly, the race fans on Sunday, Aug. 2."

Microsoft, an Official Technology Partner of NASCAR, will have device displays and interactive experiences in the Fan Fair and Paddock areas at Pocono Raceway during the Windows 10 400 race weekend. Race fans and members of the NASCAR industry will be able to relax and enjoy Windows 10 devices at these locations. Additionally, everyone is invited to interact on their social media channels using the official race hashtag, #Windows10_400.

Additionally, Hendrick Motorsports driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., the defending winner of the August NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway, will drive the No. 88 Microsoft Chevrolet SS during the Windows 10 400 race weekend.

Windows 10 represents a major upgrade opportunity for customers who have existing Windows 7 or Windows 8 devices. Microsoft will also be promoting the Windows 10 free upgrade by “upgrading" some lucky fans’ race experience. Fans are encouraged to visit the Windows 10 experience in the Fan Fair for unique giveaways, and to enter to win an upgraded race day in-field party experience for several fans. Four of those fans are scheduled to get a special VIP experience with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and an opportunity to watch part of the race from the No.88 team’s pit box.

“We’re thrilled to build on our relationships with NASCAR and Hendrick Motorsports by engaging race fans in unique ways," said Jeremy Korst, GM of Windows Product Marketing at Microsoft. “We’re upgrading their experiences not only at the Pocono Windows 10 400 race, but also off the track with Windows 10. It’s the best Windows ever. In fact, we built it in collaboration with our fans – over 5.5 million Windows Insiders. And we’re excited to offer a free upgrade, so that people all over the world can use Windows 10 to do great things."