Pocono Vital to the Chase

The Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 on August 2nd is Pocono Raceway’s second NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in a period of eight weeks. With both Pocono races in such a short span, it is vital that drivers fare well if they want to be in position to challenge for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship. The top 12 drivers heading into the final 10 races of the year are eligible to capture the Sprint Cup.

There are only six races remaining in the Race to the Chase going into the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 with 16 drivers within striking distance of securing a spot in the top 12.

Eight of the 16 drivers have victories at Pocono Raceway: Jeff Gordon has four wins, Kurt Busch, Carl Edwards, Denny Hamlin, Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart each having two wins. Kasey Kahne and Ryan Newman complete the list of Pocono winners with one each.

Greg Biffle, Clint Bowyer, Kyle Busch, Matt Kenseth, Mark Martin, Juan Pablo Montoya, Brian Vickers and David Reutimann have yet to find victory lane at Pocono Raceway, although Mark Martin has run extremely well, only to come up short of the checkered flag. Martin has finished 2nd on six occasions and has an amazing 31 top 10 finishes at Pocono.

The results of the August 2nd Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 are sure to enhance the chances of some drivers and hinder the chances of others in their chase for the Sprint Cup.

Action for the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 Weekend of Speed begins on Friday, July 31st at 10:15 AM with practice for the ARCA RE/MAX Series followed by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice at Noon. Weis Markets qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series follows at 3:40 PM. Then on Saturday, August 1st action includes practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series beginning at 10:00 AM followed by the ARCA RE/MAX Series Pennsylvania 200 race at 1:00PM. The Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 is scheduled to get the green flag on Sunday, August 2nd at 2:00PM.

For Pocono Raceway ticket information, call toll free 1-800-RACEWAY or visit www.poconoraceway.com and choose the convenient print at home option.