What’s Happening?

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to the Pocono Mountains in the “Quaker State” this weekend for the annual race weekend at Pocono Raceway. Pocono is notorious for bad weather, but will that trend continue this weekend?

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• Pocono Raceway has been a staple of the NASCAR schedule since 1974, hosting between one and two races each year. Joseph Matiolli built the three-turn, triangular course in 1971 to host IndyCar. Each of the track’s three turns is patterned after a classic IndyCar track, with turn one being Trenton, turn two being Indianapolis, and turn three being the Milwaukee Mile. Each straightaway has different lengths as well.
• Being situated in the Pocono Mountains, rain is often an issue at the track. Whether that be a drizzle, a short shower, or a major thunderstorm. The track has even seen fog impact a Cup Series race.
• Fan sentiment has grown more positive of Pocono in recent years. The track draws big crowds and puts on some solid racing, giving this race weekend a positive feel.

Weekend Weather Forecast via National Weather Service

Friday, July 12th: Truck Series CRC Brackleen 175 (5:30 PM ET/Local)

• Forecast: Mostly Cloudy with a Chance of Showers and Thunderstorms
• Temperature: High 74°F
• Rain: 53-69%, Chance gets higher as the race goes on (Sunset 8:34 PM Local)
• Wind: S 3-5 MPH

Saturday, July 13th: Xfinity Series Explore the Pocono Mountains 225 (3:00 PM ET/Local)

• Forecast: Partly Sunny with a Chance of Showers and Thunderstorms
• Temperature: High 81°F, Heat Index 84°F
• Rain: 38% Between 2-8 PM, 6% After (Sunset 8:33 PM Local)
• Wind: W to NW 2-3 MPH

Sunday, July 14th: Cup Series The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VISITPA.com (2:30 PM ET)

• Forecast: Sunny
• Temperature: High 84°F, Heat Index 86°F
• Rain: 11% (Sunset 8:33 PM Local)
• Wind: W 3-6 MPH

Pocono Weather History

Pocono Raceway has seen plenty of weather issues throughout history, and the 2012 Pennsylvania 400 was a catalyst for NASCAR to adjust some of its weather policies. With a severe thunderstorm approaching, NASCAR continued the race until it started raining, giving fans limited time to leave the grandstands before the heavy rain hit. Lightning struck at the facility, injuring nine people and tragically killing 41-year-old race fan Brian Zimmerman. NFJJ has the full story below.

Moving from the tragic to the bizarre, the 2016 Pennsylvania 400 at Pocono was delayed a day due to rain and ended early due to fog. A fog bank rolled into turn one and down the Long Pond straightaway, impairing the visibility of drivers, the control tower, and spotters. Thanks to staying out as the fog rolled in, Chris Buescher took home his first Cup Series win.

This article will be updated as the week progresses and the weather forecast changes.