Pocono Raceway, affectionately dubbed the “Tricky Triangle,” is uniquely challenging among NASCAR’s superspeedways. This 2.5‑mile asphalt tri‑oval features just three turns—each with its own personality modeled after other famous circuits. Turn 1, banked at 14°, echoes the former Trenton Speedway; Turn 2, the Tunnel Turn, evokes Indianapolis Motor Speedway with eight degrees of banking; and Turn 3, at a flatter six degrees, is inspired by the Milwaukee Mile. Long straightaways separate those turns—like the 3,055‑foot backstretch and the 1,780‑foot short chute—creating a layout that demands teams compromise on setup. It’s a test of versatility: handling the sharp entry of Turn 1, the precise arc of Turn 2, and the exit speed off Turn 3, all in one lap.
The 2024 Cup Series run at Pocono was a showdown in precision and courage. On July 14, Ryan Blaney secured victory in the Great American Getaway 400 at the venue of his first career Cup win, holding off Denny Hamlin by just over a second in a thrilling duel. Staged over 160 laps, the race featured eight lead changes among eight drivers and multiple cautions, with an average speed just over 123 mph. Ty Gibbs grabbed the pole with a lap over 170 mph but suffered engine failure late, finishing 27th. The result elevated Blaney to fifth in the standings and reinforced his contender status for the championship.
As the 2025 season unfolds, Pocono once again takes center stage. The Great American Getaway 400 is scheduled for June 22, 2025 (race #17 of 36), and marks the final seeding race for the inaugural NASCAR In‑Season Challenge. With the full field entered—featuring title contenders like Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Blaney, and emerging stars like Ross Chastain, Tyler Reddick, and Shane van Gisbergen—expect intense battles throughout the weekend. Teams will be paying particular attention to long‑run balance; as always at Pocono, getting the car to stay stable from Turn 1’s hard entry through the winding exit of Turn 3 will be the key to victory.
Beyond the headline Cup race, the 2025 Pocono weekend is packed with action. The Craftsman Truck Series races in the MillerTech Battery 200 on June 20 (80 laps/200 miles) and the Xfinity Series runs their Explore the Pocono Mountains 250 on June 21. For Cup contenders, this weekend is a critical opportunity—not only to earn points but also to fine‑tune for the upcoming In‑Season Challenge and build momentum toward the Playoffs. Not to be overlooked are the fan-centric experiences: fan stages, driver appearances, camping, and even free tickets for kids—Pocono clearly aims to deliver an all‑around summer spectacle.
Looking ahead, keep these storylines on your radar: Will Blaney defend his title on a track made for his driving style? Can Hamlin extend his record at Pocono? How will In‑Season Challenge pressure alter pit strategy or aggression levels? And with the triangular layout, will we see more fuel‑saving gambits or daring tire gambles late in the race? One thing’s for sure: the 2025 Pocono weekend promises strategic intrigue, technical demands, and plenty of excitement for teams and fans alike.
Pocono Raceway NASCAR Weekend Schedule
Friday June 20
12:35 pm NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Practice, TV/Streaming: FS2
1:40 pm NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying, TV/Streaming: FS2 Pole: Layne Riggs, Starting Lineup
5:00 pm NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series MillerTech Battery 200, TV/Streaming: FS1; Radio: MRN, SiriusXM Winner: Layne Riggs, Results
Saturday June 21
10:00 am NASCAR Xfinity Series Practice, Streaming: CW App
11:05 am NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying, Streaming: CW App Pole: Chase Elliott, Lineup
12:35 pm NASCAR Cup Series Practice, Streaming: Amazon Prime; Radio: MRN, SiriusXM
1:45 pm NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying, Streaming: Amazon Prime; Radio: MRN, SiriusXM Pole: Denny Hamlin, Lineup
3:30 pm NASCAR Xfinity Series Explore the Pocono Mountains 250, TV/Streaming: CW Network; Radio: MRN, SiriusXM Winner: Connor Zilisch, Results
Sunday June 22
2:00 pm NASCAR Cup Series The Great American Getaway 400, TV/Streaming: Amazon Prime, MAX; Radio: MRN, SiriusXM Winner: Chase Briscoe, Results
Previous Winners
Cup Series: Ryan Blaney
Xfinity Series: Cole Custer
Craftsman Truck Series: Corey Heim
Weather Report
Friday: Expect a mix of sun and clouds with breezy conditions throughout the day. There’s a chance of scattered afternoon thunderstorms, so teams and fans should be prepared for possible brief rain delays or interruptions during practice sessions. Temperatures will reach a high near 80°F (26°C) with lows dipping to around 61°F (16°C) overnight.
Saturday: The weather improves with mostly sunny skies and warmer temperatures climbing to about 84°F (29°C). It will be a great day for the Xfinity Series race and other on-track activities. Humidity will be moderate, so it’s wise to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.
Sunday: Race day will be warm and humid, with highs around 85°F (30°C) and partly cloudy skies. The heat and humidity could affect track conditions, potentially increasing tire wear and impacting crew endurance. Fans should come prepared for a hot day with sunscreen and plenty of water.
Overall: Be ready for some variable weather Friday, but expect mostly favorable conditions for Saturday and Sunday’s racing action. Keep an eye on possible afternoon showers Friday, and plan accordingly for heat and humidity over the weekend.
