TUNKHANNOCK TWP., Pa. – The wait is over for racing fans. NASCAR weekend is finally here at Pocono Raceway, and thousands are expected to pack the track.
69 News Reporter Sydney Kay was at the track in Tunkhannock Township with a look at what’s in store.
Crews prepped the racetrack Friday morning ahead of the big weekend.
Thousands of people camping nearby since Wednesday have been enjoying themselves. Bands performed Thursday night, and people did some line dancing.
For NASCAR weekend, gates open at 11:30 a.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Racecar drivers will be making appearances throughout the weekend.
Some of the highlights this weekend include NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Drivers Autograph Session on Saturday at 8:30 a.m., and LV Reilly Children’s Hospital Kid’s Day on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at Chalet Village.
On Sunday, Q&A sessions will be held with racecar drivers Erik Jones, Ross Chastain, Chase Briscoe, Daniel Suarez, Riley Herbst and Bubba Wallace, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
AJ Stack, Director of Consumer Strategy at Pocono Raceway, said the ARCA Menards Series Race will take place on Friday, the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will kick off on Saturday, and the NASCAR Cup Series will rev up Sunday.
“When you hear the engines roar, you can’t describe it,” he said.
Stack said Pocono Raceway is the second-largest racetrack in NASCAR.
He said crews worked on a Walk of Fame honoring the most drivers that have been at Pocono Raceway.
Stack said plans are in the works to honor the late racecar driver Kyle Busch this weekend.
Crews painted the number 8 on the start/finish line at the track to honor him. Busch won races at the Pocono Raceway eight times.
Guests will be able to write notes to the family and the team on a fanfare display, Stack said.
He’s “one of the greatest drivers” of all time, Stack said.
For more information about this weekend’s events, you can head to the Pocono Raceway website. For information on how to get tickets, you can head here.