Verizon IndyCar Series staying in Pocono
Even today I have people ask about the Schaefer 500 at Pocono. It has not been run in years but at one time the Indy car race was a fixture at the “Tricky Triangle” with sponsorship from the popular beer. And now the Verizon IndyCars are again becoming a popular fixture on the schedule.
Pocono Raceway President & CEO Brandon Igdalsky has announced that the Verizon IndyCar Series will return to ‘The Tricky Triangle’ in 2017 and 2018. Exact race dateswill be announced in the near future.
The ABC Supply 500 is scheduled for this Sunday at Pocono Raceway and this will be the fourth consecutive year for the IndyCar race. 2018willmark the sixth consecutive year with an INDYCARrace at PoconoRaceway. Who knows how long they will continue to race there. To purchase tickets, please visit www.poconoraceway. comor call 1-800-RACEWAY.
“We are thrilled to share this great news that we will host the Verizon IndyCar Series through 2018,” said Igdalsky. “Our track was originally designed for open-wheel cars and our fans really enjoy theactiononthetrack. When you see these cars going sixand seven-wide it is incredible. We also received positive feedback from teams and drivers and worked together with IndyCar to make sure Pocono Raceway stays on the schedule. ”
Tickets for this weekend’s ABC Supply 500 start at just $25 for adults and $12.50 for children ages 12 and under. You can purchase tickets on-line at www.poconoraceway.comand select mobile or print at home options or call 1-800-RACEWAY.
One of my personal favorites in IndyCar racing is Charlie Kimball. He is the first licensed driver in IndyCar who has been under treatment for Type 1 diabetes. Kimball has two drink tubes connected to a drinks line fed into his helmet. While racing he can choose plain water or sugar water should his blood sugar level drop. His sponsor Nova Nordisk, the company that makes the insulin he uses to helpmanage his diabetes has Kimball visiting with diabetes patients in race markets.
Kimball continues to be very competitive despite the health issue.
“This is great news. The Verizon IndyCar Series prides itself on having the most versatile drivers be- cause we race on so many different tracks,” said Kimball. “Pocono Raceway is unique in that it’s 2.5 miles and has three corners. It really is unique and unlike anywhere else we race. I think it’s great thatwe can keep Pocono Raceway on the schedule and fans can mark their calendars and book their vacations and come out to the raceway. It’s a great event and IndyCar racing here is always spectacular.”
Fans can follow Charlie at Racewithinsulin.com.
I take particular interest in Kimball’s career as I also battle diabetes, Type 2, and I am slowly learning that I need to pay more attention to what I eat and drink. It is often difficult to get an old guy like me to take care of himself but I amlearning.
Also part of the Verizon IndyCar Series weekend is the Pocono Vintage Indycar Celebrationwith on track activities taking place on Saturday and Sunday. Grand Marshall for the event will be 17-time Indy starter Dick Simon along with 1971 Indy 500Rookie of the YearDenny Zimmerman and Indy veteran Pancho Carterwhowas also a competitor in Sunday night Midget events at Grandview Speedway quite a fewyears back.
In addition there will be The Show and Shine Car Showgoing on both days and featuring all race cars, street rods and classics. For information on the show check in at www.theclassicracingtimes.com or call Gary Mondschein at 570.656.5962.
*** On the local scene, the top drivers from Tony Stewart’s Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions nationally tour- ing410sprint car series races into Grandview Speedway on Thursday, August 18 as part of the NAPAAuto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series presented by Pioneer Pole Buildings.
This marks the first appearance of the All Stars since 2000 when Cris Eash claimed the victory.
The Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions competitors challenge the central Pennsylvania Sprint Car mainstays in a 35 Lap event paying $5,000 to the winner — $1,000 for 10th and $500 to start. With no regular weekly 410 sprint car competition, Grandview Speed-
way gives competitors an even playing field – leading to unpredictable finishes and exciting racing action.
Two legendary sprint car drivers join the ranks as Steve Kinser, a 4-time Thunder on the Hill race winner, and Sammy Swindell chase the $5,000 winner’s share. For Kinser, this will be his first and only race in the state of Pennsylvania for over two years. Kinser is excited to make the return to the “hill”, a track where has enjoyed great success and continues to have a huge fan base. And let’s be clear, “the King” is coming to win, as this visit is far more than an autograph signing opportunity. The same can be said for the somewhat controversial Sammy Swindell.
Also on the card is the popular TSRS Sprint Cars competing in heat race events all leading up to a 25 lap event.
GeneralAdmission tickets for Thursday, August 18 are $30 for adults, $10 for children (6-11), and children un-