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NASCAR Gears Up For pocono: A Prime-Time Spectacle At The Tricky Triangle
mount Pocono, PA – After a thrilling race on the road course in Mexico city, NASCAR is shifting gears to the Pocono Mountains for a weekend full of racing action.Pocono Raceway, a track known for its unique “tri-oval” design, is set to host the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Truck Series events, promising fans a diverse and exciting racing experience.
Daytona Motor Mouths: Shane van Gisbergen wins NASCAR Mexico City race
The guys break down Shane van Gisbergen’s NASCAR win in Mexico City,Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s beef with Carson Hocevar and more before Pocono.
The “tricky Triangle”: Pocono’s Unique Layout
Pocono Raceway isn’t your average oval track. Construction began in the mid-1960s, several years after daytona International Speedway, and Pocono took the tri-oval concept to an extreme. Instead of a typical tri-oval, Pocono is more of a triangle, featuring three distinct turns, each modeled after famous turns from other Indy-racing tracks, making it the “Tricky Triangle”.
Cole Cusumano
| Special to The Arizona Republic
Campers fill the Phoenix Raceway for a NASCAR weekend filled with excitement and anticipation.
As the NASCAR Shriner Children’s 500 unfolds on March 10, 2024, enthusiastic fans have arrived at the Phoenix Raceway, their RVs in tow, filling the grounds with vibrant energy and optimism for the races ahead.
NASCAR Championship Weekend marks a thrilling return to Phoenix Raceway on Sunday, where the world’s greatest stock car drivers will vie for the illustrious Bill France Cup, a prestigious trophy symbolizing their status as the 2024 Cup Series champion.
Among the title contenders are familiar faces and high-profile names, each of whom has carved out their unique paths to this marquee event, setting the stage for thrilling competition in the desert.
Over the past nine weeks, the season has been filled with thrilling moments and unexpected controversies, culminating in a captivating finale that features an assortment of compelling characters.
Leading the pack is Team Penske, bolstered by early wins in the Round of 8 by both Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney, against a backdrop of first-time title contenders Tyler Reddick and William Byron, who returns for a second consecutive shot at the NASCAR Cup Series championship.
Logano ignited the momentum for Team Penske two years ago, initiating a current stretch that has seen the organization secure back-to-back titles, including notable achievements during the 2024 playoffs. The two-time champion not only clinched victory in the opening race of the postseason but also became the first driver to lock in a spot in the Championship 4, echoing his triumphant journey in 2022 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
However, Logano’s quest to secure a third consecutive championship for Roger Penske came at a cost to Tucson-born racer Alex Bowman, who faced disqualification in the Round of 12 elimination race, enabling Logano and the No. 22 team to advance. Despite criticism for qualifying for the championship race with a less impressive season record, the 34-year-old Logano has consistently demonstrated that he seizes opportunities when they arise.
“Anytime you can get locked in early and start thinking about the championship race before everybody else, it’s a little bit more relaxed when you get to Phoenix,” Logano shared. “It really can feel a lot more like just a race that you’re prepared for, giving you an advantage over the competition.”
In a striking parallel to his teammate’s approach to success, reigning champion Blaney made an emphatic statement with a late-race rally, clinching another victory at Martinsville (Virginia) Speedway with a thrilling finish. The third-generation driver surged past former champions Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott, securing his third win of the season and simultaneously eliminating both from championship contention.
Blaney’s performance stands out, characterized by his ability to rise to the occasion during the playoffs despite a regular season that lacked remarkable consistency. His recent success is further underscored by his ability to endure a high-pressure must-win scenario after nearly finishing as runner-up the previous weekend.
“It’s nice to have two Penske cars in. It’s exciting joining (Logano) and having a solid opportunity to bring Roger another title — a third title in a row. This organization is incredibly strong right now, and I’m hopeful this momentum carries over,” Blaney conveyed.
Byron secured the final spot in the Phoenix showdown amid some controversy, resulting from a safety violation on the final lap committed by Christopher Bell. In a breathtaking turn of events, Bell accelerated heavily in the last corner, gaining a position in a move deemed illegal by NASCAR following Ross Chastain’s earlier controversial maneuver in 2022.
Byron will proudly represent Hendrick Motorsports, the most successful organization in NASCAR history, as he contends for victory in his second Championship 4 appearance. With a remarkable run in the postseason, which includes six consecutive finishes of sixth or better, Byron looks to repeat his previous success at Phoenix, where he claimed victory last spring and secured a fourth-place finish in the finale.
“I’ve never been a part of anything like this, so it’s hard to gauge my emotions,” Byron stated. “I’m disappointed for everyone affected, but I’m thrilled for this No. 24 team. We’ve faced ups and downs this year, not as stellar as last year, but we still find ourselves in the same position — with a chance to race for the championship. I learned a lot last year, increasing my enthusiasm for this opportunity.”
Reddick emerges as the biggest surprise and unknown in the title chase, marking his first bid for the championship. The dynamic driver for 23XI Racing has built a reputation for thriving in high-pressure situations, proving he is a competitor who cannot be underestimated.
Reddick’s journey includes triumph as he clinched the regular-season title by a mere point, overcoming a stomach ailment in the process. The No. 45 team demonstrated resilience through a remarkable recovery from an early wreck during the Round of 12 elimination race, securing their spot in the playoffs on points. Most notably, Reddick seized victory at Homestead-Miami (Florida) Speedway, overtaking Blaney in the final corner and solidifying his place in Phoenix.
“It feels good, but the job’s not done,” Reddick remarked. “We have our work cut out for us, but these are the moments we strive for. I’m looking forward to a week of preparation, settling in early, and getting ready to compete.”
Grandstand seating for the upcoming Cup Series finale is sold out, yet limited tickets remain available for Sunday’s championship, where either Blaney, Byron, Logano, or Reddick will ultimately be crowned champion. Additionally, fans still have the opportunity to secure their seats for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship on Friday, along with the Xfinity Series title race scheduled for Saturday.
**Interview with NASCAR Insider: Cole Cusumano on the Upcoming Championship Weekend in Phoenix**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Cole. With the NASCAR Shriner Children’s 500 right around the corner, what’s the atmosphere like at the Phoenix Raceway?
**Cole Cusumano:** It’s electric! The campers are rolling in, and there’s a palpable excitement among the fans. They bring a vibrant energy that really adds to the anticipation of the weekend. It’s a perfect setting for championship racing and family fun.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of championship racing, this year’s NASCAR Championship Weekend is set to be thrilling. What are your thoughts on Team Penske’s performance this season?
**Cole Cusumano:** Team Penske has been formidable. Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney have both shown incredible strength this season, especially during the playoffs. Logano’s early victories set the tone, and being the first to lock in a Championship 4 spot gives him an advantageous edge. Having two cars in the finale is also a huge boost for the team.
**Interviewer:** Logano has faced some criticism but seems to thrive under pressure. Do you think he can achieve a third consecutive title for Penske?
**Cole Cusumano:** Logano has a knack for rising to the occasion. His ability to lock in early allows him to treat the race as a moment to showcase his skills without the added stress. I think he’s hungry for that third title, and his recent performances suggest he’s more than capable of pulling it off.
**Interviewer:** And what about Ryan Blaney? His recent victory at Martinsville was impressive—do you think he has what it takes to take home the championship?
**Cole Cusumano:** Absolutely! Blaney’s experience and ability to perform in high-pressure situations make him a top contender. He’s had a solid postseason run and is riding the momentum from that Martinsville win. His goal to bring Roger Penske a third consecutive title could very well drive him to victory.
**Interviewer:** What about the rising star William Byron? What do you see in him as he aims for a championship?
**Cole Cusumano:** Byron is a strong competitor, especially after his performance in the postseason. He’s proven he can handle the pressure, and being with Hendrick Motorsports gives him an additional edge, considering their rich history in NASCAR. I think fans should keep an eye on him—he’s more than capable of making another deep run.
**Interviewer:** With everything that has unfolded this season, do you believe the upcoming race will be one for the books?
**Cole Cusumano:** Absolutely! The combination of top drivers, the competitive tension, and the unpredictable nature of racing always makes for an exciting event. With the stakes high and so many storylines intertwining, this year’s championship race is sure to be unforgettable.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Cole, for sharing your insights! We look forward to a thrilling NASCAR weekend in Phoenix.
**Cole Cusumano:** Thank you! I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
On September 12, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy officially signed a pivotal piece of legislation that secures the horse racing industry’s annual purse subsidy, extending it by another six years, with a commitment of $20 million per year through 2029.
However, just a week later, the situation took a dramatic turn when officials from Freehold Raceway announced that the historic venue, which has benefited from approximately $9 million in subsidies since 2019, is set to close its doors permanently on December 28.
This stark contrast raises significant concerns regarding the efficacy of the subsidies and whether lawmakers in Trenton are closely monitoring their impact on the industry.
As Freehold Raceway faced a downward trend in its business, the deteriorating performance was consistently highlighted in annual industry reports mandated by legislation from 2019. This legislation aimed to ensure that the allocation of $100 million over five years had tangible benefits before each annual payment was authorized.
Despite this requirement, the reports for racing seasons in 2019, 2020, and 2021 notably lacked essential revenue data for each racetrack, a critical component stipulated in the legislation that could have indicated growing issues at Freehold Raceway.
Even though racetracks were not mandated to report their performance for 2022 or 2023, legislators moved forward unanimously with extending the subsidies through 2029, which includes an annual allocation of $1.6 million for Freehold Raceway, during a June session.
“This is a problem with a lot of these subsidies. There’s supposed to be all kinds of accountability and we rarely get it, and you end up with the state heavily subsidizing certain industries with not enough information about whether or not the subsidies are working,” said Peter Chen, senior policy analyst for New Jersey Policy Perspective.
“So $20 million within the scope of a $58 billion budget, sometimes the legislature just sort of shrugs. But it’s a serious investment. There’s a lot of things the state could do with $20 million, or even $1.6 million.”
This issue is reflective of a broader national debate, where public funding continues to support the horse racing industry across various states, even as the number of active racetracks has dwindled, with nearly 50 shutting down since the year 2000.
When the Racing Commission, the agency responsible for overseeing the industry, was questioned regarding the absence of revenue data, it responded with a statement affirming that the purse subsidy impact reports contained the amount of handle. However, the commission indicated that more detailed information regarding overall industry performance is accessible through annual reports posted on its website.
While some limited revenue data can be found in these annual reports, they lack comprehensiveness and omit critical statistics, specifically those related to sports betting revenues—a vital alternative source of income. Moreover, the state Division of Gaming Enforcement’s monthly reports on sports betting do not detail what portion of the betting revenue goes to the individual racetracks, and specifically, what percentage contributes to funding purses.
Crucially, there is no quantitative assessment of how the purse subsidies have influenced the distribution of purse money across each racetrack, nor is there clarity on how this money flows throughout the industry.
Having access to such data could have informed elected officials about the actual necessity for subsidies, potentially shedding light on the decline experienced by Freehold Raceway.
The horse racing industry has actively lobbied state lawmakers, contributing over $1.6 million in campaign financing since the year 2000, according to an analysis conducted by the Asbury Park Press. During this period, the industry has received approximately $326 million in financial assistance, including a significant $176 million from Atlantic City casinos between 2004 and 2010.
“I look at everything as what is the return on investment,” emphasized Assemblyman Alex Sauickie (R-Ocean), a co-sponsor of the latest subsidy legislation. “The impact for jobs that these tracks create in the state is significant. Maybe not the impact of some other industries, but within this area stats show that they create thousands of jobs, so I’m a fan of that.”
According to an August 2022 economic impact study commissioned by the racing industry, which examined the outcomes from the first three years of subsidy allocations, the total economic contribution of the industry to the state stands at a staggering $564.3 million annually.
“Certainly, there are differing opinions about how much economic impact it has,” Chen remarked. “This is why having independent, state-produced reports are so important.”
Governor Murphy initially pocket-vetoed the subsidy bill during the winter lame-duck session, proposing a reduced $15 million for the industry. However, lawmakers reinstated the amount to $20 million in June through a budget resolution, but with no clear rationale provided for the increase.
The report on the 2021 season for Freehold Raceway revealed substantial declines in critical metrics, with total handle plummeting to $54.9 million in 2021 from $72.7 million in 2016. The decline in live handle and off-track wagering during the same timeframe also mirrored this downturn.
Total handle is a measure of the overall money wagered on races, of which the racetrack receives a percentage, part of which is allocated toward purse funding. These metrics, alongside live attendance figures and the number of racing days, were essential performance indicators specified by the 2019 bill, revealing troubling trends for Freehold Raceway.
Regarding purses at Freehold Raceway, there was a notable increase, rising 38 percent from 2018 to 2023, from $4.6 million to $6.4 million, despite the track’s overall decline.
Horsemen’s group, track operator silence
Mark Ford, executive director of the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey, opted not to comment on the situation, citing a recent lawsuit against Freehold Raceway’s owners, which alleges breach of contract regarding the track’s operation, along with claims for unpaid amounts linked to sports betting.
There remains uncertainty about the fate of Freehold’s $1.6 million subsidy. During an October 2 Racing Commission meeting, a representative from the Meadowlands, another prominent harness track, suggested managing races for Freehold horsemen, contingent upon acquiring Freehold’s subsidy funds.
When inquired about this proposition, the Racing Commission stated: “The Freehold purse subsidy has not been allocated at this time. The New Jersey Racing Commission has no further comment.”
Freehold Raceway was acquired in 1999 for a substantial $46 million by Pennwood Racing, a joint venture consisting of Penn Gaming and Greenwood Racing. The company has not responded to multiple requests for comments regarding the impending closure and the future direction of the track.
Freehold Raceway holds the distinction of being the oldest horse racing track in the United States, with its racing history dating back to December 1853, when the Monmouth County Agriculture Society was established to conduct an annual fair that included harness racing.