As the anticipation for the upcoming Circuit of The Americas race grips NASCAR fans, the Governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, is already looking ahead to an exciting event four months down the line. The Cup Series grid will be navigating the challenging 2.5-mile oval racetrack at the Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, for the Great American Race 400, an event that enjoys the generous patronage of the Penn State government.
Governor Shapiro gained attention last year when he unveiled the Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway tourism campaign, using the popularity of NASCAR to extend the national and international visibility of the Commonwealth. The relationship between NASCAR and the Penn State government was further cemented with Pocono Raceway continuing to be a pivotal component of the campaign.
The previous year marked a significant event at Pocono when two Cup rivals, Ryan Blaney and Denny Hamlin, delivered an exhilarating performance. Blaney, in an unexpected twist, managed to outshine Pocono veteran Denny Hamlin in a landmark race, leading 44 laps and holding Hamlin at bay during the last seven laps to emerge victorious. This thrilling spectacle prompted VISITPA.com to renew its partnership with Pocono for another year.
The impact of such races on Pennsylvania’s economy is considerable. According to a 2024 report, the state’s tourism industry generated an impressive $76.7 billion in economic impact, supported nearly half a million jobs, and attracted 192.4 million visitors. It’s clear to see the profound effect racing activities have on the community and the state’s economic health.
In a recent display of appreciation for this burgeoning partnership with NASCAR, Shapiro extended his heartfelt gratitude via social media. He shared Pocono Raceway’s announcement that the PA government is once again its entitlement sponsor, and expressed his anticipation for the upcoming race. “No one does @NASCAR better than Pennsylvania. The Great American Getaway 400 is back at @PoconoRaceway this year — and I’m excited to head back to the Tricky Triangle for another great race,” he tweeted.
Shapiro’s emphasis on the extensive impact the NASCAR Cup Series race has on Penn State is noteworthy. In 2025, the race will be broadcast by Amazon Prime Video, reaching an estimated 195 countries in over 29 languages. This, according to Shapiro, is more than just a sporting event – it’s an opportunity to showcase the best that the Commonwealth has to offer and establish Pennsylvania as a premier destination for travelers.
Pocono Raceway President, Ben May, also expressed his delight at the renewed partnership. He pointed out that over 60% of their fans are from out of state or international locations, which underscores the importance of Governor Shapiro’s decision to use Pocono and NASCAR as a platform to promote Pennsylvania as The Great American Getaway.
The Pocono Raceway presents a unique challenge to drivers with its distinctive layout. It’s a fusion of a superspeedway and a road course with three distinctly different corners, earning it the nickname, the Tricky Triangle. Despite this, Cup Series star, Denny Hamlin, has consistently proven his mastery over this course with a record seven wins, earning him the title of the King of the Poconos.
However, his reign was challenged last year when Ryan Blaney emerged as a surprise contender and triumphed over the track’s best driver by a margin of 1.312 seconds. It won’t come as a shock if Hamlin mounts a vigorous comeback in 2025, hungry to secure an 8th victory.
As the countdown to the Pocono Raceway continues, the excitement is palpable. The Governor of Pennsylvania is already fueling the hype, and all we can do is join in the fervor and look forward to another thrilling racing season.