Pocono Raceway Improves Fans’ Experience with Weather Data
Pocono Raceway, also known as ‘The Tricky Triangle,’ is family-owned and situated in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. In business for over 50 years, the Raceway hosts multiple national motorsports events, including two NASCAR Cup Series, one NASCAR Xfinity Series, one NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series, and one ARCA Menards Series events each year. The facility’s calendar also consists of over 200 events, including a wide range of car clubs and racing schools. Pocono Raceway is recognized as the world’s first, privately-owned solar-powered sports facility. Their 25-acre, three-megawatt solar farm provides the energy needs of the Raceway, and even adds electricity to the local power grid. Each member of our raceway staff is committed to creating exciting experiences and lifelong memories.
Weather affects our events and races. Planning and being prepared is Key.
Weather is an integral part of our lives; we make more decisions everyday revolving around weather than almost any other topic. It is no different in motorsports and the world of outdoor sports and entertainment. Having the tools and weather data for our specific location, versus an airport (20 miles away), will help us make the event better for all attendees. Our staff works on strategies and scenarios revolving around weather throughout the year, to be prepared for the possibility of weather disrupting our major events. One of our primary focuses is fan safety, so being ready for a weather event is a vital part of our business planning.
Two AcuRite Atlas™ weather stations. One awesome experience.
Our facility has two Atlas weather station with lightning detection remote weather monitoring through My AcuRite. One was installed above our Grandstand and the other is located in our infield. With the real-time weather data from these two locations, we’ll be able to understand the weather differences between property and spectators at a higher elevation versus fans at ground level. It will also help us know how the different structures and building material of the property affect the environmental conditions and comfort of our fans. Monitoring and tracking weather trends and conditions in My AcuRite will help us better understand temperature fluctuations and to make informed decisions. This will give us the confidence to know what is truly happening at our facility, in real-time, and making decisions based on that.
For updated information on their events this summer, visit the Pocono Raceway website or Facebook page.
Motorsports is an industry dependent on weather, both on and off the track. NASCAR does not run during inclement weather situations, but the impact of weather reaches other parts of the industry. Fan safety is a priority for all outdoor sporting venues and operators. Ensuring guests stay out of harm’s way is extremely important. Additionally, wind, humidity, and heat have a direct impact on the performance of motors, tires, and racecars. Understanding weather patterns aides both sides of the motorsports industry to ensure a safe event for spectators and the best on-track product for all to enjoy.
Kevin Henry
Managing Director, Facility Operations
