The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers will have to navigate the “Tricky Triangle” of Pocono Raceway to win the AXALTA presents the Pocono 400.
Pocono is an extremely unique track for drivers to race and teams to get the cars set-up for. The track has only three turns which gives it the signature triangle shape. However, each laps is 2.5-miles around the track which also allows for high-speed down the straight-a-ways.
Minimal banking through the turns (14-degrees in turn 1, 8-degrees in turn 2 and 6-degrees in turn 3) requires the drivers to slow the cars down enough to not lose control cutting through the turns.
The slightest mistake in reducing speed or a mishandling car can send that driver into the wall and at best hurt the performance of the car, at worse end the day for that driver.
Pit stops are crucial at Pocono. Making the right adjustments can help the driver get the balance of speed and control needed to have a shot to win the race. Making the wrong adjustments can lead to the mishaps mention in the previously mentioned scenarios.
As we do each week, let’s take a look at which active NASCAR Cup Series drivers have performed the best in their careers on the “Tricky Triangle.”
Top 10 Driver Ratings at Pocono Raceway
- Kurt Busch – 105.7
- Denny Hamlin – 105.6
- Jimmie Johnson – 104.8
- Chase Elliott – 102.7
- Kyle Larson – 95.6
- Dale Earnhardt Jr. – 93.9
- Kevin Harvick – 93.6
- Joey Logano – 93.2
- Brad Keselowski – 93.1
- Ryan Newman – 92.5
(NOTE: Driver Ratings compiled from 2005-2016 races {24 total} among active drivers at Pocono Raceway)
Among the 11 active drivers that have previously won on the “Tricky Triangle” Denny Hamlin leads the list with a total of four victories at Pocono Raceway.
Kurt Busch won this race last year to bring his Pocono wins total to three and tie him with Jimmie Johnson.
Kasey Kahne and Dale Earnhardt Jr. both have a pair of wins during their careers racing around the “Tricky Triangle.”
Chris Buescher won the second Pocono race of the 2016 season to join the list of drivers with a single win at the track that includes: Ryan Newman, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Martin Truex Jr. and Matt Kenseth.
This year’s race could be very interesting with the new stage racing format. The 160 lap (400 mile) race will have 50 laps for stages one and two. The third and final stage will be 60 laps. How will this effect the racing strategies of the crew chiefs and therefore the racing style of the drivers?
We will all have to watch and find out when the green flag waives to start the AXALTA presents the Pocono 400 at Pocono Raceway Sunday, June 11th at around 2:00 PM central time (3:00 PM eastern time).
By: Buck Stevens
