LONG POND, Pa.–It’s not a good idea to rile up Jimmie Johnson.

A week after a penalty for jumping the final restart at Dover knocked Johnson out of a near-certain victory, Johnson absolutely scorched the field in Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Party in the Poconos 400, beating Greg Biffle to the finish line by 1.208 seconds.

The win was Johnson’s third of the season, his third at the Tricky Triangle and the 63rd of his career. Johnson increased his series lead over second-place Carl Edwards (18th Sunday) to a staggering 51 points after 14 races.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. ran third, followed by Stewart-Haas Racing teammates Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman. Kyle Busch, Kurt Busch, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick and Joey Logano completed the top 10.

“What a race car!” Johnson said after climbing from the No. 48 Chevrolet in Victory Lane. “Not only a great race car but an engine. We had fuel mileage and plenty of power. It was awesome on the straightaways today to be able to do what I wanted around other cars.

“So hats off to chassis, aero and the engine shop for this awesome race car.”

You might think winning at Pocono for the first time since he swept both races here in 2004 might assuage the sting of last week’s penalty. You’d be wrong.

“No, but it’s OK,” Johnson said. “It doesn’t make up for much, but we know we’re a great race team. Things won’t keep us down. We had a great race car today and had a lot of fun. That was a lot of fun out there.”

Johnson avoided a surfeit of action in the late stages of the race–because he was ahead of it. By the time Dave Blaney’s spin brought out the fourth caution on Lap 138, the five-time champion already had led 106 laps.

That yellow followed a caution for an accident in the Tunnel Turn on Lap 133, when Juan Pablo Montoya drove hard into the corner under Matt Kenseth, lost control of his No. 42 and started a synchronized spin with Kenseth.

Subsequently, Johnson had to endure four restarts but did so as the leader and quickly regained control of the race in each instance. All told, Johnson led 128 of 160 laps.

Biffle was happy with a runner-up finish that jumped him three positions to 10th in the standings, but he conceded that his No. 16 Ford was no match for Johnson’s Chevy SS.

“Jimmie was in a league of his own,” said Biffle, who took the green flag from the fourth position on the final restart with four laps left and surged past Earnhardt and Kyle Busch in the first corner. “I was going to have to get up beside him, take the air off him–something to try and gain an advantage.

“But I gave him such a good push on the restart I couldn’t catch back up with him… I couldn’t get him.”

Though Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Kyle Busch and Hamlin finished sixth and eighth, respectively, Hamlin said he could feel a reduction in horsepower in his TRD (Toyota Racing Development) engine, after the engines were detuned in favor of reliability in reaction to several recent valve train failures.

“Any horsepower change is going to be a difficult thing to overcome, especially this week and next week (at Michigan), our two horsepower race tracks,” Hamlin said. “I wouldn’t be opposed to say that other guys probably stepped up coming to this race track, and we took a step back.
“It’s kind of a double whammy, but it’s something TRD’s going to work through.”

The ModSpace 125 will feature the stars of the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards and is scheduled for a 5:15 PM green flag.  The race will be nationally televised on SPEED.

Headquartered in Berwyn, PA, ModSpace has 40-plus years of experience, 80 sales and service offices throughout North America and offers products ranging from 8’x20’ office trailers and portable storage containers to large-scale multi-story permanent modular buildings. They also featured the industry’s largest construction services team, consisting of architects, engineers, project managers and other construction related personnel. ModSpace serves many industries including commercial, construction, education, government, healthcare, industrial/energy, franchise solutions and special events.

“Partnering with Pocono Raceway makes perfect sense.  It’s located 90 miles West of New York City and 90 miles North of Philadelphia, very near our headquarters in Berwyn, PA, and located near many of our sales and service locations and significant customer relationships,” commented William Mann, Vice-President of Business Development, for ModSpace.

“Pocono Raceway founder, Dr. Joseph Mattioli, had a chance meeting with William Mann a few years ago and that meeting has quickly developed into a business relationship, where we now have a number of ModSpace hospitality, office and storage units at the Raceway,” stated Raceway President and CEO, Brandon Igdalsky. “The ModSpace units solve a number of logistical challenges faced by the Raceway,” Igdalsky concluded.

The ModSpace 125 is part of the GoBowling.com 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend August 2-4. NASCAR Sprint Cup qualifying and the ModSpace ARCA 125 head up the action on Friday. NASCAR practice and “Happy Hour” set the stage for the Pocono Mountains 125, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Saturday. Grandstand gates open on Sunday at 8:00AM, with pre-race activities commencing at 11:30AM all leading up to the 1:00PM start of the GoBowling.com 400.

For ticket information call toll free at 1-800 RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929) or visit www.poconoraceway.com.

Fans holding a June 2013 Friday Grandstand ticket can either use this ticket towards the purchase of a June 2013 Saturday Grandstand ticket  tomorrow or redeem the ticket for an 2013 August Friday Grandstand ticket. If you choose to redeem your ticket for a 2013 August Friday Grandstand ticket, please hold onto your current ticket and await further instructions.

Infield activities at Pocono Raceway have NOT been canceled, as of 2:30 pm ET on Friday, June 7, 2013.

Saturday’s event schedule has changed. For updated schedule, click here: http://www.poconoraceway.com/pocono-raceway-tickets/pocono-400-weekend-schedule.html

More appearances and special events to be added as race weekend progresses. Check back for daily updates!

Saturday, June 8

Pocono Concert Stage & Block Party (Camping/RV Pass Required)
Time: 5 pm – 12 Midnight
Location: Pocono Raceway Infield – Block Party area (located off of Tunnel Road)
Info: Come join live music, slot-car racing for kids, the Margaritaville Bar, Barley Creek Brewing Company Wiffle Ball Field and more! We have food vendors, including Rita’s Italian Ice and more! Two bands will be playing on the Concert Stage including Fred Myers & the Redneck Majority and 40 lb. Head. Our annual Fireworks Spectacular will take place once it is dark enough, around 9:00 pm ET (approximately). This is available to infield/RV campers only, due to location. Family Grandstand RV can take a shuttle, located at Gate 3 to join in the fun!

Sunday, June 9

Pocono Raceway’s Tricky Triangle Club (Tricky Triangle Club Ticket Add-On Required)
Time: 8 am – 11 am
Location: Pocono Raceway – Chalet Village
Info: Come see NASCAR drivers Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex, Jr., who will each appear for 15-minute Question-and-Answer Sessions. The Tricky Triangle Club is a $99 ticket-add on (Sunday ticket required to attend) where you have access to the driver/personality Q&A sessions, lunch, a Pre-Race Pit Tour Pass, a Party in the Poconos 400 Presented by Walmart Souvenir Program and Die-Cast, unlimited water and soda, four beer tickets (ages 21 and older), a welcome bag and more! To purchase your Tricky Triangle Club pass, call us at 1-800-722-3929 or click here.

Pocono Raceway Tweet Up
Time: 9:30 am
Location: Follow us @poconoraceway on Twitter as we’ll reveal the location on Friday, with reminders throughout the weekend.
Info: Meet some of the greatest fans in NASCAR as we come together for a Tweet Up featuring a special appearance by a surprise guest. All attendees will receive a raffle ticket where we’ll give away race ticket upgrades, driver autographed items and more! Again, follow us @poconoraceway on Twitter for event location.

JJ Yeley & Dave Blaney Q&A Appearance
Time: 9:30 am
Location: JJ Yeley and Dave Blaney will be a guests at Team Chevy Stage for a Q&A Session on Sunday morning. Stop by their display for more information throughout the race weekend!

No. 1 Banana Boat Chevrolet SS Pit Crew Autograph Session
Time: 9:45 am
Location: Team Chevy Display – Pocono Raceway’s Fan Fair (located behind the Grandstands)
Info: Members of Jamie McMurray’s No. 1 Banana Boat Chevrolet SS Pit Crew will sign autographs at the Team Chevy Display on Sunday morning. For more information, visit their display throughout the race weekend!

Jamie McMurray Appearance
Time: 9:30
Location: Banana Boat display – Pocono Raceway’s Fan Fair (located behind Grandstand)
Info: Jamie will be making an appearance for photos from 9:30 am – 10 am. Fans are encourages to arrive around 9:00 am to get in line, as a limited number of spots are available for photos.

Danica Patrick Fan Experience (Access Pass required, info below on how to purchase)
Time: 9 am – 10 am
Location: Pocono Raceway – Chalet Village
Info: Danica Patrick will make her Pocono Raceway debut in the Party in the Poconos 400 Presented by Walmart. Before the race, she’ll stop by for an exclusive 15-minute Question-and-Answer session, led by a member of the Motor Racing Network team. For new ticket purchasers, you can click here to get a Sunday Terrace Ticket and access to Danica’s appearance for $110. Existing customers can also join the fun by calling us at 1-800-722-3929 in order to purchase a $35 Danica Patrick Fan Experience Access Pass. Our ticket office is open daily from 9 am – 5 pm. All attendees will be entered to win a signed Pocono Raceway track piece, signed by Danica. Due to time constraints, Danica will NOT be able to sign autograph for fans in attendance. Time subject to change without notice.

Jimmie Johnson Fan Experience (Ticket Package Required)
Time: 9 am – 10:30 am
Location – Pocono Raceway – Chalet Village
Info: Jimmie Johnson is back for his annual Fan Experience. All ticket package purchasers will receive Sunday Grandstand ticket(s), Racing Electronics scanner rental(s), Lowe’s “Build and Grow” car(s) and access to Jimmie’s 15-minute, fan Question-and-Answer session. Two packages are available for this appearance. For more information or to purchase, click here.

Mark Martin Q&A Session
Time: 10 am ET
Location: Sprint Experience – Pocono Raceway’s Fan Fair (located behind the Grandstands)
Info: Mark Martin will chat with Miss Sprint Cup on Sunday morning at the Sprint Experience. While you’re there, check out Brad Keselowski’s trophy, the 2013 Sprint showcar and the cool interactive displays they have! For more info, visit their display throughout the race weekend!

AJ Allmendinger Q&A Session
Time: TBA
Location: Sprint Experience – Pocono Raceway’s Fan Fair (located behind the Grandstands)
Info: AJ Allmendinger will chat with Miss Sprint Cup on Sunday morning at the Sprint Experience. While you’re there, check out Brad Keselowski’s trophy, the 2013 Sprint showcar and the cool interactive displays they have! For more info, visit their display throughout the race weekend!

Kasey Kahne Q&A Appearance
Time: 10:30 am
Location: Team Chevy Stage – Pocono Raceway’s Fan Fair (located behind the Grandstands)
Info: Kasey Kahne will be a guest at Team Chevy Stage for a Q&A Session on Sunday morning. Stop by their display for more information throughout the race weekend!

SPEED’s NASCAR RaceDay
Time: 10am – 12 Noon
Location: SPEED Stage (Pocono Raceway Infield)
Info: All fans from the Infield/Trackside RV/Family Grandstand RV and those with Pre-Race Pit/Paddock Passes will be able to access the SPEED Stage to watch the live “NASCAR RaceDay” broadcast!

Tim Dugger Pre-Race Concert
Time: 11:00 -11:40 am
Location: Pocono Raceway’s Victory Circle
Info: Curb Recording Artist, Time Dugger, will perform a pre-race concert before the Party in the Poconos 400 Presented by Walmart. Fan in the Grandstand will be able to hear the live concert from their seats. There will NO access to Victory Circle for the concert. Check out his website at www.timdugger.com.

Additionally, Pocono Raceway’s annual GoBowling.com’s Bowlopolis Kids Day will be held in the Chalet Village area, located behind the Grandstands, from 9 am – 1 pm ET on Saturday, June 8. Featuring face painting, a bouncy house, an ARCA Racing Series driver autograph session and other kid-friendly activities, Kids Day is free for fans of all ages to attend.

Children, ages 12 and under, are also granted free admission, with adult holding a Grandstand ticket accompanying them, through Pocono Raceway’s gates on Friday and Saturday. Friday’s on-track events include NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menards practice and qualifying sessions. Saturday’s schedule includes two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice sessions, as well as, the Pocono 200 ARCA Racing Series race.

For ticket information visit: www.poconoraceway.com or call toll free 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929).

¹ (reference for definition of kit via www.google.com)

On Saturday, Pittsburgh-based, The Truth, will perform at Pocono Raceway’s Victory Circle from 11:00 – 11:30 am. ET. The rock-genre band features two lead singers, Paul Michael Benson and Ayesha Scott, as well as lead, guitarist Shayne MacLaughlin and drummer Josh Gerba. The Truth will be touring with the ARCA Racing Series, serving as the official “Musical Partner” of Venturini Motorsports. Additionally, lead-singer Ayesha Scott will perform the national anthem prior to the start of the Pocono 200 ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menards race.

Twitter:  @Tim_Dugger   Facebook:  facebook.com/timduggermusic    Website:  www.timdugger.com

Twitter: @thetruthisrock  Website: www.thetruthrockandroll.com/band

Practice and qualifying for the Party in the Poconos 400 Presented by Walmart , as well as Saturday’s Pocono 200, ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menards, will be featured on Friday, June 7. Two NASCAR Sprint Cup practices on Saturday, June 8, will precede the 1:00 a.m. ET start of the Pocono 200. Gates open on Sunday, June 9, for the 400-mile NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at 8:00 a.m. ET with pre-race activities starting at 11:00 a.m. ET. The green flag is set to wave for the Party in the Poconos 400 Presented by Walmart at approximately 1:00 pm ET.

For ticket information visit: www.poconoraceway.com or call toll free 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929)

Seven-time NASCAR Champion Richard “The King” Petty, will lead the Track Walk around the 2.5 mile “Tricky Triangle” giving fans the unique experience to not just walk the track – but to walk it in their underwear! The Undy 5000 may raise eyebrows, but will also raise life-saving awareness and funds to prevent colon cancer.

“We want everyone to come out to the track to support the Colon Cancer Alliance.  Unfortunately, colon cancer is the #2 cancer killer in this country.  It’s important that our race fans take their health seriously.  With appropriate screening this cancer is largely preventable,” said Petty.

A fun twist to a serious situation, this family-friendly event gives participants a pair of boxer shorts to help bring attention to the part of the body affected by this disease. The Undy 5000 also features the Colon Cancer Alliance’s Inflatable Colon,-a giant, walk-through colon that shows the various stages of colon cancer, including descriptions about Crohn’s disease and colitis.

“This is a great opportunity to reach a brand new audience. Folks don’t like to talk about colon cancer – there is a stigma attached to it. But if we can make it relatable – if we can make it comfortable to talk about with your friends and most importantly, your family – then we are really getting somewhere,” said Andrea Clay, CCA Director of Special Projects.

To participate, register on-site or online at www.undy5000.org. The Colon Cancer Alliance will have a tent open for registration from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, June 7 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 8. Registration is $20. The first 50 people to sign up will get a ticket for free admittance to the Pocono Raceway on Saturday, June 8.

For more information, please visit www.undy5000.org or call 202-628-0123.

Earnhardt, Jr. will join Denny Hamlin, Mark Martin and David Ragan in a driver autograph session, located behind Victory Lane inside the Paddock area, from 2-2:30 pm ET on Friday, June 7. The first 150 people with wristbands can attend, due to time constraints. Wristbands will be distributed, on a first-come, first-serve basis, at the autograph session location starting at 10 am ET. A Pre-Race Pit/Paddock Pass is required, due to the location of the autograph session. Driver lineup and appearance time are subject to change without notice.

Sunday’s driver experience lineup includes the Jimmie Johnson Fan Experience, the Danica Patrick Fan Experience and Pocono Raceway’s Tricky Triangle Club featuring drivers Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex, Jr., as well as an appearance by Miss Sprint Cup.

Johnson, a two-time Pocono Raceway winner, will appear for his third annual Fan Experience. This ticket package includes Sunday Grandstand race ticket(s), exclusive access to Johnson’s pre-race, fan question-and-answer-session, Racing Electronics scanner rental(s) and Lowe’s “Build and Grow” car(s). Fans have two options for purchasing tickets, either the individual ticket package at $48 or the family-four pack at $148. Package are only available while supplies last. For more information or to purchase this ticket package, visit www.poconoraceway.com/jj48 or call 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929).

The Danica Patrick Fan Experience includes two options, available for new and existing ticket purchasers. New ticket customers can purchase individual ticket packages for $110, which includes a Sunday Terrace Grandstand ticket and access to Patrick’s pre-race, fan question-and-answer session. Existing ticket customers can purchase access to Patrick’s appearance for $35. Offer is only available while supplies last. For more information or to purchase the Danica Fan Experience passes, visit www.poconoraceway.com or call 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929).

Pocono Raceway’s Tricky Triangle Club lineup will feature fan question-and-answer sessions with Burton, Harvick, Truex., Jr. and Miss Sprint Cup. This $99 ticket add-on includes access NASCAR driver appearances, lunch, pre-race pit tour pass, unlimited water and soda, four beer tickets (for those ages 21 and older), official Party in the Poconos 400 Presented by Walmart Souvenir Program and die-cast and more! To purchase your Tricky Triangle Club pass, visit www.poconoraceway.com or call 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929).

Last year, Brandon made a similar ‘Presidential’ prediction. He would write a $100,000 check to one lucky fan if his pick, Dale Earnhardt Jr., won the 2012 June Pocono 400. Unfortunately for that fan, Earnhardt Jr. ran strong, but finished 8^th.

“I made my prediction last year on a gut instinct that Dale Jr. would win the race,” stated Igdalsky. “He was near the top of the Sprint Cup point standings and was due for a win at Pocono. This year I am using a different, sounder approach in my prediction. Jeff has won six times here at Pocono, the most of any driver, and has run well when he didn’t win. This is as much a ‘sure thing’ as there is in any prediction.

Our fans are the greatest fans in all of motorsports. Without them, nothing we do would be possible. It is time to give back to our fans! We will all be watching anxiously on June 9th to see if Jeff Gordon can win. If he does, I will gladly cut $10,000 checks for 10 lucky fans.”

Fans can enter the “Pocono President’s Pick for $100,000” by visiting select Official Pocono Raceway souvenir trailers, stands or tents in the Paddock area and near Gate 8 during the Party in the Poconos 400 Presented by Walmart race weekend. Once there, they will be required to fill out a simple entry blank to become automatically entered

At lap 80, ten winning names will be selected and immediately contacted to participate in the Post Race celebration should Gordon win! If the No. 24 Chevrolet SS, piloted by Jeff Gordon takes the checkered flag, each will win $10,000! Additionally, each of the 10 fans chosen will receive two Terrace Club tickets to a 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race of their choice at Pocono Raceway, regardless of the outcome of the June 9^th race.

Entrants must be 16 years of age or older and do not need to be present at time of random drawing to win. No purchase necessary. For more information, including additional rules and regulations, please visit http://www.poconoraceway.com/presidentspick.