DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Carl Edwards had an inkling he might have a pole-winning car at Daytona International Speedway.

He was right.

With a lap at 194.738 mph (46.216 seconds) Edwards outran Greg Biffle (194.087 mph) for the top spot in Sunday’s Daytona 500 qualifying session, as the Roush Fenway Racing teammates locked themselves into the front row for next Sunday’s 54th running of the Great American Race.

Edwards, the fifth driver to make a qualifying attempt, won the 11th Coors Light pole award of his career and is the first qualifier for the 2013 Budweiser Shootout, now that NASCAR and the speedway have returned to the traditional eligibility criteria for the season-opening exhibition event.

“This is a very, very speedy Fastenal (Ford) Fusion, and I appreciate (crew chief) Bob Osborne and all the work he’s done,” Edwards said. “(Engine builder) Doug Yates — the engines are so important in this.

“It’s neat to come down here and to be so fast and to really have fun qualifying here. We’ve struggled so much in the past, and so many guys have put so much effort in this offseason.”

The time trials also brought good news for defending race winner Trevor Bayne, who locked himself into NASCAR’s most prestigious race with a ninth-place qualifying effort, fastest among drivers not already exempt into the field.

Bayne, who turned 21 Sunday, fought a strong gust of wind on his money lap, but he accomplished his primary objective—securing a spot in the race. Despite winning last year, Bayne wasn’t exempt because the Wood Brothers, his team owners, ran a limited schedule and finished the 2011 season outside the top 35 in owner points.

Under the quirky format peculiar to Daytona 500 qualifying, only the fastest two cars in time trials know exactly where they’ll start next Sunday — on the front row. The rest of the drivers will start the 500 based on their finishes in Thursday’s Gatorade Duel 150 qualifying races.

Tony Raines and David Stremme also know they will race in the 500, having posted the second- and third-fastest speeds among drivers not otherwise exempt. Terry Labonte likewise is in the race as the most recent past champion not otherwise qualified. Labonte could also race his way into the Daytona 500 during his Duel race, which could open the champion’s provisional for Bill Elliott.

The final four spots in the 500 field will go to the top two finishers in each Duel not already assured of a starting spot.

Last year’s pole winner, Dale Earnhardt Jr., had the strongest Chevrolet in the field, but his third-place qualifying effort at 194.028 mph earned him nothing more than a front-row starting spot in Thursday’s Gatorade Duel 150 qualifying race.

“The guys did a great job on putting the car out there for qualifying,” Earnhardt said. “We weren’t really seeing that kind of speed in the car (Saturday). We made a lot of changes, and I’m sure we got some help — a good push of wind down the back straightaway as well.

“But the guys did a great job. The engine shop did a great job, too. All the guys worked really hard on the body. They took this thing apart several times this winter, trying to make it as good as they could, and we can’t appreciate their help enough.”

Danica Patrick, who has a guaranteed starting spot by virtue of an owner points deal between Stewart Haas Racing and Tommy Baldwin Racing, qualified 30th for her Sprint Cup debut. When she takes the green flag next Sunday, Patrick will become the third woman to start the Daytona 500, joining Janet Guthrie and Shawna Robinson.

Patrick’s car was spewing water long before she completed her second lap at an average speed of 191.738 mph. Race strategist Greg Zipadelli expressed some concerns about the early overheating, but, by and large, Patrick was satisfied with her first Cup qualifying effort.

“It felt fine,” she said. “It got a little hot on the water at the end, but other than that — some water blowing out of the car — but everybody did a good job. Everybody worked really, really hard on the cars.

“We were really fast in January (during testing), and I’m not sure we’re as fast right now as I thought we were going to be, but that doesn’t mean anything leading into Sunday, really. It’s nice to be fast, but anything can happen on Sunday. Any given Sunday, as they call it, right?

“The important thing is that the pretty green GoDaddy car doesn’t have any dents, and it doesn’t get into the accidents in the Duels next week, and then we have a good car for Sunday.”

Marcos Ambrose was fourth-fastest in Sunday’s session, followed by Casey Mears, as Fords claimed four of the top five spots, breaking a Hendrick Motorsports stranglehold on qualifying at restrictor-plate racetracks. Hendrick cars won all four poles at plate tracks last year.

Each Viewing Party will include giveaways, appearance of the 2012 Pocono Raceway Chevrolet Camaro SS Pace Car, interactive trivia and games, as well as, Yuengling specials on one of their select beers (for adults 21 years of age or older). Race fans in attendance will have a chance to win tickets to Pocono 400 (June 10th) and the Pennsylvania 400 (August 5th), autographed memorabilia from NASCAR’s top drivers, officially-licensed Pocono Raceway and Yuengling merchandise and much more!

The Pocono Raceway Viewing Party Series Presented by Yuengling will kick off with “The Great American Race,” the Daytona 500, at Octane, located inside the Lehigh Valley Grand Prix, in Allentown, PA, on Sunday, February 26th, beginning at 12 Noon ET.

The current 2012 Viewing Party Series schedule is listed below (dates and locations subject to change):

• Sunday, February 26th (Daytona) – Octane/Lehigh Valley Grand Prix (Allentown, PA)
• Saturday, April 14th (Texas) – MacArthur Park Restaurant (Rockville Centre, NY)
• Saturday, April 28th (Richmond) – Lucky’s SportHouse (Wilkes-Barre Township, PA)
• Saturday, May 12th (Darlington) – North/Central New Jersey (exact location is to be determined)
• Saturday, May 19th (All-Star/Charlotte) – Van Gilder’s Jubilee Restaurant (Pocono Pines, PA)
• Saturday, June 30th (Kentucky) – Quaker Steak & Lube (Dickson City, PA)
• Saturday, July 7th (Daytona) – Philadelphia, PA (exact location is to be determined)
• Saturday, August 25th (Bristol) – Central Pennsylvania (exact location is to be determined)

For more information and future updates, including start times of each event listed above, please visit www.poconoraceway.com/viewingparty2012 or email poconoposse@poconoraceway.com.

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About Pocono Raceway

“The Tricky Triangle” is host to two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards races each year and added a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race in 2010. Pocono Raceway’s 2.5-mile triangular design makes it truly unique. Pocono is the only track on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Circuit with three turns, three different radii and three variant degrees of banking. All that ensures our fans will enjoy some serious action, meanwhile presenting a competitive challenge to the world’s best drivers and their crew chiefs. Pocono strives to create a family atmosphere with increased focus on the Fan Experience. We are Pocono Raceway and this is “The Tricky Triangle.”

In business for over 50 years, Pocono Raceway is family-owned and situated in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. We are located within 300 miles of one-third of the U.S. population and within 90 miles of New York City and Philadelphia. Pocono Raceway is and always will be an attractive option for NASCAR and race fans alike.

Pocono Raceway is the world’s largest solar powered sports facility. The Raceway developed a 25 acre, three megawatt solar farm that provides the energy needs of the Raceway as well as adding electricity to the local power grid.

About D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc.

Based in Pottsville, PA, D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., America’s Oldest Brewery, is family owned and operated since 1829. Principal beer brands include: Traditional Lager, Light Lager, Black and Tan, Premium, Light, Dark Brewed Porter, and Lord Chesterfield Ale. Oktoberfest and Bock are seasonal offerings by Yuengling. As a regional brewery, Yuengling is only available in 14 states. For more information, visit www.yuengling.com.

Upon entering his office, this young man was introduced to a very stern and focused individual who appeared deep in thought making final touches to the event plan for the June race weekend. The employee was extremely nervous now, hoping he wouldn’t say the wrong thing to a figurehead in the NASCAR realm, as it may disrupt any chances of pursuing a career in auto racing. And, of course, the young man slipped during a response to the first of Dr. Mattioli’s questions by saying, “Yes, Mr. Mattioli.”

“Did you really just say that? Oh no, my life is over,” this new employee thought to himself.  His heart started beating out of his chest, he broke into a profuse sweat and turned beat red in his embarrassment. But, it typical Dr. Mattioli fashion, after waiting just a few more seconds to let the embarrassment fester, gave a response that calmed the nerves of his new young hire.

The response began with laughter followed by a response, between laughs, that went something along the lines of, “Kid…Mr. Mattioli was my father’s name.  You work for me now. Call me Doc.” The two would go on to have a wonderful conversation as Doc was engaged in his discussions with this young man, even though a race weekend was right around the corner. Doc took time out to hear about the young man’s passion and life goals, as well as, to offer advice. It’s a conversation the new employee remembered, not only during his first 3-month stint at Pocono Raceway that summer, but when he was welcomed back to the track’s family a little under a year ago under the direction of Doc’s grandson, Brandon.

I am the young “kid,” as Doc called me six years ago, in the story above. His words always touched people and it is with sadness that he is no longer with us. Over the last 11 months, I’ve heard stories about the man, who I feel, was larger than life. Most are filled with laughter reminiscing accounts of the way Doc ran things here and each tale gives me a glimpse into this legend’s life and the amazing family business be built from the ground up.

My role at Pocono Raceway allows me to interact with the race fans each day. The impact Doc had on them is evident with the outpouring of comments left on Facebook, Twitter and our website. I had the chance to look them over last night and was overwhelmed with emotions as I continued to read each of their heartwarming messages.

His legacy, professionally and personally, continues with his family and the employees of Pocono Raceway. I am forever grateful to the love and support they have shown me. They welcomed me back with open arms and are now my second family, being there when times were tough and always willing to offer their assistance whenever needed. I share this because their friendship and generosity is hereditary. It has been passed along from generation to generation, starting with one person, the Raceway’s patriarch, Doc!

The impact of Doc had far exceeds the realm of this region or NASCAR. He truly was a giant who touched more lives than people will ever realize. He’ll be dearly missed, but he’ll never be forgotten!

Godspeed Doc!

-Kevin

He kept his fingers on the pulse of stock car racing and read everything printed concerning the sport. He was in the office daily, until last fall, and oversaw all aspects of the Pocono Raceway operations. At age 83, Dr. Mattioli spearheaded an ambitious solar energy project. He built a three megawatt photovoltaic solar energy system on 25 acres at Pocono Raceway. It is the world’s largest solar-powered sports facility, making Pocono Raceway a leader in the renewable energy and environmental fields.

Dr. Mattioli was also well respected in the community. In 2009, he received the Philanthropic Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals for his generous and continuous contributions to local civic organizations, hospitals, schools and charities. He served on the board of directors of numerous organizations and was dedicated to improving the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

He served in the Pacific during World War Two as a Navy medic. Using the G.I. bill, he enrolled in the dentistry program at Temple University (where he met his soon to be wife, Rose.) Upon graduation, he developed his dental practice into a very lucrative business by working 12 to 14 hour days, six and sometimes seven days a week. He then began investing in and developing properties in Philadelphia and Northeastern Pennsylvania where he became involved in the start up of Pocono Raceway.

Dr. Mattioli is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dr. Rose, daughters Louie and Michele and son Joseph Mattioli III, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His passing leaves a void in the NASCAR community and especially to his family and extended “Pocono Raceway” family.

Service Arrangements can be found by clicking here.

Viewing Hours
Location: Pocono Community Church - 2770 Memorial Boulevard, Tobyhanna, PA 18466
Website:  www.poconocc.com

Sunday January 29, 2012
4:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Monday January 30, 2012
10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon

Funeral Mass
Location: St Peter the Fisherman Roman Catholic Church – 2111 Lake Drive, Lake Harmony, PA 18624

Monday, January 30, 2012
1:30 p.m.

Private entombment at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
The NASCAR Foundation
Attn: Dr. Joseph Mattioli Memorial Fund
550 South Caldwell Street
Suite 200
Charlotte, NC 28202 

• This is the first track repave since 1995 and only the third in the track’s existence.
• This is the second time we’ve started repaving from the dirt foundation. The last time it was exposed was when the track was first built.
• The 2011 project began in September and is currently on hold due to potential winter weather. The track is 90 percent repaved at this point, the final layers (leveling and wearing layers) will be added in the spring, prior to a Goodyear Tire Test (date is still TBD).
• The mix used is the same asphalt iron slag used in all each of our three paving projects at Pocono Raceway. This unique mix actually wears in a round pattern, compared to a diamond shape seen at most asphalt race tracks.
  • This allows for a longer wear and tear lifetime period for asphalt
  • The company being used for the repaving efforts is Haynes and Kibblehouse, the same company we used in the ’95 repave project.
  • This 2011 project comes one year after SAFER Barriers were added to the inside portion of Long Pond Straight and our Short Chute (located between Turns 2 and 3) & after a catch fence was added on Long Pond Straight.
  • The 2011 project includes a new outer pit wall and new concrete pit stalls.
    • Concrete pit stall have become commonplace in NASCAR over the last few years.
    • Concrete pit stall have a longer life and assist in traction for pit crews
    • Commemorative pieces of the track will be available for sale to the general public very soon!

400 Miles

• Should result in more competitive and exciting race in 2012 and beyond.
• Decision was made after gathering input from the race fans, first and foremost, as well as drivers and teams in NASCAR and ARCA Racing Series.
• The popularity of our 125-mile, 50-lap Truck Series races also played a small role.
• Doc Mattioli played a major role in executing this decision, even though the announcement came just days after his surprise retirement. Doc had the final decision in moving both Cup race from 500 to 400 miles.
• Our average race time should be dropped by nearly 45 minutes with a 400-mile race, so we are anticipating a race between 3 to 2 hours and 50 minutes length.
• Possibly a record-breaking season as 2011 saw a new race record set by Jeff Gordon in the 2011 5-hour Energy 500 (Pocono 500) last June. Also, Joey Logano came within two tenths of a second from breaking the track qualifying record during our August NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Time Trials.
  • The last repave saw an increase of between six (1^st Cup race) and eight (2^nd Cup race) miles per hour when comparing 1995 average mph to 1996’s average mph.

Tickers & RV/Camping

• Pocono Raceway will now allow children ages 12 and younger into our Concourse Grandstand section for just half the price of a regular Sunday tickets. An adult must accompany the children. Additionally, we will continue to admit kids 12 and younger in for Free on Friday & Saturday, with accompanying adult.
  • This is the first time, in our track’s existence, where we’re offering a child’s discounted ticket.
  • We saw success with the Jimmie Johnson Fan Q&A Ticket Package in 2011, which offered fans an up-close and personal question and answer session with NASCAR’s five-time Cup Series Champion, Jimmie Johnson.
    • June saw over 130 people attend and August we increased our numbers over 250.
    • We will be looking into this over the next few months, stay tuned for details on similar fan-friendly events at Pocono Raceway soon!
    • We are extending our Reserved Fenceline RV Sections to the exit of Turn 1.
    • Each RV/Camping site has been increased to 20 feet in area, compared to 18 feet
    • We have recycled our track’s old surface by upgrading nearly 7 miles on infield roads (not to be confused with our track’s road courses) for the 2012 season
    • Spots and new areas will be named.
    • Details about our new Infield RV/Camping info will be coming out soon!

Green Initiatives

• Our solar farm recently hit 5 million kilowatt hours of energy produced.
  • This equals over 400,000 gallons fuel saved
  • Our Pepsi “Dream Machine” helped saved tons of recyclables from both our June & August race weekends in 2012.
  • We recycled the track’s old surface by using the milling to upgrade nearly seven miles of infield roads.

Long Pond, PA (January 5, 2012) – Pocono Raceway, home of two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series events annually, has always strived to be fan friendly with an emphasis on families. Pocono Raceway is proud to announce its latest initiative, Kids 12 and under will be admitted at half price to ALL Concourse Grandstand sections for the June 10, Pocono 400 and the August 5, Pennsylvania 400, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events in 2012. These sections include: Concourse Gold (adult price $55.00, kids price $27.50), Concourse Vista (adult price $50.00, kids price $25.00) and Concourse (adult price $45.00, kids price $22.50.)

The Concourse Grandstand runs the along the front straight at Pocono Raceway (nearly 3,000 feet), so fans purchasing the kids tickets have the option of choosing seats  at or near the start/finish line, near Turn # 1 or near Turn # 3. All Concourse Gold sections contain body contoured bucket seats. (All Kids tickets must be purchased with at least one full-priced ticket. All seating is subject to availability. Everyone must have a Sunday grandstand ticket for Raceday admission. Gate validation at time of entry required.)

As in the past, Kids 12 and under are admitted free (with a paying adult) to all grandstand sections on Friday and Saturday for practice, qualifying and companion races including the Camping World Truck Series race in August. Grandstand parking is always free at Pocono Raceway. Make Pocono Raceway a memorable racing experience for your family and kids in 2012 with great racing action and huge savings.

Tickets can be purchased on line at www.poconoraceway.com, toll free via phone 1-800-RACEWAY

(1-800-722-3929). An easy to use, print-at-home option is available to all online customers.

Long Pond, PA (December 26 2011) ― Slightly more than 16 months after the dedication of Pocono Raceway’s solar farm, the total amount of electricity produced by the 25 acre facility reached the 5,000,000 kilowatt hour (kWh) mark. The Pocono Raceway solar installation consists of 39,960 American made photovoltaic modules that will produce more than 72 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy over the next 20 years. The environmental attributes associated with the system will offset more than 3,104 Metric Tons of carbon dioxide annually and will generate enough power to provide the electricity needs for over 500 homes beyond the power needs of Pocono Raceway.

Check out live monitoring of our solar farm here.

“This is another important milestone for Pocono Raceway,” said Brandon Igdalsky, President and CEO of Pocono Raceway.  “Pocono Raceway strongly believes in the commitment to operate in a more environmentally responsible way and is proud to be the first race track to power our sport with clean, renewable sunlight with the world’s largest renewable energy project to –power a sports facility. This solar power system, built with timber, steel and solar panels made in the U.S., satisfies all our Raceway’s energy needs, while helping to power local homes.  This project demonstrates real sustainability and proves that any business that truly wants to Go Green, can do it.”

The 5,000,000kWh produced has already impacted the environment. The total energy generated equals the use of more than 30,000 60Watt light bulbs for one year at eight hours per day and represents a savings of more than 400,000 gallons of gasoline with a carbon dioxide (CO₂) offset equaling that of 90,000 trees or 143,000 Propane BBQ Grills.

The Raceway has been awarded a number of environmental awards for its sustainable energy efforts including the 2011 Excellence in Renewable Energy Awards, Readers Choice Award presented by RenewableEnergyWorld.com and the 2011 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence, presented each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. These awards highlight the best in environmental innovation and expertise

The Pocono Raceway Solar Farm is located along Long Pond Road adjacent Pocono Raceway’s storied 2.5 mile Super Speedway. Pocono Raceway will host two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekends in 2012. The 31^st annual Pocono 400, June 8-10 and the 39^th annual Pennsylvania 400, August 3-5.