The Pocono Raceway Fan Council was created to improve the overall fan experience for race fans both at and away from the track. During race weekends members of our current Fan Council are positioned all around ‘The Tricky Triangle’ with the goal of helping other fans with any questions they may have during their visit. Leading up to our 2019 event season we will feature members of our Fan Council via these blog posts to help everyone get to know our great members of the Pocono Raceway Fan Council. For more information on our Fan Council Click Here.
Meet Our Fan Council: Shawn from East Stroudsburg, PA.
Name: Shawn VanWhy Sr.
Hometown: East Stroudsburg, PA.
Family: Wife: Carrie, Son: Shawn Jr.
Occupation: Engineering Technician
Favorite Driver, and why: Dale Earnhardt Sr. – Love him or hate him, Dale was synonymous with NASCAR. He came from humble beginnings and you never knew what would happen in a race when he was around.
Question: How many years have you served on the Pocono Raceway Fan Council?
Answer: Going into the second year of my first term.
Question: What was the main reason you wanted to join the Pocono Raceway Fan Council?
Answer: To have close interaction with other great fans and help them have the best experience while visiting as well as be a part of such a great track.
Question: What has been the most rewarding part of being on the Pocono Raceway Fan Council?
Answer: Having conversations with fans and getting to experience things at the track that I otherwise could not have.
Question: How did you become a fan of racing/ Pocono Raceway?
Answer: I have always had an interest in motorsports but that elevated when my son was born. As he grew up we have always bonded over the adrenaline of watching a race. Pocono Raceway is right in our back yard so it just fits.
Question: What is your favorite Pocono Raceway memory?
Answer: In the past, I volunteered with my church youth group as a young kid working the infield merchandise stand. This was back in the 90’s well before the Infield Block Party but it was so much fun. We camped in tents in the infield and after our shifts were over each day we had free time to explore and take in everything the track had to offer.
Question: Why should someone who has never been to a NASCAR/IndyCar race do so at Pocono Raceway?
Answer: Pocono Raceway is known for great fan interaction. Tickets are inexpensive and there are tons of things to do as a family besides just watching a race.
Question: What advice would you give to a first-time Pocono Raceway visitor?
Answer: Take in everything fan fair has to offer. You could spend a whole day out there.
Question: If you were the host of a legendary #PoconoStyle tailgate in the infield who are 3 NASCAR/IndyCar personalities (past or present) you would invite?
Answer: Dale Earnhardt Sr. Richard Petty and Austin Dillon.
Question: Besides being a race fan, what other hobbies do you enjoy?
Answer: I am a demolition derby driver who races a charity car each year to raise money for America on Wheels Museum. I am also CO- V.P. of Lost in Time Car Club and I can be found at many local car shows with my Cadillac Hearse.
Question: Anything additional you would like to share?
Answer: The Fan Welcome Center tents are staffed by us who reside on the fan council. Stop by and say hello! We have, or can obtain the answer to almost any question to help you fully enjoy your time at the track!
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