We have long said we have the best fans in motorsports at Pocono Raceway. Whether you have been coming to races for years or 2019 was your first time, we want to hear from you!
This week we hear from one of our great fans, Michael from Coopersburg, PA Enjoy!
Name: Michael M.
Hometown: Coopersburg, PA
Occupation: Attorney 
Family: Wife (Kelly), two stepdaughters (Gia and Sofia), two sons (Lucian and Michael, Jr.)
Question: How many times have you visited Pocono Raceway?
Answer: I’ve lost count, probably about 40. I started going in the mid-80s, missed a few years in the late 80s and early 90s, but have been there every year since. There have also been many years when I went to two or three of the races (both NASCAR races and INDYCAR).
Question: What is your most memorable story at Pocono Raceway?
Answer: This past summer, I had my sons with me at the July NASCAR race. After Denny Hamlin won, we were standing by the fence near the garage when his crew was rolling his car into the inspection area. One of Denny’s crew members handed my son Michael a set of lug nuts from Denny’s car.
Question: When, how, and why did you get interested in racing?
Answer: I got interested in racing the first time I went to Pocono in the mid-80s. I think I was 6 years old at my first race, and I fell in love with the place immediately. I always say I have three favorite sports venues: Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, and Pocono Raceway. I’ve been to two other NASCAR tracks for races and nothing compares with the Pocono experience.
Question: What is some advice you would like to give a possible first time Pocono Raceway fan?
Answer: If possible, go for an entire weekend to get the whole experience. I like arriving late afternoon on Friday because it’s great to be all set up at the infield campsite and wake up there Saturday morning. Don’t be in a rush to leave at the end of the race Sunday. Relax, have dinner in the infield, and hang with family and friends while some of the other cars wait in line to leave the track. If you can stay until Monday, then do so. Make sure to bring a grill, good food for grilling, plenty of beverages, cornhole, portable speaker, maybe a fire pit (one that is permitted by the Raceway rules), and anything else you like for camping. Take some time to walk around the whole infield and meet new people. Go to the Infield Block Party Stage for the concert, visit the vendor trucks. Get the whole experience!
Question: What driver would you like to one day meet and why?
Answer: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (even though he’s no longer racing). He seems like a true down-to-Earth guy who can hold a great conversation with us regular folks despite his huge celebrity status. I’d also like to meet Martin Truex, Jr. because I’m originally from South Jersey. He also seems like a cool guy.
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Thank you for reading. If you would like to be a feature on a future Fan Spotlight Blog please E-Mail Kevin Teel at: kteel@poconoraceway.com
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