Pocono Raceway CEO speaks out, apologizes for ‘unprecedented’ traffic issue

This weekend, the weather didn’t interrupt the NASCAR Cup Series race, but Pocono Raceway had a time with traffic problems because of a storm. Fans were caught up in quite a mess as they tried to get into the facility.

Now, getting to and from a race track during a race weekend is no easy feat on a good day. It can take a little bit of time. However, the traffic on Sunday was on another level completely.

It was so bad that Pocono Raceway CEO Nick Igdalsky has spoken out about it. There is going to be a clear effort to avoid the same mistakes in the future.

“Everything stemmed from the lightning delay that we were under for almost an hour,” Igdalsky told the Pocono Record. “When that happens, not only do the fans need to be evacuated from the grounds, but all the employees, too. You can’t have the employees out on the ground when lightning is in the area.”

For the second straight year, Pocono Raceway sold out for the NASCAR Cup Series race. There were some fans who were still stuck in traffic well after the race had begun.

“In our history of this raceway, this is the only time that has ever happened,” Igdalsky said. “So we will plan in the future to make sure that even in these unprecedented, one-time situations, that we still have an emergency plan for such.

“We ensure the fans we will make the changes so we will never have this issue again.”

Pocono Raceway released a statement during traffic issues

Of course, Pocono Raceway did all they could during the traffic crisis. The early thunderstorms forced their hand and created a perfect storm, so to speak, for these problems to arise.

The track released a statement as the Cup Series race was going on.

“As a result of the severe and dangerous weather earlier this morning, event staff, fans and competitors were instructed to seek shelter for their safety. This safety protocol was in place for approximately one hour.  This unforeseen situation caused an unprecedented delay in our parking operations. As a company that prides itself on honesty and transparency, we will make this right for those affected,” Pocono Raceway said in the official statement.

“We are committed to doing right by our fans and will work diligently to provide a solution for everyone affected. Thank you for your understanding and patience.”

Another sold-out crowd, but a huge problem with traffic. Hopefully, this isn’t what we are talking about a year from now after the Pocono race.