Pocono Raceway issues statement about major traffic jam outside track due to severe weather
Pocono Raceway is breaking its silence on the traffic jam it had before the NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday. On its X account, Pocono Raceway said the severe weather in the area earlier in the day led to a delay in the parking operations.
“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.”
It was reported that fans were lined up at a four-mile standstill from I-80 trying to get to Pocono as the road was closed due to the weather. “Severe weather that moved through our area earlier today caused additional traffic delays,” Pocono Raceway said in a statement. “Thank you for your understanding & patience. The safety of our fans & event staff is our highest priority.”
Can Bubba Wallace turn things around at Pocono Raceway?
One of the storylines heading into the Pocono Cup Series race is Bubba Wallace bouncing back after hitting Alex Bowman during the Chicago Street Race last week and being fined by NASCAR. On Saturday at Pocono, Wallace talked about how the $50,000 fine will help him in the long run.
“Penalty was probably the best thing that’s happened to me,” Wallace said, via Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports. “I’ve been miserable for years, walking around with a persona that I’m not proud of. I need to apologize to a lot of people, especially that are close to me. … Just frustrated and trying way too hard and not focused on the right things. The door slam, the bump that Bowman said wasn’t hard at all. For the people that for the last four or five years, people have been wanting me out of the sport. But those people don’t really understand that when you put – road courses, let’s talk about road courses.
“How many years have I been terrible at road courses? Seven, right? So I’ve been putting my heart and soul into getting better and spending time with the team and the sim and trying to be better.”
On3’s Jonathan Howard contributed to this story.