Pocono – The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series gears up for today’s Pocono 400 at Pocono Raceway, and drivers opinions on what to expect vary throughout the garage. William Byron earned the pole for the 400 mile race in Long Pond, PA, putting the driver and Hendrick Motorsports team in the best position leading the field to the green flag and driving into Turn 1.
Chaotic Restarts Expected for Pocono 400
Week after week, restarts produce fierce battles as drivers scramble to gain as much track position as possible. Often, cars willing go four and five wide heading into the first corner. Pocono Raceway has the longest frontstretch in the NASCAR circuit at 3,740 feet, and there has been a lot of discussion in the garage as to what to expect with restarts and the 2019 rules package heading into today’s race.
“I mean it’s just so inviting to get three, four, five wide down the front straightaway. I think we’re going to see a lot of that,” said Chase Elliott.
The wide front straightaway at Pocono Raceway provides the ability for drivers to fan out and be aggressive in an attempt to pass multiple competitors before reaching the first corner. With the new rules package, and NASCAR’s rule adjustment to utilize aero ducts for today’s race, the restarts are expected to be the best opportunity to pass while also putting the drivers and teams in precarious positions.
“Like we’ve seen in the past few weeks, I think the people up front, the guy who can get a good restart – is going to be in a great spot. Everyone else is going to be getting jumped on from one another and it’s going to be crazy from that standpoint,” continued Elliott.
Track Position A Factor in 400 Mile Race
There is uncertainty amongst drivers on having ability to pass effectively once the field settles into a green flag run. Martin Truex Jr. stated, “It seemed like once you got three cars back from somebody you were kind of stuck there, restarts are going to be the key.”
Joey Logano followed, “I think it will be a huge track position race for sure, but there’s going to be restarts and you got to handle in those situations.”
NASCAR’s rules package also eliminates the ability for drivers to shift throughout the corner, removing one opportunity to help drivers work their cars through the three unique corners at Pocono Raceway. “If you can shift you can always manipulate where you downshift to help your car turn, and now that’s gone,” said Ryan Blaney.
While drivers will work to gain track position on the track, another opportunity to move up through the field is with strategy calls on pitroad. Taking two tires or fuel only during a pitstop can move a driver to the front of the field. However, teams with fresh tires will have the advantage at the drop of the green flag and throughout the run.
Pitroad Strategy and How Drivers Expect to Get to the Front
When asked about strategy, Erik Jones feels confident in taking risks to gain position on pitroad, “When you look at the last couple of years, and some of the times we’ve got really good finishes here have been on strategy calls, by pitting before the stage ends, taking two tires at the stage break, or even staying out at the stage break. I think there’s going to be a lot of that – you’re going to get a majority of cars who are probably going to be on that plan.”
Drivers will take the green flag for today’s Pocono 400 at Pocono Raceway shortly after 2pm Eastern. You can catch all the action on FS1, and listen on MRN Radio.
