Pocono Raceway Concocts Magical Potion Of Philanthropy and Fun

This past weekend, the newest installment of the Harry Potter movies made its magical debut, with professors and potions figuring prominently in the plot. Just like Professor Snape, one of the stars in the Potter series, Pocono Raceway is brewing up its own magical mix of philanthropy and fun for the fans at the upcoming race.

The first ingredient in the Pocono potion is the NASCAR Cup race itself, scheduled for Sunday, August 2nd. The race is charitably named the "Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500."

While the Mattioli family, the owners of Pocono Raceway, typically does not "name" their races, they fell under the spell of the local Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross two years ago.

With the evolution of this partnership, the Mattioli family has agreed to "name" the race in order to call attention to the mission of the local chapter of the American Red Cross.  A percentage of the tickets sold for the race will also raise needed funds to support the work of the local Red Cross organization.

In addition to the ticket percentage promotion, Pocono Raceway, NASCAR fuel sponsor Sunoco, the Southeastern Chapter of the Red Cross and Roush Fenway driver Greg Biffle have combined their magical forces to conjure up one of the best fan promotions ever. 

For an additional $10 or more donation to the Red Cross, a lucky fan will be able to take a lap around Pocono Raceway with Biffle, wave the green flag to start the race, serve as an honorary pit crew member for Biffle's team, and receive an all access pass for the race festivities.

All proceeds raised in this promotion will be used locally to help victims of disaster. A portion of this funding will also go to support the Red Cross House, a temporary home for families who have been burned out of their homes or have experienced some kinds of disaster in their lives.

The next ingredient in the magical potion of philanthropy and fun at Pocono Raceway involves a special bus ride. Similar to the magical train that takes the students to Hogwarts for each and every semester in the Potter films, this bus will take fans around Pocono Raceway for a ride around the 2.5 mile "tricky triangle."

Prior to the race, fans can take a ride in a Martz bus around the Raceway for a $10 donation. This donation will go to another special NASCAR charity, the Victory Junction Gang Camp.

Just like Hogwarts allows wizards to learn and be themselves, utilizing their powers to the fullest, Victory Junction Gang Camp allows children who have chronic or serious illnesses to have a camp experience and just be normal kids. 

The Mattioli family is especially pleased to add this bit of philanthropy into the mix, especially given their close association with Kyle and Pattie Petty, who founded the camp in memory of their son Adam.

While the Pocono Raceway potion is largely about philanthropy and helping others in need, there also will be a wee bit of special fun thrown into the mix. Included in the magical race weekend will be two special evenings of Blue Grass music, including artists ranging from Ricky Skaggs to the Steel-Drivers.

Stirred all together and with a little poly-juice sprinkled into the mix for good measure, Pocono Raceway has indeed concocted the perfect potion for every race fan in the area.

So, fans and fellow wizards at heart, wands at the ready, it's time to aspirate over to Pocono Raceway for a truly magical weekend of fun and philanthropy. 

For more information or to order race tickets to partake in the magic, visit www.poconoraceway.com or call 1-800-RACEWAY.