Solar-Powered Pocono Raceway Set to Host the Pocono INDYCAR 400 for the First Time in 24 Years

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 3, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The top racers will line up this Sunday, July 7, as IndyCar makes its return to the solar-powered Pocono Raceway.

The 400-mile event at the renewable energy raceway will be the first open-wheel event at the 2.5-mile, triangular-shaped track since 1989.

"In 2010, Pocono Raceway became host to the first sporting event completely powered by renewable energy," Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary C. Alan Walker said.

"The trailblazing green initiatives started at this raceway three years ago have proven to be a beneficial economic investment, saving money for the local community and further solidifying Pennsylvania as a national energy leader," Walker said.

The Pocono Raceway is the world's largest solar-powered sports facility. The Raceway developed a 25-acre, three megawatt solar farm that provides the energy needs of the Raceway as well as adding electricity to the local power grid. As of April, Pocono Raceway's solar farm has produced 10.2 million kilowatt hours, a number that is climbing by the second.

The carbon offset created from the system is equivalent to the emissions of 106,000 propane barbecue grills. The current system of panels is projected to last another 25 to 30 years before needing to be replaced.

"Pennsylvania's famed Pocono Raceway will once again play host to a major IndyCar event that is expected to draw thousands of spectators to the region," Walker said. "Beyond the excitement of competition itself, hosting the race will undoubtedly deliver a significant economic boost to the Pocono Mountains."

In business for more than 50 years, the Pocono Raceway is family-owned and situated in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Located within 300 miles of one-third of the U.S. population and within 90 miles of New York City and Philadelphia, this attraction draws massive attendance annually.

The Pocono Raceway has an annual estimated economic impact of more than $400 million to all of eastern Pennsylvania with more than 100,000 fans in attendance at each annual race.

Pocono Raceway's triangular design, known as "The Tricky Triangle," makes it truly unique. Pocono is the America's only professional race circuit with three turns, three different radii and three variant degrees of banking.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.poconoraceway.com or call 1-800-RACEWAY.

For more information about the Pocono Mountains and what to do while visiting the region, please visit www.visitpa.com/pocono-mountains.

Media contact: Lyndsay Frank, DCED; 717-783-1132

SOURCE visitPA.com

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