Summer sounds roar from Pocono Raceway

by Steve Stallone Sports Editor

When I’m not behind a computer screen or out covering a spring sports event, this time of year I can usually be found doing some sort of landscaping work – a part-time gig that keeps me both in shape, and in the sun. Working on a mulching job in Split Rock a couple weeks ago, we were overwhelmed with an unexpected air show from above.

Practicing for the Great Pocono Raceway Airshow that upcoming weekend were none other than four members of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. We were blown away. The jets would scream across the Lake Harmony area at tree-top level, their powerful sound rumbling the ground beneath us and making it impossible to communicate with one another as they flew by.

Although the tree lines made it hard to view many parts to the show they were preparing for, we did see some great trick flying above us, and were taken in by a number of sonic booms throughout that afternoon. Although I did not attend that weekend’s airshow at Pocono, I felt like I got an amazing show - for freethat afternoon in Split Rock.

That day made me aware of a few things:

First, the incredible speed and power of fighter jets, as seen up close, is mind-blowing.

Second, Pocono Raceway is really close to Lake Harmony and Split Rock. The speed for which those jets were upon us was mere seconds.

When you are in Lake Harmony, you can also hear stock cars when they are at the Long Pond racetrack practicing, or on race days. Which brings us to the third: the Boys of Summer are coming.

Those sounds coming from Pocono Raceway were a reminder that the NASCAR racing weekend at Pocono is fast approaching. The 2.5mile superspeedway will be host to the Pocono 400 Race Weekend July 21-23.

Action begins Friday, July 21 with the ARCA Menards Series race. On Saturday, it’s the CRC Brakleen 150 Craftsman Truck Series race, followed by the Pocono 225 Xfinity Series race. The weekend reaches a