Fan Spotlight Featuring Matt

We have long said we have the best fans in motorsports at Pocono Raceway and we will occasionally utilize this space to share their stories in our Fan Spotlight.

NAME: Matt
HOMETOWN: West Milford, N.J.
FAMILY, KIDS & PETS: Mother (Karen) and father (Greg)
FAVORITE DRIVER: Jimmie Johnson
FUNNIEST TRACK STORY: The first time we brought my uncle to the racetrack. We stayed the weekend in the infield. He loved all the parties and fun everyone was having. He had so much fun Friday and Saturday night that he slept through the first half of the race in the grandstands on Sunday.
MOST MEMORABLE TRACK STORY: Probably the first time my family and I stayed in the infield. It was a totally new experience, being able to watch practice, and qualifying. It puts another perspective for the average race fan. What was even better was the fact that Jimmie Johnson dominated the race, and won. It was the icing on the cake to a perfect weekend.
HOW MANY RACES HAVE YOU BEEN TO: I’ve been to 30 races (that I can remember). Daytona(1), Martinsville (2), Texas (2), Richmond (2), Talladega(2), Charlotte (1), Dover (2), New Hampshire(2), Watkins Glen (1), Darlington (1), Homestead-Miami(1)…and Pocono Raceway 16 times.
FAVORITE PART OF POCONO RACEWAY: My favorite part of Pocono Raceway is just how unique it is compared to the other tracks. It’s the only track on the circuit that has three corners. Also, that it’s only 90 minutes from my house. I definitely consider Pocono Raceway to be my home track.
WHEN/HOW/WHY DID YOU GET INTERESTED IN RACING: When? I’ve been a racing fan as long as I can remember. I’ve always had a love for Supercross, and of course NASCAR. Although I didn’t watch a full NASCAR race until 2005 and didn’t attend my first NASCAR race until 2008. At Pocono Raceway of course. How? Growing up in the 90’s whether you were a racing fan you knew who Jeff Gordon was, but it was my uncle who got me hooked on the sport. My uncle who was part of the #10 of Ricky Rudd during the mid-90’s. He’d always bring me little diecasts and merchandise, and before I knew it I was hooked. Why? Why not? It’s one of the most exciting sports to watch whether it’s live or on TV. I’ll admit that if it wasn’t for my uncle, I probably wouldn’t be as into it as I am now. I can proudly say that I am and will forever be a fan for life.
ADVICE FOR POCONO RACEWAY FANS: Just enjoy yourselves. There is plenty to see, and plenty to do. Spend the weekend if you can, rather than coming up for the day. Buy pit passes  and rent a scanner if you can. I promise, it’ll make your experience that much better. Also, the track is in the Pocono Mountains so there is plenty to do outside of the track. Just enjoy yourself. I promise you’ll have a good time
FIRST JOB/FIRST CAR: My first job was a paperboy in my neighborhood. I made $2.10 every other week. That money paid for all my lunches through middle school. My first car was a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee. That baby took me everywhere. Unfortunately I lost her in a crash in 2014, but “Jessica” is still my favorite car to this day.
WHAT DRIVER WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET AND WHY: My favorite driver Jimmie Johnson of course. He’s just a class act. The guy is a great driver, a great role model and is super close to winning his eighth Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Championship. Even when he’s having a bad day, he makes the best of it.