I didn't plan on doing another article on a NASCAR based theme, but at the time of this writing, Jan. 26, the sport has lost one of its pioneers.
Today we lost Dr. Joe Mattioli, the founder and owner of Pocono Raceway. You would be hard pressed to find a better man than Doc. Always the grand host, for over 40 years, he lived to ensure guests had a pleasurable experience at his track. From fans, to drivers, to owners, and media members; he made sure all were comfortable and cared for.
Doc served in WWII as a naval medic in the South Pacific Theatre. Afterwards, he went to Temple University and received his doctorate in dentistry. He opened his practice in Philidelphia and kept his office open from 7 a.m. till 11 p.m., 7 days a week. Due to that, and saving his money, as well as good investments, he became a millionaire by the age of 35.
His wife of 63 years, Rose, was a podiatrist. It was an ongoing joke in the early years that people called them "the hoof and mouth" family.
Doc and some other investors built Pocono Raceway in 1967. He eventually bought out his partners before the track was completed and became sole owner. It was a difficult start. The very first event became rained out and the second saw the death of a driver. This did not deter Doc. He pressed on and it is now one of the nations finest racing facilities.
Pocono has been host to many racing events including USAC and IRL races. NASCAR began their run at the track in 1974. And later when Bill France Sr asked Doc to take a second race at the track, Doc didn't want it. But he eventually gave in, and there has been two races in Pocono every year since.
Since those early days, there has been a great bond between the Mattioli family and the France family of NASCAR. Pocono is the only track on the circuit that's still family owned and operated. It's unique 2.5 mile triangular shape makes it one of a kind.
Many including Speedway Motorsports, Inc owner Bruton Smith have tried to buy the track but Doc would never budge. He eventually set the track up in a trust to ensure that it could never be sold and would stay in the family. He was quoted as saying about his children and grandchildren, "They'll either run the SOB or they'll starve".
Last year Doc finally decided to retire at the age of 85, handing over the reins to his grandson. He had been in declining health for several years.
The legacy of Dr. Joe Mattioli can be quite lenghy. He touched millions of people in his 86 years, and will always be remembered for his great baritone voice and his vice-like handshake. He was always humble and never forgot the fans that he served. He will be greatly missed. Through it all, he did things his own way and was rewarded for it more often than not.
Rest well Doc.
Until next week, safe travels.
Today we lost Dr. Joe Mattioli, the founder and owner of Pocono Raceway. You would be hard pressed to find a better man than Doc. Always the grand host, for over 40 years, he lived to ensure guests had a pleasurable experience at his track. From fans, to drivers, to owners, and media members; he made sure all were comfortable and cared for.
Doc served in WWII as a naval medic in the South Pacific Theatre. Afterwards, he went to Temple University and received his doctorate in dentistry. He opened his practice in Philidelphia and kept his office open from 7 a.m. till 11 p.m., 7 days a week. Due to that, and saving his money, as well as good investments, he became a millionaire by the age of 35.
His wife of 63 years, Rose, was a podiatrist. It was an ongoing joke in the early years that people called them "the hoof and mouth" family.
Doc and some other investors built Pocono Raceway in 1967. He eventually bought out his partners before the track was completed and became sole owner. It was a difficult start. The very first event became rained out and the second saw the death of a driver. This did not deter Doc. He pressed on and it is now one of the nations finest racing facilities.
Pocono has been host to many racing events including USAC and IRL races. NASCAR began their run at the track in 1974. And later when Bill France Sr asked Doc to take a second race at the track, Doc didn't want it. But he eventually gave in, and there has been two races in Pocono every year since.
Since those early days, there has been a great bond between the Mattioli family and the France family of NASCAR. Pocono is the only track on the circuit that's still family owned and operated. It's unique 2.5 mile triangular shape makes it one of a kind.
Many including Speedway Motorsports, Inc owner Bruton Smith have tried to buy the track but Doc would never budge. He eventually set the track up in a trust to ensure that it could never be sold and would stay in the family. He was quoted as saying about his children and grandchildren, "They'll either run the SOB or they'll starve".
Last year Doc finally decided to retire at the age of 85, handing over the reins to his grandson. He had been in declining health for several years.
The legacy of Dr. Joe Mattioli can be quite lenghy. He touched millions of people in his 86 years, and will always be remembered for his great baritone voice and his vice-like handshake. He was always humble and never forgot the fans that he served. He will be greatly missed. Through it all, he did things his own way and was rewarded for it more often than not.
Rest well Doc.
Until next week, safe travels.
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