TUNKHANNOCK TOWNSHIP - Highway signs designating a portion of Long Pond Road as Dr. Joseph Mattioli and Dr. Rose Mattioli Drive were unveiled Tuesday.   

Sen. James Rhoades (R-29), and Rep. Mario M. Scavello (R-Monroe) are sponsors of Act 28, dedicating a section of Long Pond Road in Tunkhannock Township, Monroe County as Dr. Joseph Mattioli and Dr. Rose Mattioli Drive to honor the Mattiolis, who founded Pocono Raceway, which hosts two NASCAR races each season.

“The economic impact on our area that Pocono Raceway has on NASCAR weekends cannot be underestimated,” said Rhoades. “During race weekend, not only in Monroe County, but in many counties in the region and across the state, about a quarter million people visit the area. Hotel rooms are sold out from Allentown to Scranton, to the Pennsylvania border. Restaurants and local businesses are overflowing with activity, all because of an idea the Mattiolis had, and that accomplishment deserves this recognition today.”

“Over 40 years ago, the Mattioli family had a dream of converting a 1,000-acre spinach field into a 500-mile Indy Car race track that now hosts two NASCAR events each season,” said Scavello. “I would also like to commend the Mattioli family for its generosity to our community, with significant donations to the United Way, Red Cross, Pocono Medical Center, East Stroudsburg University, Kettle Creek and many other projects.